52 year old makes career switch to middle school teacher
2008 was a banner year for David Weaver, SCS ‘07. He finished his first year as an 8th grade Civics and Economics teacher at Chickahominy Middle School and was named Hanover County’s Beginning Teacher of the Year. But he wasn’t your typical first year teacher. After all, David was almost 52 and a 25-year veteran of the architectural design industry. But he was, and still is, a part of a growing trend in the Richmond area: professionals returning to school to become teachers.
The Teacher Licensure Preparation program at the School of Continuing Studies has prepared hundreds of adults to transition from established careers into the field of education and meets the high demand for teachers in our region. David earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with a concentration in secondary education. Individuals who already have a bachelor's degree earn a Graduate Certificate in Teacher Licensure Preparation (TLP).
Weaver started his bachelor’s degree at JMU many years ago, but school wasn’t a priority at that point in his life. As he progressed in his professional career, he realized he needed a degree. He took classes here and there over the next several years but always found a reason not to complete his degree. When he and his wife, Terri, moved to Richmond about five years ago, things changed.
“Our kids were out of college and on their own,” said Weaver. “I finally ran out of excuses.”
Weaver credits his wife and children for his pursuit of teaching.
“My wife’s been telling me for 30 years I would make a good teacher, and I finally listened to her,” said Weaver. “My children have also been an inspiration. Through them, I understand the importance of a positive school experience, and I would like to provide the same positive experience to other kids.”
As a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in education, Weaver regards his educational experience at SCS as well rounded, stimulating and engaging.
“The program at SCS allowed me to articulate ideas and principles that I have held for a long time but never had a forum to voice,” said Weaver. “The instructors introduced me to areas of literature, history, and the arts that truly expanded my world view.”
Weaver was also very impressed with the quality of instruction in the TLP program.
“Every instructor in the program brought years of real-world experience into the classroom,” he said. “And they shared their experiences honestly and generously.”
Weaver is extremely honored to be named Hanover County’s Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2008. He also feels incredibly lucky to be working for such a supportive school system.
“I feel very fortunate to have landed where I did, surrounded by supportive administrators, seasoned professional educators, and dedicated staff,” Weaver noted.