Career Switcher Program

Are you a career professional looking for a rewarding and inspiring career change?  Be a Career Switcher and come join our team!

The Virginia Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program works with career professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in education.  Interested individuals must apply for admission into a certified program and meet the prerequisite requirements.  (Individuals may become provisionally licensed to teach without completing a certified career switcher program.  For more details, see Become a Teacher, or contact Wendy Philpott, Licensure Specialist at wendy.philpott@henry.k12.va.us or 276-634-4707.)

Certified Program Providers in Virginia

Old Dominion University
Regent University
Shenandoah University
Virginia Commonwealth University (Pathways to Teaching)
Virginia Community College System (Educate Virginia)

Prerequisite Requirements for provisional licensure through a certified Career Switcher Program:

• Complete the application process to one of the certified programs listed above;
• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
• The completion of requirements for an endorsement in a teaching area or the equivalent through verifiable experience or academic study;
• At least three years of full-time work experience or its equivalent;
• Virginia qualifying scores on the professional teacher's assessment prescribed by the Board of Education.  

Visit the Virginia Department of Education Career Switcher Program for details on certified programs, contact information, and prerequisite requirements.