Professional Learning Framework

The Office of Educator Preparation (OEP) supports a network for professional learning by offering multiple pathways for county leaders to provide continual professional growth for teachers. OEP offers:

• virtual sessions
• face-to-face sessions
• customized sessions for individual counties

Topics on This Page:

• Teacher Academy
• Mentor Training
• National Board Certification

Teacher Academy (2024-2025)

The West Virginia Department of Education will provide eligible West Virginia teachers with an opportunity for professional learning through the Teacher Academy. Participants will be provided with research-based strategies and improve their professional practice. Two options will be available, a blended model and online course. The blended model consists of a three-day in-person training at the request of individual counties and a self-paced online book study or teachers can complete a self-paced online course through the WV Learns platform.

Eligible Participants

• Beginning teachers required to complete a Beginning Educator Induction program
• Teachers who are transitioning to teaching from other career paths
• Teachers required to meet the obligations of a focused plan of support

Option 1: WVDE Teacher Academy Blended Model

The blended model will be offered to individual counties upon request. It will include three days of in-person professional learning and a self-paced online book study. The sessions will be held in the county and will include county specific employees and teachers from surrounding counties invited by the hosting county if space is available. Each county will choose one course from each of the available menus.

The self-paced online book study will be available through the WV Learns platform. A county may choose to complete the book study in-person during monthly Beginning Teacher meetings. Please note, if a county chooses to complete the book study in person, they will provide paperwork to guarantee attendance and completion of book study assignments to the WVDE for review and approval before grades are submitted. Books will be purchased by the individual county. A registration link will be provided by the individual county.

Books will be purchased by the individual county.

Upon completion of the WVDE Teacher Academy blended model, participants will be eligible for three non-degree credits from a participating institute of higher education at a reduced cost. These credits can be applied for both certificate renewal hours and salary advancement.

Session descriptions will be provided upon request.

Option 2: WVDE Teacher Academy WV Learns Course

The WVDE Teacher Academy WV Learns eLearning course 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. The course will be self-paced and equivalent to a 45-hour course (3 credits).

Some of the key topics included are the following:

• Classroom Management
• Classroom Culture versus Climate
• Understanding Intellectual/cognitive, social, and emotional development
• Effective Communication
• Defining and Understanding Trauma

Upon completion of the WVDE Teacher Academy WV Learns course, participants will be eligible for three non-degree credits from a participating institute of higher education at a reduced cost. These credits can be applied for both certificate renewal hours and salary advancement. The WV Learns platform offers participants an additional option of earning credits that can be applied towards renewal hours only at no cost. The credits will be applied to certificate renewal hours but cannot be applied to salary advancement.

Course Descriptions Are Available Upon Request.

Teachers that are eligible include:

• 1st year teachers required to complete the Beginning Educator Induction Program
• Teachers who are transitioning to teaching from other career paths
• Teachers required to meet the obligations of a focused plan of support

The WVDE will provide a link to the eligible participants after county verification. Please see email below if you wish to register or have any questions.

Contact Information

Dr. Bridget Phillips, Coordinator, WVDE Office of Educator Preparation, at bridget.phillips@k12.wv.us for additional information.

Teacher Academy Related Policy

WV Code 3 Code 18-A-3C-3:

Article 3C Improving Teaching and Learning

18-A-3C-3 Comprehensive System for Teacher and Leader Induction

Code allows for local level implementation of professional learning and addresses the WV SIPP plans.

(a) “…the comprehensive systems of support shall incorporate support for improved professional performance that begins with meaningful assistance for beginning teachers and leaders and also is targeted on deficiencies identified through the educator personnel evaluation process and other professional development+ needs identified in the strategic plans for continuous improvement of schools and school systems.”

Access the full document for WV Code 3 Code 18-A-3C-3.

Policy 5500:

West Virginia Support for Improved Professional Practice (WVSIPP) Step 7D money.

2.1. “The purpose of this rule is to assist the coordination, development, and evaluation of high-quality professional learning programs for West Virginia educators. In addition, the rule also outlines the allocation methodology for state aid funding appropriated to support county-level implementation of comprehensive systems for teacher and leader induction and professional growth.”

Access the full document for Policy 5500.

Policy 5202:

Addresses beginning educator induction and the importance of providing support from mentors, coaches, etc. to teachers in their first year or two of entering the profession.

“A comprehensive system of support for classroom teachers designed to assist the educator during the first year or two of employment by providing a mentor, academic coach, or other professional support personnel or programs to guide her/him during the transition to a new job assignment and to promote professional growth, in accordance with W. Va. Code §18A-3C-3.”

