State Approved Programs
Traditional Programs
Institutions of higher education with traditional state-approved educator preparation programs will work with you to create an individualized plan, which is based upon your unique qualifications and educational background. These programs may lead to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or provide only the coursework required for licensure at the graduate level as part of a post-bachelor’s certification program. To access complete program details and begin a traditional pathway to licensure, please select one of the following:
Alternative Programs
What is alternative certification?
Alternative certification is an “alternate” pathway to teacher certification that is only available to fill critical need and shortage areas in West Virginia public schools. School districts with approved alternative certification programs may offer employment to eligible individuals for positions that have been posted at least twice (for a minimal ten-day period) and for which no fully certified applicant has applied. Candidates accepted into the district’s approved alternative certification program hold an Alternative Teaching Certificate and teach while completing the program of study. Upon successful completion of the program, assessment and evaluation, candidates may be recommended for a Provisional Teaching Certificate by the school district. Individuals with a Provisional Teaching Certificate work to meet conversion criteria for an initial Professional Teaching Certificate.
- View the list of State-Approved Alternative Certification Programs.
- View the Alternative Certification FAQ Document.
What are the steps for participation in an alternative certification program?
- Decide what you would like to teach
Identify the grade levels and subject areas you would like to teach. This will help you determine the alternative certification program(s) you would like to pursue. - Contact school districts with approved alternative certification programs to identify areas of critical need
Districts have their own unique programs and needs, so it is important to contact the district’s personnel officials to determine if they have area(s) of critical need and shortage and a state-approved program for the endorsement(s). - Determine if you are eligible to pursue the identified endorsement area(s) and apply for job(s)
Personnel officials at the school district can help you understand eligibility and how to apply for employment within the district. - Apply for an Alternative Teaching Certificate upon receipt of a job offer
If eligibility has been analyzed and an offer of employment is made, the district will help you complete an application for the Alternative Teaching Certificate. Individuals do not enroll into approved alternative certification programs until an Alternative Teaching Certificate is issued by the Office of Certification. - Begin the alternative certification program
The length of time required to complete the state approved AC program depends upon its program of study, your completion of WVBE required exams and other program requirements (candidates must complete the program within three years). - Complete the Alternative Certification Program
Upon completion of a state-approved alternative certification program, individuals who successfully meet all conversion requirements may apply for an initial Provisional Teaching Certificate. The Provisional Teaching Certificate has a separate conversion process (taking a minimum of two-years) that when completed, leads to an initial Professional Teaching Certificate.
Clinical Teacher of Record
Clinical Teacher of Record is an intensively supervised and mentored residency program for prospective teachers during their senior year that refines their professional practice skills and helps them gain the teaching experience needed to demonstrate competence as a prerequisite to certification to teach in the West Virginia public schools. Clinical Teacher of Record programs are provided at the undergraduate level and require the authorization of the WVBE pursuant to W. Va. Code §18A-3-1(e).
How may I begin a Clinical Teacher of Record Program?
To begin a Clinical Teacher of Record program, please review the list of state-approved programs below and contact the institution of higher education for complete details. Requirements for the Clinical Teacher of Record permit may be accessed within WVBE Policy 5100.
Who can propose a program?
An institution of higher education with a WVBE approved teacher preparation program in the state may enter into an agreement with a county board of education to establish a Clinical Teacher of Record program.
State-Approved Programs
| Institution | Counties |
|---|---|
| Fairmont State University | Doddridge, Hardy, Harrison, Kanawha, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Webster, Wetzel |
| Glenville State College | Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Kanawha, Lewis, McDowell, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Webster |
| Marshall University | Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Cabell, Doddridge, Fayette, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mason, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Ritchie, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt, Wood |
| Salem International University | Doddridge, Harrison |
| Shepherd University | Berkeley, Jefferson |
| University of Charleston | Kanawha |
| WV State University | Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mingo, Putnam , Roane |
| West Virginia University | Cabell, Doddridge, Grant, Harrison, Kanawha, Jefferson, Lincoln, McDowell, Marion, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pleasants, Preston, Putnam, Roane, Taylor, Upshur, Wood, CTR School Counselor, Harrison, Marion, Mineral, Monongalia, Preston |
| West Virginia University-Parkersburg | Doddridge, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, Wood |
| WV Wesleyan College | Braxton, Harrison, Lewis, Randolph |
| Wheeling University | Ritchie |
| West Liberty University | Wetzel |
| Bluefield State University | Nicholas, Summers, Wyoming |
To submit a program please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us in the Office of Educator Preparation.
