Advisory Boards
Educator Preparation Program Review Board (EPPRB) Approval Process
The Educator Preparation Program Review Board (EPPRB) is a seven-member board established by the West Virginia Board of Education (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 [DOCX]
Guide for Proposing Revisions to Existing WVBE-Approved Programs [DOCX]
Programs must be reviewed and approved in accordance with WVBE Policies 5202 [DOCX] and 5100 [DOCX].
EPPRB Calendar
Fall 2025
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| August 8, 2025 | Letter of Intent to Submit Program Proposal |
| September 12, 2025 | Submission due in EPPRB Portal |
| October 17, 2025 | EPPRB Meeting |
| December 2025 | Recommended Program to WVBE for Program Approval |
Spring 2026
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2026 | Letter of Intent to Submit Program Proposal |
| February 9, 2026 | Submission due in EPPRB Portal |
| March 9, 2026 | EPPRB Meeting |
| May 2026 | Recommended Program to WVBE for Program Approval |
Additional Resources
West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards [DOCX]
Alternative Certification Educator Preparation Program Review Board (ACEPPRB) Approval Process
W. Va. Code §§18A-3-1a –18A-3-1i and Policy 5901, Regulations for Alternative Certification Programs for the Education of Teachers, creates an alternative certification pathway for county school districts to provide programs assisting qualified individuals in earning 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 proposal 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, please contact your county of interest directly. School districts interested in program guidance or information please contact Robert Mellace in the Office of Educator and Staff Development.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document [PDF]
- Program Proposal Template [PDF] (General Education or Special Education Program)
- Addendum for the Addition of a General Education Program Endorsement [PDF] (General Education Program Only)
- Program Revision Proposal Document [DOCX] (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. |
| February 3, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace. |
| 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. |
| April 14, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace. |
| 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. |
| August 1, 2025 | Submission of program proposal, due to the WVDE. For information, please contact Robert Mellace. |
| September, 2025 | ACEPPRB Meeting |
| October or November 2025 | If recommended, the program will be presented to the WVBE and considered for approval. |