State Approved Programs
Traditional Programs
College and universities with traditional state-approved educator preparation programs will work with you to create an individualized plan based upon your unique qualifications and educational background. These programs may lead to a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or provide only the coursework required for licensure at the graduate level as part of a post-bachelor’s certification program. To access complete program details and begin a traditional pathway to licensure, please select one of the following:
County-Based Alternative Certification Programs
Alternative certification create an “alternate” pathway to teacher certification that is only available to fill critical need and shortage areas in West Virginia public schools. School districts with approved alternative certification programs may offer employment to eligible individuals for positions that have been posted at least twice (for a minimal ten-day period) and for which no fully certified applicant has applied. Candidates accepted into the district’s approved alternative certification program hold an Alternative Teaching Certificate and teach while completing the program of study. Upon successful completion of the program, assessment and evaluation, candidates may be recommended for a Provisional Teaching Certificate by the school district. Individuals with a Provisional Teaching Certificate work to meet conversion criteria for an initial Professional Teaching Certificate.
- View the list of State-Approved Alternative Certification Programs.
- View the Alternative Certification FAQ Document [PDF].
Steps for Participation in a County-Based Alternative Certification Program
Step 1: Decide what you would like to teach
Identify the grade levels and subject areas you would like to teach. This will help you determine the alternative certification program(s) you would like to pursue.
Step 2: Contact school districts with approved alternative certification programs to identify areas of critical need
Districts have their own unique programs and needs, so it is important to contact the district’s personnel officials to determine if they have area(s) of critical need and shortage and a state-approved program for the endorsement(s).
Step 3: Determine if you are eligible to pursue the identified endorsement area(s) and apply for job(s)
Personnel officials at the school district can help you understand eligibility and how to apply for employment within the district.
Step 4: Apply for an Alternative Teaching Certificate upon receipt of a job offer
If eligibility has been analyzed and an offer of employment is made, the district will help you complete an application for the Alternative Teaching Certificate. Individuals do not enroll into approved alternative certification programs until an Alternative Teaching Certificate is issued by the Office of Certification.
Step 4: Begin the alternative certification program
The length of time required to complete the state approved AC program depends upon its program of study, your completion of WVBE required exams and other program requirements (candidates must complete the program within three years).
Step 5: Complete the Alternative Certification Program
Upon completion of a state-approved alternative certification program, individuals who successfully meet all conversion requirements may apply for an initial Provisional Teaching Certificate. The Provisional Teaching Certificate has a separate conversion process (taking a minimum of two-years) that when completed, leads to an initial Professional Teaching Certificate.
Clinical Teacher of Record
Clinical Teacher of Record is an intensively supervised and mentored residency program for prospective teachers during their senior year that refines their professional practice skills and helps them gain the teaching experience needed to demonstrate competence as a prerequisite to certification to teach in the West Virginia public schools. Clinical Teacher of Record programs are provided at the undergraduate level and require the authorization of the WVBE pursuant to W. Va. Code §18A-3-1(e).
How to Begin a Clinical Teacher of Record Program
To begin a Clinical Teacher of Record program, please review the list of state-approved programs below and contact the institution of higher education for complete details. Requirements for the Clinical Teacher of Record permit may be accessed within Policy 5100, Approval for Educator Preparation Programs.
Proposing a Program
A college or university with a WVBE approved teacher preparation program in the state may enter into an agreement with a county board of education to establish a Clinical Teacher of Record program.
State-Approved Programs
| Institution | Counties |
|---|---|
| Bluefield State College | Greenbrier, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Nicholas, Summers, Wyoming |
| Concord University | Braxton, Doddridge, Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, McDowell, Mercer, Nicholas, Ritchie, Webster, Wirt, Wyoming |
| Davis & Elkins College | Barbour, Randolph |
| Fairmont State University | Doddridge, Hardy, Harrison, Kanawha, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Webster, Wetzel |
| Glenville State College | Boone, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Kanawha, Lewis, McDowell, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Roane, Tucker, Tyler, Webster |
| Marshall University | Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Cabell, Doddridge, Fayette, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mason, Mingo, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Ritchie, Roane, Wayne, Webster, Wirt, Wood |
| Salem International University | Doddridge, Harrison |
| Shepherd University | Berkeley, Jefferson |
| University of Charleston | Kanawha |
| WV State University | Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mingo, Putnam , Roane |
| West Virginia University | Braxton , Cabell, Doddridge, Grant, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Marion, McDowell, Monongalia, Nicholas, Pleasants, Preston, Putnam, Roane, Taylor, Upshur, Wood |
| West Virginia University - Parkersburg | Doddridge, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wirt, Wood |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | Braxton, Harrison, Lewis, Randolph |
| Wheeling University | Ritchie |
| West Liberty University | Wetzel |
To submit a program please contact Dr. Traci Tuttle in the Office of Educator Preparation.
