As springtime approaches with its promise of new beginnings, many people consider new directions. If a job change is a new direction you would like to explore, check out the Virginia Community College System Career Switcher Program, offered through PDCCC’s Division of Workforce Development.

This fast-track program provides professionals with bachelor’s degrees an opportunity to become teachers in critically needed subject areas.

Career Switcher Program

An alternative path to teacher licensure, the Career Switcher Program through the Virginia Community College System, is designed to attract individuals from various occupational and life experiences to become classroom teachers, thereby increasing the quality and diversity of applicants to the profession.

The Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program in Virginia was created in response to critical teacher shortages, particularly in math and science, and as a way to attract individuals who have considerable life experiences, career achievements and academic backgrounds suited to the teaching profession.

For information on requirements for participation, call Betsy Brantley, Career Switcher Advisor, at 569-6709.

A Slice of Poetry

On Wednesday, Paul D. Camp Community College will host “A Slice of Poetry” by author and poet Nathan Richardson at both campus locations. In honor of Black History Month, he will conduct two readings — one in the library on the Franklin Campus, beginning at noon and one in Room 124 at the Hobbs Suffolk Campus at 6 pm.

A Suffolk native, Richardson is the author of two collections of poetry titled “The Likeness of Being,” and the more recently released “You are the Subject.” According to the Web site of Spiritual Concepts Publishing, of which he is founder, the first release earned the poet the 2006 Literary Award from the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association during the 23rd Annual Hampton Roads AFRAM Festival.

Richardson has received nominations for the Alli Award from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, and the 2005 Book of the Year from the National Underground Spoken Word/Poetry Awards.

A veteran of the Army and the Virginia Army National Guard, he is also affiliated with the Juneteenth Festival of Virginia, Young Audiences of Virginia, SEVAA, The Poetry Society of Virginia, the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, and The Suffolk Arts League.

Richardson is noted for the diversity of his themes.

Both events are open to the public. For more details, call Nancy Warren at 569-6748, or Trina Jones at 569-6720.

For information on other options available at PDCCC, call 569-6700, or visit www.pdc.edu.