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:

Approved Programs Sorted by Endorsement

Approved Programs Sorted by Institution of Higher Education

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?

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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).
6. 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 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: (Download the full chart)

To submit a program please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us in the Office of Educator Preparation.

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.

On March 10, 2021, Senate Bill 14 was approved by the Governor to be made effective ninety days from passage on May 27, 2021. This legislation created a third option for acquiring a Professional Teaching Certificate in §18A-3-2a. This option includes a requirement that individuals must successfully complete pedagogical training or a pedagogical course or courses in substantive alignment with nationally recognized pedagogical standards, or approved or established by the state board. On May 12, 2021, the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) initially designated the West Virginia Pedagogical Standards as set forth in, “Policy 5310, Performance Evaluation of School Personnel, §126-142-13. Teacher Evaluation Standards and Elements” to satisfy this requirement. As the WVBE approves pedagogical standards and recognizes coursework substantially aligned to those standards for the purpose of issuing licensure through Option 3 for acquiring a Professional Teaching Certificate, information will be added to this section of the website. Programs and pedagogical standards are approved through processes described in WVBE Policy 5901.

Entities seeking to submit an application to have their course(s) approved by the WVBE for the issuance of licensure through Option 3 may contact Dr. Traci Tuttle or Mr. Robert Mellace in the Office of Educator Preparation at 1-304-558-3119.

WVBE Approved Pedagogical Standards

West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS)

Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Standards

WVBE Recognized Coursework Providers for Option 3

American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence Program (American Board)

Approved by the WVBE on September 8, 2021, American Board provides a state-approved, online initial teacher certification program for the specific endorsement areas listed below:

Biology 9-Adult, Chemistry 9-Adult, English 5-9, English 5-Adult, Elementary Education K-6, General Science 5-9, General Science 5-Adult, Algebra I 5-Adult, General Math Through Algebra I 5-9, Mathematics 5-Adult, Physics 9-Adult, Social Studies 5-9, Social Studies 5-Adult, Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) K-6 and Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) 5-Adult.

American Board is not nationally accredited or affiliated with an institution of higher education. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses does not result in college credit. While the program is self-paced, generally candidates complete the program within seven to ten months. The program does not require successful completion of a clinical experience (student teaching). The program provider’s homepage may be accessed at https://www.americanboard.org.

iTeachWESTVIRGINIA (iTeach)

Approved by the WVBE on April 13, 2022, iTeach provides a state-approved, online initial teacher certification program for the specific endorsement areas listed below:

Algebra I 5-Adult, Art PreK-Adult, Biology 9-Adult, Business Education 5-Adult, Business Education/Marketing 5-Adult, Chemistry 9-Adult, Chinese PreK-Adult, Early Childhood Education K-4, Early Education PreK-K, Earth and Space Science 5-Adult, Elementary Education K-6, English 5-9, English 5-Adult, English as a Second Language PreK-Adult, Family and Consumer Science 5-Adult, French PreK-Adult, General Mathematics through Algebra I 5-9, General Science 5-9, General Science 5-Adult, Geometry 5-Adult, German PreK-Adult, Health PreK-Adult, Japanese PreK-Adult, Latin PreK-Adult, Marketing 5-Adult, Mathematics 5-Adult, Music PreK-Adult, Oral Communications 9-Adult, Physical Education PreK-Adult, Physics 9-Adult, Russian PreK-Adult, Social Studies 5-9, Social Studies 5-Adult, Spanish PreK-Adult, Technology Education 5-Adult, Wellness PreK-Adult, Emotional/Behavior Disorders K-6, Emotional/Behavior Disorders 5-Adult, Intellectual Disabilities K-6, Intellectual Disabilities 5-Adult, Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) K-6, and Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) 5-Adult.

iTeach is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), but is not affiliated with an institution of higher education. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses does not result in college credit. However, iTeach has indicated that there is a process offered to program completers which may allow them to receive up to 12 hours of credit in the American College of Education’s master’s degree program. Six instructional courses are completed in a linear fashion. iTeachWESTVIRGINIA utilizes a curriculum delivered virtually and no clinical experience is required. Mastery of the coursework must be demonstrated by achieving an 80 or higher on each assessment and a score of two or higher in each assignment prior to the participant progressing into the subsequential instructional course. The program is designed to take nine months from start to completion, but may take up to two years if an extension is approved, which requires a renewal fee. Program fees will be provided on the iTeachWESTVIRGINIA website and are reviewed in the introductory course, which requires completion of a detailed letter of agreement prior to program admission. The program provider’s homepage may be accessed at https://www.iteach.net.

MathTrack

Approved by the WVBE on February 14, 2024, MathTrack provides a state-approved, online initial teacher certification program for the specific endorsement area listed below:

Mathematics 5-Adult

MathTrack is not nationally accredited and MathTrack University is not a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses does not result in college credit. Generally, candidates complete the program between twelve and fifteen months, but there are ways to request time extension(s) (fees may apply). The coursework offers both mathematics content and pedagogical training. The program offers two possible tracks, with one including a residency experience (student teaching) and one not including the residency. Program coursework is projected to become available beginning in April of 2024.