Option 3 - State Approved Coursework
For more information on Option 3 for obtaining a Professional Teaching Certificate, see Option 3 Programs.
West Virginia Residency Model
Explore West Virginia Residency Model for more information.
This model encompasses the entire teacher preparation program, building relationships between the educational preparation provider and residency schools, communities, and districts to culminate in a year-long residency clinical experience. For complete details, please contact Dr. Traci Gregory.
West Virginia Department of Education Alternative Programs
The West Virginia Board of Education has established and adopted the following West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Alternative Certification Programs pursuant to §18A-3-1j.
WVDE Alternative Certification Program
A program provided by the WVDE, consisting of career counseling, guidance in meeting the minimum requirements of licensure and approved coursework offered by West Virginia Institutions of Higher Education (WV IHEs). WV IHEs submit unique applications to the WVDE for approval of their coursework option(s) to be included in the WVDE Alternative Certification Program. To be approved, the coursework must substantially align to WVBE approved pedagogical standards (the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards). All candidates are required to verify they have reviewed the program’s guidance document when applying to become a program participant. Program participants must successfully complete coursework options, and meet additional requirements which include, but may not be limited to, general requirements (with background checks), testing as described in the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory, endorsement specific training(s) and an approved rating on a Comprehensive Evaluation Report to apply for initial teacher certification.
Complete program information may be found in the Alternative Certification Program's guidance document [PDF].
Applications for candidates seeking participation in Fall 2025 semester coursework must apply for program enrollment by the following dates:
- Bluefield State University – 7/18/2025 Fall
- West Liberty University – 7/25/2025 Fall
- West Virginia University – 7/10/2025 Fall
- Wheeling University – 7/25/2025 Fall
- Glenville State University – 7/18/2025 Fall
- Marshall University – 7/10/2025 Fall
Program applications received after these dates will likely not result in receiving approval in time to enroll with a coursework provider.
The guidance document provides basic information about successful completion of WVDE-approved coursework options. For information on availability, cost and duration of required coursework, contact any of the following WVDE Alternative Certification Program coursework providers:
- Bluefield State University: Dr. Terene Stiltner
- West Liberty University: Dr. Sherri Theaker.
- West Virginia University: Kristen Pinkney
- Wheeling University: Dr. Dianna Vargo
- Glenville State University: Connie Stout O’Dell
- Marshall University: Dr. Thomas Cooper
Upon successful completion of all program requirements (coursework, training and testing), WVDE Alternative Certification Program participants may request a Comprehensive Evaluation Report. Once an approved rating is received on the report, program completers may apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate using Professional Teaching Alternative Certification Program (Form 20WV).
The form requires an official recommendation for licensure from a program official which can be acquired through the Office of Educator Preparation.
Note: Individuals who enroll into the WVDE Alternative Certification Program are subject to receiving a Comprehensive Evaluation Report with a rating of insufficient or disapproved at the WVDE’s discretion. The WVDE is not responsible for participant experiences and outcomes associated with participation in WVDE-approved coursework options, but will recognize successful completion of identified coursework options at WV IHEs for the purpose of meeting coursework requirements of the program for initial teacher certification.
Disclaimers
Licensure issued by the Office of Certification requires applicants to complete State and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks. This summary information does not supersede WVBE policy or State Code requirements. Individuals who are enrolling in, participating in or completing WVDE Alternative Certification Programs may become eligible to apply for licensure only as described in Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications, the West Virginia Licensure Testing Directory and W. Va. Code §18A-3-2a(a)(1)(B). W. Va. Code, WVBE Policy, testing and program requirements are subject to change at any time.
Individuals who enroll or participate in the program are subject to WVBE Policy 5202 requirements for possessing U.S Citizenship or submitting qualifying documentation of a valid Permanent Resident Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or work permit issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to qualify for licensure. WV IHEs which would like to submit an application for approval of their coursework to be included in the WVDE Alternative Certification Program should contact Dr. Traci Gregory or 1-304-558-3119.