Building Stronger Schools: How West Virginia School Leaders Can Champion Their Teachers

When teachers feel respected and encouraged, they are more creative, resilient, and dedicated to student success. However, creating this kind of environment doesn’t happen automatically — it requires thoughtful leadership. West Virginia school leaders play an important role in ensuring that the state’s 18,000+ teachers receive the support, training, and recognition they need to thrive. Here are 3 key strategies any school or district leader can use to help champion and uplift educators across The Mountain State:

1. Prioritize Teacher Well-Being

Teaching is an incredibly rewarding yet demanding profession, and teacher burnout is a growing concern. To create sustainable, supportive work environments where educators feel truly valued, school leaders must make teacher well-being a top priority. 

While West Virginia already offers comprehensive benefits to its state employees including health insurance, retirement plans, and financial incentives, more can be done at the school level to ensure that teachers feel supported on a daily basis. Expanding access to mental health resources such as counseling services and stress-management workshops can be a useful step to take. Additionally, giving teachers greater autonomy in lesson planning and instructional decision-making helps reduce stress and avoid potential micromanagement while encouraging professional ownership. 

Recognition also plays a vital role in building morale. Performance-based incentives, awards, and appreciation events acknowledge and reinforce educators’ value and contributions. Just as importantly, creating a collaborative school culture where teachers feel heard, respected, and included in decision-making strengthens community and boosts overall job satisfaction. 

2. Support the Path to Full Certification

Most of West Virginia’s K–12 teachers hold a standard teaching certificate. However, nearly 1,500 educators — almost 8% — were working under provisional credentials during the 2022–23 school year, according to state data. These teachers often face additional challenges as they work toward full certification, and targeted support can make a meaningful difference in both their confidence and retention. 

School leaders can play a critical role by offering clear guidance and accessible resources. Larger districts may establish dedicated credentialing support teams, while smaller schools might assign an experienced educator or administrator to serve as a go-to resource. Regardless of school size, the goal is the same: make sure teachers know where to turn for help and feel supported throughout the process. 

Providing financial assistance can also remove barriers and make the journey to full certification easier for teachers. Tuition support for educator preparation programs — particularly when paired with a service-year commitment — can encourage teachers to stay and grow within the school system. In partnership with institutions like Moreland University, schools can offer flexible, fast-tracked certification options. For instance, West Virginia teachers can earn a professional credential in as little as 9 months through Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, with discounted tuition available for cohorts of 30 or more. 

3. Elevate Professional Growth Through Targeted Development

Professional development (PD) should be more than a checkbox — it should be an opportunity for teachers to grow, lead, and thrive. When PD is aligned with educators’ real-world challenges and long-term goals, it boosts both instructional quality and job satisfaction. 

In West Virginia, evolving classroom needs make meaningful PD even more critical. One example is that state’s 26% increase in English Language Learners over the past decade, which highlights the need for specialized training in language acquisition and culturally responsive teaching. 

One meaningful way to support growth is by offering financial incentives for master’s degree programs. Educators who pursue advanced degrees not only deepen their expertise but also increase their earning potential. Moreland’s fully online M.Ed. program offers six specializations in important, high-demand areas — including Teaching Multilingual Learners — and can be completed in as little as 12 months, making it both flexible and accessible for teachers who are already working full-time. 

Moreland University Supports West Virginia Schools and Teachers

West Virginia’s education system depends on strong, well-supported teachers. With a reported 1,500 unfilled teaching positions and hundreds more expected annually, ensuring educators are properly prepared, continuously developing their skills, and supporting them in their roles is essential for the future of education in the state. 

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