For individuals contemplating a career shift into education in Virginia, the Career Switcher Program offers an accelerated route to becoming a licensed teacher. A crucial component of this pathway is the Level I preparation, and Old Dominion University (ODU) provides a program designed to meet these rigorous requirements. But is the career switcher program teaching at ODU good? To answer this, it’s essential to understand what the Level I preparation entails and how ODU’s program addresses these needs.
The Virginia Department of Education mandates a minimum of 180 clock hours of instruction for Level I preparation, encompassing a comprehensive curriculum that equips career switchers with fundamental teaching skills. This intensive phase covers vital areas such as curriculum development and instructional strategies, including the effective integration of instructional technology. Furthermore, the program emphasizes reading instruction within subject areas, strategies for language acquisition to support diverse learners, and differentiation of instruction to cater to varied learning needs. Classroom and behavior management techniques are also a core focus, alongside instructional design principles grounded in assessment data. A foundational understanding of human growth and development is integrated, in addition to specific coursework aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. This Level I phase must be completed within a single year, and institutions like ODU offer various delivery methods, potentially including online learning options, to accommodate different schedules.
Upon successful completion of the Level I preparation at an institution like ODU, candidates become eligible for a one-year Provisional Career Switcher License. This license, valid from July 1 to June 30, marks the beginning of their teaching career in Virginia. During this provisional year, individuals are expected to actively seek and secure teaching positions within Virginia public school divisions or accredited non-public schools. Should a candidate not find employment during the initial year of their provisional license, there is an opportunity for annual extensions, up to a maximum of two additional years, upon recommendation from a prospective employing school or district. However, the Provisional Career Switcher license has a total lifespan limit of three years.
Old Dominion University’s Level I curriculum is specifically structured to provide candidates with an efficient and focused approach to acquiring the essential skills, knowledge, and professional attributes necessary for effective teaching. ODU emphasizes a fast-paced learning environment designed to quickly equip career switchers with the competencies deemed critical for success in the classroom. This intensive approach suggests that ODU’s program is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, aiming to thoroughly prepare individuals for the demands of teaching within a shorter timeframe compared to traditional education pathways. Therefore, for those seeking a robust and accelerated entry into teaching, the career switcher program teaching at ODU appears to be a strong option, aligning with Virginia’s requirements and focusing on practical, essential teaching skills.