State Approved Coursework (Option 3)
For more information on Option 3 for obtaining a Professional Teaching Certificate, see State Approved Coursework.
WV Residency Model
Explore the West Virginia Residency Model page for more information.
This model encompasses the entire teacher preparation program, building relationships between the educational preparation provider and residency schools, communities, and districts to culminate in a year-long residency clinical experience. For complete details, please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us.
WVDE Alternative Programs
The WVBE has established and adopted the following WVDE Alternative Certification programs pursuant to §18A-3-1j:
Southern Regional Education Board Alternative Certification Program
A pilot program that provides math and science coursework aligned to WVBE approved pedagogical standards, the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards, at a reduced cost as part of a two-year cohort. The program prepares individuals with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education and minimum 2.5 GPA to successfully meet WVBE testing requirements as described in the WV Licensure Testing Directory for basic skills and eligible content area(s). Individuals who are certified and wish to expand their certifications to include math or sciences may also participate. Teachers participating in the pilot are available for interviews/surveys/focus group discussions regarding the different elements of the professional learning, with each activity focused on improving the quality of materials/services. These individuals will be subject to meeting additional requirements upon program completion, including qualifying outcomes on criminal history checks when they apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate.
WVDE Alternative Certification Program
A program provided by the WVDE, consisting of career counseling, guidance in meeting the minimum requirements of licensure and approved coursework offered by West Virginia Institutions of Higher Education (WV IHEs). WV IHEs submit unique applications to the WVDE for approval of their coursework option(s) to be included in the WVDE Alternative Certification Program. To be approved, the coursework must substantially align to WVBE approved pedagogical standards (the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards). All candidates are required to verify they have reviewed the program’s guidance document when applying to become a program participant. Program participants must successfully complete coursework options, and meet additional requirements which include, but may not be limited to, general requirements (with background checks), testing as described in the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory, endorsement specific training(s) and an approved rating on a Comprehensive Evaluation Report to apply for initial teacher certification.
Complete program information may be reviewed in the program’s guidance document and on the WVDE website.
The guidance document provides basic information about successful completion of WVDE-approved coursework options. For information on availability, cost and duration of required coursework, contact any of the following WVDE Alternative Certification Program coursework providers:
- Bluefield State College Coursework: Dr. Terene Stiltner at tstiltner@bluefieldstate.edu.
- West Liberty University Coursework: Dr. Sherri Theaker at sherri.theaker@westliberty.edu.
- West Virginia University Coursework: Dr. Matthew Campbell at mpcampbell@mail.wvu.edu.
- Wheeling University Coursework: Dr. Dianna Vargo at dvargo@wheeling.edu.
- Glenville State University Coursework: Mrs. Connie Stout O’Dell at connie.stout@glenville.edu.
- Marshall University Coursework: Dr. Teresa Eagle thardman@marshall.edu
Upon successful completion of all program requirements (coursework, training and testing), WVDE Alternative Certification Program participants may request a Comprehensive Evaluation Report. Once an approved rating is received on the report, program completers may apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate using Form 20WV.
The form requires an official recommendation for licensure from a program official which can be acquired through the Office of Educator Preparation.
Disclaimers
Licensure issued by the Office of Certification requires applicants to complete State and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks. This summary information does not supersede WVBE policy or State Code requirements. Individuals who are enrolling in, participating in or completing WVDE Alternative Certification Programs may become eligible to apply for licensure only as described in WVBE Policy 5202, the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory and W. Va. Code §18A-3-2a(a)(1)(B). W. Va. Code, WVBE Policy, testing and program requirements are subject to change at any time. Individuals who enroll into the program are subject to receiving a Comprehensive Evaluation Report with a rating of insufficient or disapproved at the WVDE’s discretion.
The WVDE is not responsible for participant experiences and outcomes associated with participation in WVDE-approved coursework options, but will recognize successful the completion of identified coursework options at WV IHEs for the purpose of meeting coursework requirements of the program for initial teacher certification.
Individuals who enroll or participate in the program are subject to WVBE Policy 5202 requirements for possessing U.S Citizenship or submitting qualifying documentation of a valid Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to qualify for licensure. WV IHEs which would like to submit an application for approval of their coursework to be included in the WVDE Alternative Certification Program should contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us or 1-304-558-3119.