How to Become a Teacher in West Virginia

West Virginia, like so many states, continues to seek the best ways to meet the educational challenges posed by a sluggish economy. It currently ranks low in the bottom 5 in terms of teacher pay, but some teachers find that the low cost of living and the natural beauty of the state are adequate compensations. West Virginia is currently in the middle of a long-term process of changing its administrative and accountability structures, so teachers may find that the increased commitment to education makes it a state with a bright educational future.

How to become a teacher in West Virginia - traditional route for residents

The traditional route for how to become a teacher in West Virginia begins with graduating high school, then enrolling in an approved teacher preparation program in the state of West Virginia. In this program, students will take classes in education, in their subject area, and in general education courses that lead to a bachelor's degree. They will also teach under supervision and prepare to take their required exams.

How to become a teacher in WV - alternative route for residents

West Virginia offers several different paths to teaching certification for those who already have a bachelor's degree but wish to transition into teaching. These include:

• Completing an approved post-baccalaureate teaching certification program
• Completing a master's degree in teaching
• Completing a transition to teaching program
• Completing the Troops to Teachers program, if the aspiring teacher is also a qualifying veteran
• Completing an approved teacher preparation program

Once one of these programs is completed, the aspiring teacher can apply for a teaching certification in West Virginia and search for employment as a teacher.

How to become a teacher in WV - for out-of-state teacher applicants

West Virginia's out of state teacher certification procedure covers both those who are moving in from another state, and those who may be residents of West Virginia but have attended their teacher preparation program in another state. In either case, the applicant has to fill out Form 20-A, pay a small fee, and send in records of his or her preparation or certification. They will also be required to undergo a background check and to complete fingerprint cards so that their fingerprints will be on file.

How do I become a Teacher in West Virginia - necessary exams for residents

West Virginia teachers are required to take the Praxis exams in order to obtain a teacher certificate in West Virginia. The Praxis tests are accepted in most states. Praxis I is a general knowledge exam, and Praxis II tests the student on his or her area of specialization.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in West Virginia?

West Virginia teacher preparation programs usually include getting a bachelor's degree in education. It's the easiest a most direct way to get the qualifications an aspiring teacher needs, as well as preparing to pass the Praxis tests. If a student doesn't have a bachelor's in education, he or she will have to find another way to acquire the educational training and test preparation they will need.

What is a teacher preparation program in West Virginia?

A teacher preparation program in West Virginia can be either a bachelor's program in an approved college or university, or a teacher training program offered by the state for those who cannot fulfill a traditional bachelor's program. Either path is an acceptable method of teacher preparation in West Virginia.

How do I renew my teacher certification in West Virginia?

In order to renew a West Virginia teaching certificate, a teacher must download Form 4 from the West Virginia Department of Education. Individuals also have to show that they have completed their professional development hours and are proactively integrating 21st century tools into their classrooms.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in WV?

• Teach West Virginia

  This site is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Education and lays out all the options for those aspiring to become teachers.

• West Virginia Department of Education

  This site covers educational issues for the whole state of West Virginia.

• The Office of Professional Preparation

  This is a great place to start when checking on the status of any applications or certifications.