Access the full document for Policy 5202.

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.

Did you know?

Teachers who receive effective support in their first few years of teaching are most likely to remain in the profession and become the committed, caring, quality educators of tomorrow.

Session Description (Teacher Mentor Training – Days 1 – 2)

Experienced educators wishing to serve as mentor teachers during the 2023-24 school year are encouraged to participate in this professional learning session. This session is geared toward experienced teachers who will work as mentors for new teachers. Both those who have never attended mentor AND/OR those who attended mentor training prior to fall 2006 are invited to attend.

Mentors will receive training based on the New Teacher Center’s Foundations in Mentoring. This model focuses on the knowledge, skills, and understandings for those who mentor new teachers. The mentor training is guided by the belief that learning to teach is a career-long developmental process that involves a continuous cycle of planning, teaching, and reflecting. Some of the key concepts included are the following:

• Creating a Vision of Quality Teaching
• Defining Mentoring Roles
• Identifying New Teachers’ Needs
• Building an Effective Mentoring Relationship
• Selecting Support Strategies
• Establishing an Environment for Professional Growth
• Highlighting the Role of Professional Standards in mentoring

Virtual Session

Dates Available (You will choose one, two-day session below):

• March 18 -19, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• June 24 - 25, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• July 30 - 31, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• August 20 - 21, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• September 24 - 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• October 21 - 22, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Session Location: Virtual live meetings through Microsoft Teams. You will receive instructions sent to your K12 email address approximately one week prior to the session.

Materials:

• Handouts: Materials will be distributed in a digital format prior to the session.
• Book: It is highly recommended (but not required) that individuals or counties purchase the book Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for teaching, 2nd Edition as a companion to the training.

Cost: Free

Virtual Mentor Session Registration

For more information regarding these supports, please contact Dr. Bridget Phillips, Coordinator, WVDE Educator Development & Support Services, at bridget.phillips@k12.wv.us.

Mentor Training Related Policy

WV Code 3 Code 18-A-3C-3:

Article 3C Improving Teaching and Learning

18-A-3C-3 Comprehensive System for Teacher and Leader Induction

Code allows for local level implementation of a comprehensive system of support for beginning teachers with its foundations in providing sound educational practices.

(c)  “Effective for the school year beginning July 1, 2018, and thereafter, a county board is not eligible to receive state funding appropriated for the purposes of this section or any other provision of law related to beginning teacher and principal internships and mentor teachers and principals unless it has adopted a plan for implementation of a comprehensive system of support for improving professional practice, the plan has been verified by the state board as meeting the requirements of this section and the county is implementing the plan.”

Access the full document for WV Code 3 Code 18-A-3C-3.

Policy 5500:

West Virginia Support for Improved Professional Practice (WVSIPP) Step 7D money.

2.1. “The purpose of this rule is to assist the coordination, development, and evaluation of high-quality professional learning programs for West Virginia educators. In addition, the rule also outlines the allocation methodology for state aid funding appropriated to support county-level implementation of comprehensive systems for teacher and leader induction and professional growth.”

Access the full document for Policy 5500.

Policy 5202:

Addresses beginning educator induction and the importance of providing support from mentors, coaches, etc. to teachers in their first year or two of entering the profession.

“A comprehensive system of support for classroom teachers designed to assist the educator during the first year or two of employment by providing a mentor, academic coach, or other professional support personnel or programs to guide her/him during the transition to a new job assignment and to promote professional growth, in accordance with W. Va. Code §18A-3C-3.”

Access the full document for Policy 5202.

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

To access a printable version of the National Board Certification Process, please download the National Board Certification flyer (PDF).

The NBC Process

The National Board Certification program includes four certification components that can be completed over a three-year period. All candidates participating in this support program will be working on and receiving support for components 2 and 3.

• Component 1: Content Knowledge Assessment – computer-based assessment
• Component 2: Differentiation in Instruction – samples of student work and an accompanying written commentary
• Component 3: Teaching Practice and Learning – classroom-based portfolio entry that requires video recording(s) of interactions between you and your students. A written commentary in which you describe, analyze and reflect on your teaching and interactions will also be submitted.
• Component 4: Effective and Reflective Practitioners – evidence of your impact across your professional responsibilities as an educator including your students, peers, and community

