The Career Switcher Program at VCU is an approved alternate route to teacher licensure in Virginia. Our program is designed for prospective teachers from different career and life experiences and focuses on the needs of school divisions serving marginalized and high-poverty communities. This accelerated program will move prospective teachers into the classroom within one year, with the support of experienced faculty and teacher mentors. Current teachers who are in the first year of a provisional license may enroll in Level I of the Career Switcher Program and become eligible for a full license after completion of Level II.*
Course modules and field experiences. Candidates will be eligible for a Virginia Provisional Career Switcher license after completion of Level I.
Level II
One year full-time employment, monthly seminars, and mentor support. Candidates will be eligible for a Virginia 10-year renewable license after successful completion of Level II.
All participants in the VCU Career Switcher Program matriculate through the program with a designated cohort.
Level I: Course modules and field experiences. Candidates will be eligible for a Provisional Career Switcher license after completion of Level I.
Level II: One year full-time employment, monthly seminars, and mentors. Candidates will be eligible for a 10-year renewable license after successful completion of Level II.
Option 1
10-month Level I cohort
Level I classes meet August through June and are enrolled in one class at a time.
Application deadline: July 9, 2023
Option 2
5-month Level I cohort
Level I classes meet March through July and are enrolled in two classes at a time.
All Level II seminars will be scheduled the academic year following Level I completion.