How to Get Your West Virginia Teacher Certification
Becoming a certified teacher in West Virginia is an exciting journey that offers the opportunity to shape young minds and make a lasting impact on your community. Like many other states, West Virginia offers both traditional and alternative pathways to achieve teacher certification.
While traditional routes typically require a bachelor’s degree in education, this guide will focus on an alternative path to certification, designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in another field who want to transition into the teaching profession.
West Virginia Department of Education
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) oversees teacher certification and provides essential resources for aspiring and current educators. The department offers comprehensive information about certification requirements, licensure pathways, and employment opportunities in the state.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is a recognized alternative pathway to certification, offering a 100% online, practical, and flexible approach that prepares educators in as little as 9 months.
How to Become a Certified Teacher in West Virginia
According to the West Virginia Department of Education, there are two main pathways to obtaining teaching certification in the state:
The Traditional Pathway
This route is for individuals who have earned or plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited university or college. There just a few additional requirements to earn a teaching certification:
- Completing the required student teaching experience.
- Passing the required certification exams (e.g., Praxis Core, subject-specific Praxis exams).
- Clearing a state and federal background check.
- Submitting all required application materials to the West Virginia Department of Education.
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The Alternative Pathway
If your bachelor’s is not in education, West Virginia also offers an alternative certification route to address teacher shortages in critical need areas. This option allows candidates to teach while completing their certification requirements. The key requirements include:
- Being hired by a school district participating in an alternative certification program.
- Completing a state-approved Educator Preparation Program while teaching, such as Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.
- Clearing a state and federal background check.
- Submitting all required application materials to the West Virginia Department of Education.
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Benefits of Earning Your West Virginia Teaching Certification
Generous Benefits
West Virginia offers comprehensive benefits to its educators, including health insurance, retirement plans, and additional financial and wellness benefits, which highlight the state’s commitment to educators.
High Demand for Teachers
West Virginia offers abundant opportunities for aspiring educators, with approximately 1,500 certified teacher positions available as of the 2023-2024 academic year, particularly in high-need subject areas.
Professional Growth
The West Virginia Department of Education offers various programs to support educators’ professional growth, such as state tuition reimbursement for additional endorsements and the National Board Certification process.
Supportive Community
The state’s educational system is known for its “small town” atmosphere, allowing for more personalized instruction and stronger relationships between teachers and students.
Types of West Virginia Teacher Certifications
West Virginia offers multiple certification pathways to enable aspiring educators to enter the profession at different stages while ensuring high-quality teaching standards. Here are the four main types of teacher certifications in West Virginia:
Alternative Teaching Certificate
Candidates must be enrolled in an EPP. The certificate is valid for three years and is non-renewable.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area
- Acceptance into an approved alternative certification program
- Employment with a West Virginia school in a high-need area
- Completion of teaching coursework while employed
- Must pass state-required teacher certification exams
Provisional Teaching Certificate
Candidates must have completed an EPP. This certificate is valid for three years. Candidates must complete an induction program to renew as a Professional Teaching Certificate.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of an approved teacher preparation program
- Passing scores on state-required exams (e.g., Praxis Core & Praxis subject assessments)
- Background check and fingerprinting
- Completion of student teaching or internship
- Must complete an induction program to renew as a Professional Teaching Certificate
Professional Teaching Certificate
Candidates must have at least two years of teaching experience with at least one year teaching in WV. Additionally, the applicant must complete the state’s beginner educator internship program.
Requirements:
- Successful completion of an initial three-year teaching period
- Completion of a beginning teacher induction program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in certification coursework
- Verification of professional development and continuing education
Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate
Candidates who have renewed a Professional Teaching Certificate twice may apply. No renewal required.
Requirements:
- Minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience
- Valid Professional Teaching Certificate at the time of application
- Completion of a master’s degree OR an additional 30 graduate credit hours
- Continuing professional development may be required in some cases
In addition to these certifications, West Virginia offers three types of substitute teaching permits: Restricted Short-Term Substitute Permit (Valid for 1 Year, Renewable), Short-Term Substitute Permit (Valid for 1 Year, Renewable), and Long-Term Substitute Permit (Valid for 1 Year, Renewable).
For more information, visit the WVDE website.
West Virginia Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
West Virginia teachers must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and meet the following requirements:
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Fulfill a student teaching internship for hands-on experience
- Pass all required West Virginia educator assessments, including Praxis exams
- Clear a state and federal background check
- Submit all required application materials to the West Virginia Department of Education
Testing Requirements
Teachers in West Virginia must pass specific exams to meet basic certification requirements, which vary by grade level and subject area. The required assessments include:
Pre-Professional Skills Requirement
Demonstrated through an approved assessment or exemption.
