In its fourth year, the Virginia Community College System’s Career Switcher Program continues fulfilling dreams while providing skilled teachers for the Commonwealth. The CSP is a speedy alternative to traditional Teachers’
Licensure, as it takes into account individuals’ past work history and educational experience. “Anyone with a bachelor’s degree, five years of professional work experience, and passing scores on the VCLA and Praxis II is eligible for the program,” said Jereial Fletcher, Regional Advisor for the Southwest Virginia Community College site. “The CSP is affordable, and convenient to professionals wanting a career change, allowing them to work full time while completing the 16 week course.”
The VCCS program focuses on the high demand areas of math, science, secondary foreign languages, and English as a second language, remedying teacher shortages with students who leave the program classroom ready. “The program includes quality instruction and hands on experience,” says Fletcher. “Students work in a cohort environment and are mentored by seasoned teachers, providing a supervised classroom experience and empowering teachers with the skills needed in today’s classrooms.”
Following a career of 27 years in the military, retired Naval Captain David Lardy has just completed the CSP and plans on teaching English as a second language. “I trace my teaching interest back to the closing days of my high school senior year, but after college I opted for a military career instead,” Lardy said. “When I began considering another career as a teacher, I found that in spite of a master’s degree and years of practical and varied work experiences, I was faced with the prospect of having to essentially start college all over again in order to receive a teaching “knighthood.” Had I not been made aware of the Career Switcher Program I most likely would have foregone the traditional teacher education route at this point in my life.”
Fletcher points out that a large amount of the work can be completed online and other components of the program are designed for students to work around a busy schedule. A fact Susan Lester attributes to her success in the program. “I highly recommend the program,” Lester says. “It’s possible to complete the program while working full time, raising two small children, and being very active in church.” Lester, who after completing the CSP is now endorsed to teach math or science, points out the program isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. “Anyone who has the desire to become a teacher and can dedicate the time to the intensive curriculum will be happy with the results.”
Fletcher says anyone considering the CSP and concerned about their qualifications will find the program’s intake process informative. “Pre-Level One” will assess where the individual is and what they might need to qualify for the VCCS Career Switcher program.
Career professionals interested in the Virginia Community College System’s Career Switcher program should contact Jereial Fletcher at Southwest Virginia Community College 276.964.7224, or for more information visit the VCCS Career Switcher Website at http://www.vccs.edu/workforce/switchers/program.htm .