West Virginia Teacher Certification

So you want to earn your West Virginia Teacher Certification? Here are the step by step instructions to get started:

Traditional Approach for the West Virginia Teacher Certification

1. Earn your Bachelors Degree or higher from an accredited university. If you already have a bachelors degree, then be sure to request more information for your Master’s Degree right away
2. Teacher Preparations: This will include teacher prep courses, student teaching, and other types of internships. In order to receive a West Virginia Teacher Certification, you must have some experience in teaching, even if it’s unpaid.
3. Pass the following exams
   1. Praxis I
   2. Praxis II
4. Order fingerprint cards from the stmward@access.k12.wv.us and complete a background check by filing out Form 7
5. Complete Form B (unless your employed by the West Virginia School District
6. Submit the following:
   • Completed Application
   • Official Transcripts of all degrees and credits you have earned
   • Application fees payable to West Virginia Dept. of Education
   • Mail to
     West Virginia Department of Education
     Office of Professional Preparation
     Building 6, Room 252
     1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
     Charleston, WV 25305
     (304) 558-7010
7. Do you want to renew your West Virginia Teacher Certification?
   • Apply for your renewal

Alternative Approach for a West Virginia Teacher Certification

Alternatively, you can still teach in West Virginia before you complete the teacher education program.

1. Obviously you must still earn your Bachelors Degree from an accredited university. Ideally, you should always continue your education in efforts to earn a Master’s degree.
2. Employed by West Virginia School District
3. Pass the following exams
   1. Praxis I
   2. Praxis II
4. Order fingerprint cards from the stmward@access.k12.wv.us and complete a background check by filing out Form 7
5. Complete Application
6. Call (304) 558-7010

Photo by Forest Wander on Flickr.com