Professional Learning
The Professional Learning Reimagined Framework, developed by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), provides a model for coordinated, cohesive professional learning and leadership processes and opportunities for West Virginia counties. A wealth of research has proven that the methods outlined in this framework are highly effective models in the delivery of high-quality, sustained professional learning experiences.
Review the Professional Learning Reimagined Framework to learn more about how districts and schools have the authority and autonomy to plan, design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate high-quality professional learning experiences at the local level.
E-Learning
The West Virginia Department of Education provides the professional and personalized e-Learning for Educators program. This program permits West Virginia educators to engage in online professional learning courses and activities.
math4life
The math4life initiative is a systemic effort that incorporates central office staff, administrators, teachers, parents and community members working together in addressing mathematics content, pedagogy, critical thinking, leadership, student engagement, family involvement and community awareness. The math4life website and E-Learning website include links to online modules for math content, which assist teachers in preparing to take WVBE required Praxis exams for the various math endorsements recognized on West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificates.
ReclaimWV
The West Virginia Public School System is on the frontline with teachers and school personnel often serving as the first responders to students who need their basic neurological, biological, psychological, and social emotional needs met. Supporting these students is a priority of our school system to ensure our children can continue to grow and thrive as they navigate the challenges they face. ReClaimWV is an initiative that seeks to advance wellness and resilience in students to equip them to become lifelong learners and achieve personal success. The ReClaimWV initiative includes a website as a comprehensive guide to the various resources which assist community leaders, educators and parents in making a positive impact on the well-being of children across the state. Be sure to review their Toolkit for connecting social-emotional and mental health supports to the opioid epidemic and access information about the wide variety of available resources that are geared toward combatting this and other issues that are negatively impacting students.
Military Partnerships
The West Virginia Common Ground Partnership is comprised of several military-based and community organizations, focused on increasing the capacity of schools to ensure student success. By sharing each organization’s programs, opportunities, resources and information with schools, students will become aware of opportunities to serve as leaders within their communities and experience positive outcomes throughout their lives. This focus includes shared goals that all students will stay in school and graduate from high school, college and career ready. The partnership contributes to developing strong communities which have a productive, civically active and well-educated workforce. The Common Ground website offers information supportive of schools, students and military families.
Course Code Guidance
A list of course codes for scheduling and the required endorsement for the assigned educator may be accessed on this website. This information may used by administrators and school district personnel to ensure that teachers are qualified to instruct courses on their schedule and assist staff members when they are applying for licensure based upon the courses they are teaching.
Teacher Academy
The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Teacher Academy is designed to support teachers using research-based materials and instructional strategies aligned to the WV Professional Teaching Standards that strengthen student and teacher learning resulting in increased student achievement. To find out how you may register for the WVDE Teacher Academy, select the link below.
Mentor Training
The West Virginia Department of Education has assumed the role of provider for professional learning sessions to support teacher mentors through sessions focused on the knowledge, skills, and understandings for those who mentor new teachers. To find out how you may participate in the mentoring of beginning teachers, select the link below.
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. The Department’s NBC PL, which begins in the summer and continues throughout the school year, offers:
- Structured and sustained support
- One-on-One support provided by expert NBC mentor or cohort support group
West Virginia Teacher Leadership Framework
In 2020, the WV Legislature passed HB 4804, which directs the West Virginia Department of Education to assist county boards with the design and implementation of a teacher leadership framework to accomplish the teacher induction and professional growth aspects of their comprehensive systems of support. Teacher Leadership funding is provided through Step 7d for multiple leadership opportunities including training for those opportunities and salary stipends for those roles.