West Virginia Teachers: Advance your Provisional Credentials to a Professional Certification 

West Virginia has 18,670 K-12 teachers. While most of these educators hold a standard state teaching certificate, recent data shows that 1,492 teachers — nearly 8% of the state’s classroom leaders — worked using provisional credentials during the 2022–23 school year. 

If you’re currently teaching in West Virginia using a provisional certificate, it’s important to know how to earn your professional teaching certification. Continue reading to learn more about how to advance your teaching credentials for long-term success and be sure to check out our West Virginia teacher toolkit to find more helpful resources. Moreland University is proud to support educators at any stage of their teaching journey in the Mountain State.

West Virginia Educator Preparation Program  

Completing an educator preparation program (EPP) is an important step toward advancing your career as a teacher in West Virginia. Moving up to a professional teaching certificate from an alternative or provisional teaching certificate shows that you are dedicated to the profession and to helping your students achieve the best possible learning outcomes. To become a fully certified teacher in the Mountain State, you must successfully complete both an EPP and an induction program. 

EPPs are designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective teachers. The West Virginia Department of Education provides a list of state-approved EPPs like Moreland. Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing the EPP that’s right for you: 

• Is an in-person or online program best for your learning style? 
• How quickly do you want to earn your certification? Some programs take several years while others — like Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program — can be completed in as little as 9 months. 
• How much is tuition? Tuition costs are often offset by the salary increase you can receive from upleveling to full certification, though some programs are generally more affordable than others. 
• How is the student teaching experience set up? If you’re already working in a school, can you do your student teaching in your current classroom? Will you have a supportive mentor to guide you through the process?

If you’re wondering where to start on your EPP search, our guide to teacher certification in West Virginia includes useful information about certification requirements and pathways, while our right-fit EPP guide outlines practical considerations to help you choose an EPP that best fits your life and goals. WVDE also provides comprehensive information about teacher certification on its website. 

West Virginia Educator Proficiency Assessments

Another big step toward earning your professional teaching certification in West Virginia is to pass the required Praxis exams, which vary by grade level and subject area. All aspiring teachers must pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam as well as the Praxis content exams relevant to their area of study. You can find more detailed information in the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory (December 2024).  

Exams are an important factor to consider when choosing your EPP. Look into whether the program provides study materials, practice tests, tutoring, or other forms of support to help you succeed. Strong support in this area can make a significant difference in your ability to pass required exams and move forward in your teaching career. 

Why Teach in West Virginia  

West Virginia is home to nearly 20,000 K-12 teachers who educate more than 241,000 students every year. With plenty of job opportunities, the state is a great home for aspiring educators — there were approximately 1,500 positions available for certified teachers as of the 2023-2024 academic year, particularly in high-need subject areas! 

In West Virginia, teachers play a major role in shaping students’ lives and futures, leaving a lasting legacy that can span generations. The state’s close-knit communities and nurturing school environments create a fulfilling and supportive atmosphere where educators can truly thrive. 

The average teacher salary in West Virginia is $52,870, according to the National Education Association. With a lower cost of living than many other states, pursuing a career in West Virginia allows teachers to enjoy a fulfilling career while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. It’s also important to remember that the school year is about 10 months long, with teachers receiving generous time off during the summer and multiple breaks throughout the year.

Complete Your TEACH-NOW Certification Program in 9 Months 

 West Virginia teachers can earn their professional teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.  

Fully accredited as a state-approved EPP in West Virginia, TEACH-NOW is designed to help working adults become certified teachers in a 100% online format with live Zoom classes once a week. 

You’ll learn with a small cohort of educators from around the world, giving you diverse perspectives and experiences to learn from and positively informing your teaching practice. You can also complete your student teaching in your current classroom, making it even easier to fulfill the clinical learning required in West Virginia. 

You can complete your free application in about 15 minutes — most applicants hear back within 2 business days. That’s how quickly you can start upleveling your teaching career.