Adding an Autism Endorsement on the Professional Teaching Certificate
Summary of Requirements
Form 8A allows you to add an endorsement in autism to a valid West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificate with a Special Education endorsement following completion of coursework at a regionally accredited college or university.
Form 8A requires recommendation from the county Superintendent or designee if you are employed by
A county school system
A multi-county career technical education center
The West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition OR
The West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind
If you are not employed by one of these entities, select "no county" under "employing county" and submit Form 4B: Character Reference with your application.
General Requirements
Timeframes for the endorsement’s validity vary according to the certificate’s validity dates. To apply, you must:
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in each course
Complete the six (6) hours of autism coursework from an accredited college or university that offers the specific courses for the autism endorsement approved by the Department
Hold a valid West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificate endorsed for Special Education. Note: This does not apply to the Career and Technical Education Certificate.
Send your official transcripts to our office electronically
Please email them to cert.transcripts.wvde@k12.wv.us. If you select to send them electronically, they must be sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Certification.
For instructions on how to apply for a license to work in West Virginia public schools, follow the steps detailed in the certification application process.