Professional Growth
West Virginia educators are provided with a variety of ways to mature professionally as they strive to enhance their student support skills. As they advance, it will become necessary to renew licensure and understand educator evaluations. The West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards set the mark for what our educators are expected to know and be able to do in the classroom. Qualifying individuals may use state tuition reimbursement to pursue additional endorsement areas on a professional certificate.
The math4life initiative assists teachers in preparing to take WVBE required Praxis exams for mathematics endorsements. The e-Learning initiative for educators is designed to bridge the barriers of time, distance, and inequities for all West Virginia teachers by providing access to excellent web-based professional development opportunities. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards further challenges and incentivizes elevating the level of instruction that our students receive from their teachers. ReClaimWV supports our educators in meeting the basic neurological, biological, psychological, and social emotional needs of our students.
Licensure Renewal
If you are a West Virginia educator or school staff member with a valid license from the Office of Certification, it is important to review the most up-to-date and complete WVBE Policy 5202 renewal criteria in advance of the license’s expiration. If you are a teacher who holds a valid or expired West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificate or West Virginia Career and Technical Education Certificate, you may find the following guidance documents helpful, as they summarize the renewal criteria of each certificate.
- Learn about the renewal of the Professional Teaching Certificate (PDF)
- Learn about the renewal of the Career and Technical Education Certificate (PDF)
If you are renewing another license and would like to access complete licensure requirements, please review WVBE Policy 5202.
State Tuition Reimbursement
Educators in West Virginia may be eligible for tuition reimbursement under West Virginia Code §18A-3-3a and WV Board of Education Policy 5202 §126-136-23.1. Reimbursement is limited, first-come, first-served, and prioritized for coursework in verified critical shortage areas.
Reimbursement is also available for educators completing renewal coursework for professional teaching, student support, or administrative licensure.
Critical Shortage Coursework Priority
WVDE prioritizes reimbursements for coursework in areas of verified critical shortage. Please contact your county certification officer to determine if your coursework qualifies.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a valid WV Certificate or First Class Permit and:
- Be employed full-time in a public school in WV, and
- Be pursuing an endorsement in a critical need shortage area
OR
- Be seeking certification renewal, and
- Have a continuing contract with a WV county board, and
- Be taking coursework in a critical need shortage area.
Reimbursement Coverage and Limitations
Tuition reimbursement covers the cost of:
- Tuition
- Registration fees
- Other required course fees
Only coursework from an accredited college or university that is used for license renewal or for additional endorsements in shortage areas is eligible.
If Attending a Private or Out-of-State Institution
Reimbursement may not exceed the highest tuition charged at a WV state-supported college or university.
Course & GPA Limits
- Reimbursement is limited to 15 semester hours of coursework in verified shortage areas.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for reimbursement.
Application Deadline
- Submit a completed Form 36 by June 15 for coursework completed during that fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
- Late applications will be rejected and returned.
The employing county must complete and sign Form 36 to verify eligibility.
How to Apply
After completing coursework (with at least a 3.0 GPA):
- Submit a completed Form 36
- Ensure the county verifies employment and eligibility
Application Status
- Application results are available online only
- Status updates (pending, approved, denied) can be viewed via the Certification Check Site under “Reimbursements – View Details”
- Email notifications are sent once processing is complete
Receiving Reimbursement
- Payment is made through your employing county
- Contact your county payroll office/CSBO or county certification specialist for payout timing (check or direct deposit)
Incomplete or Denied Applications
- Incomplete Form 36 applications are automatically denied
- A new, completed application must be submitted to re-apply
What If State Funds Are Exhausted?
If WVDE issues an “Out of Funds” denial, you may:
- Apply to your county for reimbursement using local or federal funds, including:
- Title I
- Title II
- Title III (where available)
Professional Teaching Standards
To review the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards, visit Professional Teaching Standards.
Required Training for Education Personnel
View an outline of trainings required by federal law, West Virginia Code, or West Virginia Board of Education Policy.
National Board Certification
The West Virginia Department of Education’s (WVDE) National Board Certification (NBC) Support Program is an in-depth professional learning opportunity that allows participants to review and better understand the complete NBC standards and process. It exposes teachers to the process as well as the rigor, challenge and commitment the process entails.
Visit Educator and Staff Development for more information.