Professional Knowledge Test
All prospective teachers must pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for grade levels they intend to teach.
Subject Area Exams
Candidates are required to pass Praxis Subject Assessments relevant to their intended teaching areas.
In West Virginia, individuals may be exempt from certain testing requirements based on coursework, prior licensure, or intended teaching areas. For detailed information on testing exemptions and requirements, visit the WVDE website.
Education & Degree Requirements
Teachers in West Virginia must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. university or college. If you have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education, you can become a teacher by completing an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
West Virginia Licensing Application Process
Once you’ve completed the requirements for teacher certification in West Virginia, you can apply online through the West Virginia Department of Education’s certification portal. The application process involves submitting necessary documents, such as official transcripts, proof of passing exam scores, and payment of the application fee. Detailed instructions and application forms are available on the WVDE’s Certification Information page.
West Virginia Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
The West Virginia Department of Education provides a list of approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) in West Virginia.
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is an excellent choice for aspiring West Virginia teachers. Fully accredited and 100% online, TEACH-NOW offers practical, project-based learning and student teaching with experienced mentors to guide you every step of the way.
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in West Virginia provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Mountain State.
FAQs
Still have questions about becoming a certified teacher in West Virginia? We have answers for you.
How do I become a teacher in West Virginia?
To become a certified teacher in West Virginia, you must have a bachelor’s degree; complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP); pass the state-required exams; and submit an application for certification along with necessary documents like transcripts as well as an application fee.
All teachers in West Virginia must also pass a background check.
More information can be found on the West Virginia Department of Education website.
Do I need a teaching certification to teach in West Virginia?
Yes, a teaching certification is required to work in public schools in West Virginia. However, the state offers alternative pathways that allow individuals to teach while completing licensure requirements. Details about licensure can be found on the West Virginia Department of Education website.
What are the requirements for West Virginia teacher certification?
Obtaining West Virginia teacher certification depends on several factors, like the grades and subject areas you want to teach.
Generally, West Virginia teachers must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete an approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Pass the required licensure exams, including a Praxis test
- Pass a background check
For detailed information about the requirements to earn teacher certification in West Virginia, please visit the West Virginia Department of Education website.
What are the steps to get a teaching certification in West Virginia?
To earn West Virginia teaching certification, you will have to:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Complete a state-approved Educator Preparation Program (EPP), such as TEACH-NOW
- Pass the state-required licensure exams as well as a background check
- Apply for certification by submitting your application to the West Virginia Department of Education.
Please note that additional steps may be required depending on the pathway and subject area you are pursuing. For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Education’s Certification Information page.
How do I maintain my West Virginia teaching certification?
Professional Teaching Certificates must be renewed every five years.
To maintain a Professional Teaching Certificate in West Virginia, educators are generally required to complete six semester hours of appropriate college or university coursework. This coursework must be completed before the renewal deadline.
However, educators who have a minimum of an MA+30 salary classification or are sixty years of age or older are exempt from the additional coursework requirement for renewal.
Additionally, a recommendation from the current superintendent is required for renewal.
For the most current information on renewal requirements and procedures, please visit the West Virginia Department of Education’s Certification Information page.
How long does it take to become a certified teacher in West Virginia?
The timeline for teacher certification depends on your educational background and whether you are pursuing a traditional or alternative pathway. For candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in just 9 months.
How much do West Virginia teachers make?
Several factors go into determining a teacher’s salary in West Virginia, including experience, education, grade level, and subject area.
A teacher’s average starting salary in West Virginia is approximately $40,339 while the average WV teacher’s salary is $52,870, according to the National Education Association (NEA). It is important to remember that these salaries usually reflect 9-10 months of work since most teachers receive time off around holidays and during the summer. Cost of living can also be a significant factor when setting a teacher’s salary.
Teachers with additional certifications and advanced degrees, like a master’s in education (M.Ed.), can often earn higher salaries, too. For more information, read our blog Teacher Salaries in West Virginia: An Overview.
How much money can I make starting out as a West Virginia teacher?
The average teacher starting salary in West Virginia is approximately $40,339, according to the National Education Association (NEA).
Several factors are considered when determining starting salaries for West Virginia teachers, including experience, education level, grade level, and subject area. Cost of living is also factored into salary, so salaries that may seem lower than average can often be comparable in terms of practical take-home pay when this is considered.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in West Virginia?
The West Virginia Department of Education’s Certification Information page provides a variety of resources for current and future educators, including information about how to become a teacher in the state.
You can also contact Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246 with any questions about West Virginia teacher certification or our educator preparation program, which can take as little as 9 months to complete!