Make the Switch: Become a Teacher Criteria

The CDE's "Make the Switch: Become a Teacher" campaign is an exciting endeavor that features mid-career professionals who have made the switch from a previous career to become a teacher. Teachers may be self-nominated or nominated by others. The video profiles will be produced by the CDE's Communications Division and highlighted on CDE's multi-media platforms. Submitting a nomination does not guarantee that a video profile will be produced.

Eligibility Criteria

Nominees must work in a California public or charter school for a minimum of 12 months.

Nomination Criteria

Candidates can be nominated or nominate themselves based on the following:

• Must be a credentialed K–12 teacher or certified Career Technical Education Teacher at a public or charter school.
• Must be actively teaching full-time in a classroom setting.
• Must have completely left a previous job or industry to become a teacher.
• Must submit an online nomination form.
• Must be comfortable speaking in front of a camera.
• Must sign a release that authorizes the use of image online, in print materials, video, and on CDE and non-CDE websites. 
• Must have district and school approval to participate.
• Nominations must be accompanied by a 150 word or less summary that includes the nominee’s previous profession and why they wanted to became a teacher.
• School must have current media release forms of students on file.
  

Nomination Form

To self-nominate or nominate someone, please complete and submit the below form to communications@cde.ca.gov.

• Make the Switch nomination form (PDF)

The CDE reserves the right to determine eligible nominations.