Switching careers can be a daunting but ultimately rewarding decision, especially when transitioning into a profession as impactful as teaching. In Virginia, career switcher programs offer a pathway for professionals from other fields to enter education. Old Dominion University (ODU) is a prominent institution in Virginia, and many prospective teachers consider their career switcher program. If you’re exploring options like the ODU career switcher program, you’re likely seeking reviews and comprehensive information to determine if it’s the ideal route for you. This article delves into the common structure of Virginia career switcher programs, including those potentially offered at ODU, and presents an alternative path to becoming a teacher, helping you make a well-informed decision about your career transition.
Career switcher programs in Virginia are designed to expedite the process of becoming a licensed teacher for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and have significant work experience. These programs generally condense the traditional teacher education coursework and often incorporate a practical student teaching component. One well-known Virginia career switcher program, EducateVA, exemplifies this structure. EducateVA, and programs similar to it, typically divide the program into parts. Part I often includes coursework and a student teaching practicum. Part II focuses on securing full-time teaching employment under a provisional license while completing a few remaining courses. Upon successful completion of a year under a provisional license and endorsement from the school division, teachers can obtain a 5-year renewable license.
However, it’s essential to understand that career switcher programs aren’t the only route to teaching in Virginia. An alternative, often referred to as the “experiential learning route,” offers a potentially faster and more cost-effective way to enter the classroom. This route bypasses the formal program structure and allows eligible candidates to seek teaching positions directly.
Here’s a breakdown of the experiential learning route to teaching in Virginia:
- Eligibility: Meet the basic eligibility criteria for career switchers, typically including a bachelor’s degree and a minimum number of years of professional work experience (often five years).
- Testing: Pass the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis II exam in your intended content area. These tests demonstrate fundamental skills and subject matter expertise.
- Application: Apply for teaching positions in Virginia school divisions, indicating your eligibility for a provisional license. Highlight your relevant skills and experience from your previous career.
- Hiring & Provisional License: If hired, the school district will assist you in applying for a provisional license. This license allows you to teach full-time while completing the remaining licensure requirements.
- Full Licensure Requirements: Within three years of holding a provisional license, you must complete the requirements for a full 5-year renewable license. This generally involves taking college coursework in your endorsement area and education-related courses (around 15-18 credit hours).
- District Recommendation: Perform successfully in your teaching role to earn the school district’s recommendation for your full 5-year license.
To clarify the key distinctions, let’s compare the experiential learning route with the career switcher program route:
| Feature | Experiential Learning Route | Career Switcher Program Route |
|---|---|---|
| Job Search Timing | Job search begins immediately | Job search typically starts after program completion (6+ months) |
| Tuition Fees | Avoids program tuition fees | Incurs program tuition fees |
| Program Time | No dedicated program time; coursework done while teaching | Requires dedicated time for program classes and student teaching |
| Student Teaching | No formal student teaching component (may need to gain experience through other means) | Includes a student teaching practicum |
However, the experiential route also presents certain challenges:
- Less Initial Teaching Experience: You may lack formal student teaching experience compared to career switcher program graduates. To mitigate this, consider gaining experience through tutoring, coaching, or volunteer teaching roles.
- Job Search Perceptions: Some school divisions might prefer candidates with completed programs, although practical experience and subject matter expertise can be equally valuable.
- Concurrent Coursework: You’ll need to complete required teaching courses (15-18 credits) while actively teaching, which demands effective time management.
- Endorsement Area Coursework: Depending on your chosen subject area, you might need substantial additional college coursework to meet endorsement requirements, especially if your bachelor’s degree isn’t directly related. For example, teaching high school math or physics often requires specific credit hours in those subjects.
Ultimately, the “best” route depends on your individual circumstances, subject area, and learning style. If you possess significant content knowledge in a high-demand area and are eager to start teaching quickly and potentially save on program costs, the experiential learning route can be a viable option. If you prefer a structured program with student teaching and are willing to invest the time and tuition, a career switcher program, potentially at an institution like ODU, might be more suitable.
To determine if the experiential route is feasible for you, consider taking the VCLA and Praxis exams in your desired endorsement area. Passing these exams demonstrates your readiness to teach and can strengthen your applications. Even if you initially pursue the experiential route, you can always consider a career switcher program as a backup plan.
The question remains: Does the experiential learning route actually work? Personal accounts suggest it does. Individuals with prior professional experience who are passionate about teaching have successfully transitioned into Virginia classrooms via this route, even in competitive districts. While securing a position might require persistence and demonstrating your value proposition to potential employers, the experiential learning path offers a legitimate and often overlooked alternative to traditional career switcher programs. Subbing experience, especially long-term substitute positions, can also be highly valued by school administrators when considering candidates for full-time roles, sometimes even more so than student teaching placements.
In conclusion, when considering career switcher programs like those potentially offered at ODU, it’s crucial to explore all available pathways to teaching. The experiential learning route provides a compelling alternative that can be faster and more economical. By understanding the requirements, weighing the pros and cons of each approach, and proactively gaining relevant experience, you can confidently navigate your career change into the rewarding field of education in Virginia.
For further information on the experiential learning route, consult the Virginia Department of Education’s guidelines on multiple licensure routes. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/multiple_licensure_routes.pdf