New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning

Approved by the WVBE on April 9, 2024, The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (NJCTL) provides a state-approved, online initial teacher certification program for the specific endorsement areas listed below:

Mathematics 5-Adult, General Mathematics Through Algebra I 5-9, Physics 9-Adult, Biology 9-Adult, Chemistry 9-Adult and General Science 5-Adult.

The NJCTL received initial accreditation from the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) in early 2024. However, the NJCTL is not a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses does not result in college credit. The expected duration of the program, as stated by NJCTL, is between 6 and 18 months. The coursework offers both content and pedagogical training.

Teach for America Appalachia

Approved by the WVBE on March 8, 2023, Teach for America Appalachia provides a state-approved, initial teacher certification program with in-person and online requirements for the specific endorsement areas listed below:

Algebra I 5-Adult (AD), American Sign Language PreK-AD, Art PreK-AD, Biology 9-AD, Business Education 5-AD, Business Education/Marketing 5-AD, Chemistry 9-AD, Chemistry/Physics 9-AD, Chinese PreK-AD, Earth and Space Science 5-AD, Early Childhood Education K-4, Elementary Education K-6, English 5-AD, English as a Second Language PreK-AD, French PreK-AD, General Math through Algebra I 5-9, General Science 5-AD, Geometry 5-AD, German PreK-AD, Health PreK-AD, Japanese PreK-AD, Latin PreK-AD, Marketing 9-AD, Mathematics (Comprehensive) 5-AD, Music PreK-AD, Oral Communications 5-AD, Physical Education PreK-AD, Physics 9-AD, Russian PreK-AD, Social Studies 5-AD, Spanish PreK-AD, Technology Education 5-AD, Wellness PreK-AD, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders K-6, Emotional/Behavioral Disorders 5-AD, Intellectual Disabilities K-6, Intellectual Disabilities 5-AD, Multi-Categorical K-6, Multi-Categorical 5-AD, and Specific Learning Disabilities K-6.

Complete details and up to date information about program participant expenses may be found on the TeachForAmerica website.

Teach for America Appalachia is not affiliated with an institution of higher education. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses does not result in college credit. TFAA utilizes a combination of online and in-person training to prepare teachers for initial certification. The curriculum consists of pre-work assignments which participants complete over the course of several weeks between February and June. Participants who are successful in completing the required pre-work assignments are approved for an approximately six-week practicum experience with professional development sessions taking place during June and July (requiring virtual and in-person commitments). Program participants are responsible for acquiring appropriate permit(s) in accordance with WVBE Policy 5202 for participation in the practicum.

Once the practicum is successfully completed, it is expected that program participants have secured or will quickly secure employment for a position beginning with the approaching school year (e.g., August or September of the current year) for which no fully certified educator has applied, via the First-Class Full-Time Permit. Program participants must meet all criteria for acquiring and maintaining the First-Class Full-Time Permit as they participate in two years of support immediately following the practicum as detailed within the program’s guidance.

Program participants who successfully complete the two-year period of support may be considered successful program completers. Successful program completers must meet all WVBE Policy 5202 requirements to apply for a Provisional Professional Teaching Certificate, including all applicable testing requirements of the WV Licensure Testing Directory (e.g., basic skills, content and professional education testing). The program’s homepage may be accessed at https://www.teachforamerica.org/where-we-work/appalachia.

Teach-Now Teacher Preparation Certification Program (Teach-Now) at Moreland University

Approved by the WVBE on October 13, 2021, Teach-Now provides a state-approved and online initial teacher certification program for the specific endorsement areas listed below:

Chinese 5-Adult, Elementary Education K-6, English 5-9, English 5-Adult, English as a Second Language PreK-Adult, General Science 5-9, General Science 5-Adult, Japanese 5-Adult, Mathematics (Comprehensive) 5-Adult, Social Studies 5-Adult, Spanish 5-Adult, Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) K-6 and Multi-Categorical (E/BD, MI, SLD, excluding Autism) 5-Adult.

Moreland University is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation), and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Therefore, the completion of the program’s courses may result in college credit. The program requires successful completion of a clinical experience (student teaching) and does not guarantee a clinical placement for every candidate as the program participant is responsible for finding a school that will accept their placement. Individuals participating in the clinical experience must be appropriately licensed by WVDE Certification Services and a memorandum of understanding between the county and Teach-Now must be approved prior to the clinical experience occurring. An approved documented agreement between Teach-Now and the school of placement is also required. The university offers opportunities to acquire a master’s degree in education through additional cost and efforts of the participant. Generally, candidates complete the program within nine to twelve months. The program provider’s homepage may be accessed at https://moreland.edu/teacher-certification.

Individuals who successfully complete programs consisting of state-approved coursework for Option 3 must receive the provider’s official recommendation(s), possess the minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with a 2.5 overall cumulative grade point average, meet testing requirements identified in the most current West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory and meet general requirements including qualifying outcomes on background checks. Individuals must apply for licensure through the Certification Services website.

Disclaimers: Licensure issued by the Office of Certification requires applicants to complete State and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks.Individuals using these programs 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. This summary information does not supersede WVBE policy or State Code requirements. Complete licensure requirements are subject to change and as identified in WVBE Policy 5202 and the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory.

The WVDE is not affiliated with any of the program providers listed above and is not responsible for participant experiences or outcomes associated with participation in these programs. Contact providers for complete details about the cost of each program.

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.

Apply for program enrollment

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.