Accepting Applications!

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 cohorts.

94%
Effectively met Virginia's Uniform Performance Standards for Teachers
91%
Employer Satisfaction Rate
89%
Hire Rate

Old Dominion University has offered the Career Switcher Program on behalf of the Virginia Department of Education since 2000.

Varied program formats allow for extremely accelerated training while accommodating participants who wish to remain employed in their current jobs while pursuing licensure.

Candidates are placed in school classrooms where they observe instruction and are given the opportunity to make contacts in school districts while gaining knowledge about teacher responsibilities and instructional strategies.

Interested in teaching?

Attend an information session to learn about requirements and opportunities available.

Pre-Admission

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree and meet other requirements.

Program Levels

Our program levels provide instruction, support and guidance through your career switch.

Certified by the VDOE

Career Switcher is certified by the Virginia Department of Education.  Tasked by the Virginia General Assembly and the Board of Education, ODU launched the state's pilot Career Switcher Program in 1999. Since then, thousands of ODU-trained career switchers have become educators.

Suffolk Schools highlights ODU Partnership

Suffolk Public Schools highlighted Career Switcher Becky Liddell and their successful partnership with ODU's program. Liddell has been hired to teach in Fall 2023.

State Announces $760K to Support Troops to Teachers

The Virginia Department of Education is allocating $760,000 to expand the commonwealth's efforts to recruit veterans and retired military personnel for second careers as teachers. Funds will support VDOE's Troops to Teachers Virginia Center.