TITLE

Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure

HISTORY

Created in response to Senate Joint Resolution 384 and the 1999 Appropriation Act (Item 127D and 129Q). A pilot for military personnel was conducted in summer 2000. Four pilots were conducted in summer 2001 to prepare individuals in other professions to become teachers. In March 2002, six program providers were established.

MOTIVATION

Provide an alternative pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a teacher preparation curriculum but had considerable life experiences, career achievements and an academic background that was relevant for teaching in pre-K through grade 12.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

All teaching areas, except special education.

WHO OPERATES

State and program providers.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

An individual seeking an Eligibility License must meet the following requirements:

• Complete application process;
• Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution;
• Complete the requirements for an endorsement in a teaching area, or the quivalent, through verifiable experience or academic study;
• Attain Virginia qualifying scores on the professional teacher's assessment, as prescribed by the Board of Education - Praxis I (reading, writing, and mathematics) and Praxis II (subject area content); and
• Have completed at least five years of full-time work experience or its equivalent.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Level I requirements must be completed during the course of a single year and may be offered through a variety of delivery systems, including distance learning programs. If an employing agency recommends extending the Eligibility License for a second year, the candidate will enter Level III of the program.

Level I Preparation --- Intensive Level I preparation includes a minimum of 180 clock hours of instruction, including field experience. This phase includes, but is not limited to: curriculum and instruction, including technology, reading, and other specific course content relating to the Standards of Learning (SOL); differentiation of instruction; classroom/behavior management; and human growth and development.

Level II Preparation during the first year of employment ---

1. The candidate seeks employment in Virginia with the one-year Eligibility License.

2. Continued Level II preparation during the first year of employment with a minimum of five seminars that expand the intensive preparation requirements instructional categories and topics. The five seminars will include a minimum of 20 cumulative instructional hours. A variety of instructional del ivery techniques will be utilized to implement the seminars.

3. One year of successful, full-time teaching experience in an accredited public or nonpublic school under the newly created one-year Eligibility License. A trained mentor must be assigned to assist the candidate during the first year of employment. Responsibilities of the mentor include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate with the beginning teacher in the development and implementation of an ind ividualized professional development plan;
• Ob serve, assess, coach, and provide opportunities for constructive feedback, including strategies for self-reflection;
• Share resources and materials;
• Share best instructional, assessment, and organizational practices; classroom management strategies; and techniques for promoting effective communication; and
• Provide general support and direction regarding school policies and procedures.

Upon completion of Levels I and II and submission of a recommendation from the Virginia employing educational agency, the candidate will be eligible to apply for a five-year renewable license. Renewal requirements for the regular license will be subject to current regulations of the Board of Education.

Level III Preparation, if required ---

1. Post preparation, if required, will be conducted by the Virginia employing educational agency to address the areas where improvement is needed, as identified in the candidate's professional improvement plan; and
2. Upon completion of Levels I, II, and III and submission of a recommendation from the Virginia employing educational agency, the candidate will be eligible to receive a five-year renewable license.
3. Verification of program completion will be documented by the certified program provider and the school division (district) superintendent or designee.
4. Certified providers implementing a Career Switcher program may charge a fee for participation in the program.

NO. OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

Level I preparation includes a minimum of 180 clock hours of instruction, including field experience. Continued Level II preparation during the first year of employment includes a minimum of five seminars that expand the intensive preparation requirements. The five seminars must include a minimum of 20 cumulative instructional hours.

WHO EVALUATES

Program Providers and State.

LENGTH OF TIME

Level I: varies; one year in Level II.