Career Switcher Program
Interested in obtaining your Virginia Teaching license through an accelerated route?
If you currently hold a Bachelor's degree from a regionally credited university and have at least five years full time work experience or its equivalent, the Career Switcher program may be for you!
The Career Switcher Program was created by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to provide an alternative pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a teacher preparation curriculum but who have considerable life experiences, career achievements, and academic backgrounds that are relevant for teaching in grade 6 - 12. Please note: the Career Switcher Program is not an approved entry into elementary teaching, special education, or as an add-on to an existing license.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY'S CAREER SWITCHER PROGRAM by attending one of our upcoming Open House events. Click here for dates, locations and to RSVP. Our webpages are also filled with details regarding our CS program. Please choose from the topics within the modules on this page.
Why Choose Shenandoah University's Career Switcher Program?
EXPERIENCE COUNTS! Shenandoah University is in our twelfth year of offering the state-approved Career Switcher program. Some of the unique features to our program include:
- All face-to-face instruction
- Small (restricted) class sizes
- A teaching practicum field experience in Phase I
- Methods of Instruction modules in your area of endorsement
- Interview Skills Workshop to prepare Career Switchers for teaching interviews
For additional information regarding our program, please choose from the topics within the modules on this page.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
The program was very thorough and I felt was well organized……I feel that I am fully prepared and confident to teach now. -- David C.
This is a phenomenal program with phenomenal instructors. The past four months have been exciting, challenging and rewarding. Anyone who wants to teach should seriously consider the career switchers program through Shenandoah University. The program personnel have been friendly, efficient, and helpful from start to finish. -- Cheryl L.
“This program not only allowed me to become a teacher but gave me an entirely new perspective on teaching. The work, though consuming and intense, was equally rewarding. I felt honored to have been in this program which allowed me to experience the joys of teaching. I look forward to many more hours in the classroom.” -- Robin P.
Program Overview
The Career Switcher Program is an accelerated route to Virginia teaching licensure.Read More
CS Program Locations and Schedules
Our Career Switcher Program serves the Winchester, Leesburg and Fredericksburg areas. Read More
Tuition & Refund Policy
Learn more about the tuition and refund policy for the Career Switcher program. Read More