National Board Incentives

• Fee-Support: West Virginia will reimburse first-time candidates half of the application fees upon payment to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and the remainder of the application fees upon completion and submission of components. Teachers that achieve certification can also apply for an additional $600 for extra expenses.
• Stipends: West Virginia provides an annual state salary bonus of $3,500 for classroom teachers who hold a valid certificate from the NBPTS and are employed in a West Virginia public school, and an additional $2,000 for teachers working in a persistently low performing school.
  • In order for a teacher to qualify for the additional $2,000 supplement for teaching in a persistently low performing school, the follow criteria must be met:
    • National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) must hold an active certification from NBPTS.
    • NBCTs must complete the WVDE Mentor Training.
    • NBCTs must serve in the capacity of a mentor to support other teachers in the school.
    • The designation of persistently low performing schools is determined by the WVDE Finance Office. A list is provided to each county.
  • Many county school districts provide additional support and/or salary supplements.
• Candidate Support: The West Virginia Department of Education provides teachers with a yearlong cycle of support at no cost to candidates beginning with in-person professional learning for teachers to become familiar with the NBPTS process, standards, and expectations of the program. Continued support will be provided throughout the first year in the form of county cohorts or one-to-one mentoring from an active NBCT. Graduate credit for participation in the support cohorts or mentor support is optional for a nominal fee. All teachers must attend the in-person professional learning to be eligible for support (see below for more details).

To access a printable version of the National Board Incentives, please download the National Board Financial Incentives sheet (PDF).

National Board Certification Awareness and Support

National Board Certification Awareness

This session serves as an introduction to the NBC process with detailed information about the expectations and commitment required.

• June 10, 2025 at Holiday Inn, Charleston, WV (Southern Session)
• July 7, 2025 at Waterfront Marriott, Morgantown, WV (Northern Session)

National Board Certification Support

This session supports educators pursuing NBC. It provides insight and strategies on the process to help educators to be more successful.

• June 11-12, 2025 at Holiday Inn, Charleston, WV (Southern Session)
• July 8-9, 2025 at Waterfront Marriott, Morgantown, WV (Northern Session)

Southern Session Registration

Northern Session Registration

National Board Certification Maintenance of Certification (formerly Renewal)

This session supports educators who are looking to renew their National Board Certification. The session will provide valuable information about the maintenance of certification process from logistics and timelines to rubrics and guidelines for successfully maintaining National Board Certification.

Date: FALL 2025 – Date TBD 

To access information about the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification process, please visit the NBPTS website.

To apply for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification and related fee reimbursements, please visit the Office of Certification’s application forms page.

Did you know?

• As of 2023, 1,218 educators received NBC in West Virginia.
• West Virginia is ranked 14th in the country for the percentage of NBCTs that are a part of the educator population.
• West Virginia is ranked 25th in the country for the number of NBCTs that are part of the educator population.

For a complete listing of National Board statistics please download the National Board Fact Sheet (PDF).

See the 2024 class of new NBCTs as well as those who earned their maintenance of certification.

National Board Certification Related Policy

Policy 5202

Addresses advanced credentials, reimbursements, and salary supplements associated with National Board Certification.

Access the full document for Policy 5202.

WVBoE Policy 5202, section 126-136-23.5.f.

23.5.f. Reimbursement for NBPTS program fees shall be processed in the following stages in accordance with the provisions of W. Va. Code §18A-4-2a(d): one-half the certification fee shall be paid for reimbursement once to each teacher who enrolls in the program for NBPTS certification; and one–half the certification fee shall be paid for reimbursement once to each teacher who completes and submits all four components and other program requirements to the NBPTS for final scoring; and teachers who achieve NBPTS board certification may be reimbursed a maximum of $600.00 for expenses actually incurred while completing the certification process, with any subsidy funding received to be considered as partial or complete payment of this amount. Additionally, renewal fee reimbursement is available for each successful renewal of the certification as verified by the NBPTS. A request for fee reimbursement must be received by the WVDE no later than June 15 of any fiscal year.

Access the full document for WVBoE Policy 5202.

WV Code Section 18A-4-2a(d)

18A-4-2a. State minimum salary bonus for classroom teachers with national board certification.

(d) For initial certification, one half of the certification fee shall be paid for reimbursement once to each teacher who enrolls submits satisfactory evidence to the West Virginia Department of Education of enrollment in the program for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification and as verified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The remaining one half of the certification fee shall be paid for reimbursement once to each teacher who completes submits satisfactory evidence to the West Virginia Department of Education of completion of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification Completion shall be defined as the completion of ten scorable entries, as verified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Teachers who achieve National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification may be reimbursed a maximum of $600 for expenses actually incurred while obtaining the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification.

Access the full document for WV Code Section 18A-4-2a(d).