State-Approved County-Based Alternative Certification Programs

We continuously strive to assist school districts in their efforts to promote, recruit, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce. W.Va. Code §18A-3-1a – §18A-3-1i (effective June 12, 2015) has created the opportunities below for school districts to recruit individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and meet the eligibility criteria to fill teacher vacancies in areas of critical need and shortage. 

Contact a school district to participate in a state-approve alternative certification program. Your chosen school district must have an approved program and you must contact them for eligibility details. Criteria includes receiving a job offer for an area with a critical need/shortage. You must also meet the requirements to hold an Alternative Teaching Certificate. After obtaining an Alternative Teaching Certificate, you can enroll into the approved alternative certification program. Once completed, you may apply for initial teacher certification.

• See the list of Alternative Certification frequently asked questions [PDF] for additional assistance.

At this time, the following alternative certification programs are approved by the West Virginia Board of Education (updated as of 9/30/2025). Select a school district to visit the county school system website and access contact information.

Alternative Teacher Certification Programs: General Education

Alternative Teacher Certification Programs: Special Education

The complete requirements of alternative certification are detailed in Policy 5901, Regulations for Alternative Certification Programs for the Education of Teachers, Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classifications, and West Virginia State Code §18A-3-1.