Educator Preparation Program Review Board (EPPRB) Approval Process
The Educator Preparation Program Review Board (EPPRB) is a seven-member board established by the WVBE. Among its many duties and responsibilities, the EPPRB is charged with reviewing all initially proposed programs in order to submit or withhold a recommendation for program approval to the WVBE. The EPPRB is also charged with reviewing all proposed substantive changes to existing WVBE-approved programs and submitting or withholding a recommendation for acceptance of such changes to the WVBE. Finally, the EPPRB reviews reports from accreditation boards to recommend institutions’ programs for continuing program approval.
Guide for New Program Proposals
Guide for Proposing Revisions to Existing WVBE-Approved Programs
Programs must be reviewed and approved in accordance with WVBE Policies 5202 and 5100.
EPPRB Calendar
2023 EPPRB Dates
| Date: | Description |
|---|---|
| January 8, 2024 | Letter of intent to submit a program proposal for review, due to the WVDE. Letters of intent may be submitted via e-mail to Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us. |
| February 9, 2024 | Submission of the program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us. |
| March 8, 2024 | EPPRB Meeting |
| May 2024 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |
| August 9, 2024 | Letter of intent to submit a program proposal for review, due to the WVDE. Letters of intent may be submitted via e-mail to Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us. |
| September 13, 2024 | Submission of the program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle at traci.tuttle@k12.wv.us. |
| October 18, 2023 | EPPRB Meeting |
| December 2024 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |
Additional Resources:
Alternative Certification Educator Preparation Program Review Board (ACEPPRB) Approval Process
WVBE Policy 5901 creates an alternative pathway means for a qualified person to earn a professional teaching certificate in areas of critical need and shortage. Program proposals must first be reviewed by the Alternative Certification Educator Preparation Program Review Board (ACEPPRB) in accordance with the timelines listed below for a recommendation to be made to the WVBE. Once an alternative certification program receives WVBE approval, school districts may begin program enrollment. Candidates must receive an Alternative Teaching Certificate to enroll into a state-approved program. Participants work to successfully complete the program and meet conversion criteria for a Provisional Teaching Certificate. As they continue to teach in West Virginia and engage in professional learning, the individuals work toward meeting the conversion criteria of a Professional Teaching Certificate. Interested applicants, contact your county of interest directly. School districts interested in program guidance or information please contact Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us in the Office of Educator Preparation.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document
- Program Proposal Template (General Education or Special Education Program)
- Addendum for the Addition of a General Education Program Endorsement (General Education Program Only)
- Program Revision Proposal Document (General Education or Special Education Program)
ACEPPRB Timelines
Spring 2025
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| January 3, 2025 | Letter of intent to submit a program proposal for review, due to the WVDE. Letters of intent may be submitted via e-mail to Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| February 3, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| March, 2025 | ACEPPRB Meeting |
| April or May 2025 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |
Summer 2025
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| March 14, 2025 | Letter of intent to submit a program proposal for review, due to the WVDE. Letters of intent may be submitted via e-mail to Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| April 14, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| June 2025 | ACEPPRB Meeting |
| July or August 2025 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |
Fall 2025
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Letter of intent to submit a program proposal for review, due to the WVDE. Letters of intent may be submitted via e-mail to Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| August 1, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace at rmellace@k12.wv.us |
| September, 2025 | ACEPPRB Meeting |
| October or November 2025 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |