Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in West Virginia
Early Childhood Education is one area where our nation lags behind the rest of the developed world. Only 54% of children in the United States are enrolled in preschool, compared to 80% for the rest of the world. We trail even Chile and Mexico in how we prepare our youngest children.
However, in 2018, Congress allocated 5.2 billion dollars to subsidize childcare for lower income families. This represents nearly a 100% increase in government spending for this vital service. Given West Virginia's 2002 resolution to provide preschool for all children by 2012-13, the state is still experiencing extended development in early childhood education. In short, it's a great time to be a preschool or kindergarten teacher in West Virginia.
West Virginia Steps to Follow for Teachers
West Virginia teachers follow a fairly standard route to teaching. First, you should attend an accredited, approved teacher/educator preparation program in one of West Virginia's many colleges and universities. Prior to enrolling, make sure that your school's education department will support your goals. That is, not every school will prepare you to teach Pre-k through Kindergarten. The West Virginia Department of Education provides a list of approved programs, sorted according to the specific licensure for which the department has approved them.
Step 1. Earn Your Degree
The West Virginia Department of Education calls education for preK-3, Early Education. You should look for a program that provides this specialty area. You also need to be sure that the school you choose provides a teacher preparation program. Don’t get a degree that doesn’t come with the preparation program, or you won’t be ready to take your tests when you finish your college courses. Currently, the state has several active programs in this specialty. However, given Congress' cash infusion into Early Education, this might increase soon.
You will have to have a bachelor’s degree to teach in a preschool program, but if you want to work in a preschool/daycare program you’ll only need an associate degree and proof that you are working toward a teaching certificate.
As you study, you might take courses such as:
Human Development
Educational Technology
Exceptional Childre
Learning Theory
Classroom Management
Student Teaching Experience
Step 2. Pass Your Exams
West Virginia requires that you take and pass PRAXIS examinations to qualify for your teaching credentials. Every teacher will have to take the Core Academic Skills for Educators and Principles of Learning and Teaching exams.
If you wish to teach Pre-kindergarten students in the state, you'll need to pass the test titled, Pre-Kindergarten Education. The test is broken down into five content categories that you should master as you work through your bachelor's degree. Those categories are:
Early Childhood Development
Teaching and Supporting Diverse Children
Creating a Developmentally Appropriate Learning Environment
Teaching and Learning
Professionalism, Family, and Community
On the other hand, if you wish to teach Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, West Virginia requires that you take two other PRAXIS tests: Early Childhood Education and Teaching Reading: Elementary Education.
Early Childhood Education covers six content categories:
Language and Literacy
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Health and Physical Education
Creative and Performing Arts
Teaching Reading: Elementary Education covers three main content categories:
Assessment and Diagnostic Teaching of Reading
Reading Development
Writing in Support of Reading
Step 3. License Maintenance, Standards, and Qualifications
Teachers in West Virginia must engage in continuing education by completing 15 hours per year, helping them keep up-to-date with teaching technology, research, and techniques.
To ensure that you land the best job, you will need to provide character references, a background check, and any applicable experience. If you have done any teaching or assistant teaching for a private daycare or preschool, make sure that you have this on your resume. If you are just starting to work in a pre-k facility, make sure you start documenting your experience. Keep student names confidential but try to chart their progress as you go. This will provide you with loads of information to share in an interview.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Pursue a Rewarding Career as an Early Childhood Educator
Your career in Early Childhood or Elementary Education can take many different routes. As a teacher, you can add various endorsements as your career progresses. These will enable you to engage with specific populations and facilitate their learning and growth. Later in your career, you can also take your knowledge and experience and help future educators achieve the same levels of excellence. Alternately, you could rise into administration and help create and implement curriculum changes, as well as shape policy for your school and district.
Education is more than a mere job. It's a career that will engulf you in all the best ways. You will find that your workday is full of hilarious or enlightening moments. Watching a child's eyes light up when she first grasps a concept or seeing the flush of pride upon turning in a completed workbook are the sorts of compensation that are unreachable in most other professions. With that said, you will be happy to note that West Virginia teachers recently earned a pay raise.
Your teaching career is moments away. Find the teacher preparation program that suits you best and apply today!
Accredited West Virginia Programs
Initial Professional Teacher:
This will be your first teaching credential. It indicates that you have an appropriate bachelor's degree, have passed a PRAXIS II subject test, and have met all other requirements. This license will cover your first three years in the classroom. You’ll have to finish your Beginner Educator Internship to renew this license or upgrade to the next.
Temporary Teacher:
This is for teachers moving to West Virginia from out of the state or nation. For this credential, you'll have completed the requirements to teach in a different jurisdiction but have not yet transferred your credentials to West Virginia.
Permanent Teacher:
After your Initial Professional Teacher license, you will need to renew two five-year licenses before you are considered a Permanent Teacher. Another way to become a Permanent Teacher is to attain a Master's degree in your specialty area and teach that subject for at least five years.
Alternative Teacher:
You can "test-in" to this position if you have passed the appropriate PRAXIS II or CORE exam and have significant life or professional experience in the subject area. For instance, if you have significant tenure working as a mechanic and pass the appropriate PRAXIS II, you might teach high school students to become mechanics.
Specialization Additional Certifications
Preschool Special Needs:
This certification allows you to teach students with a variety of learning difficulties.
Gifted and Talented:
With this credential, you can help stimulate and inspire very bright minds so that they don't become bored or disaffected with education. When these students are engaged and encouraged, there is much they can do.
Reading:
This specialty focuses on improving how students interact with the written word. Some may need extra help catching up to their grade level.
English as a Second Language:
Students from all cultures and nationalities come to West Virginia in hopes of finding a better life. With this credential, you can help them navigate an English-dominated society. If you love languages and linguistics this is a great choice.
Health Education:
Even very little ones can learn about health and the importance of eating right and exercising.
Visually Impaired:
Blind and visually impaired students need help every day to navigate the world they are growing up in. You can help them to learn braille and everyday life skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Foreign Languages:
Common wisdom is that it's easier to learn languages in our early years. Learning French, Japanese, Spanish, or some other language in preschool will set a precedence for later cognitive growth and development.
School Counselor:
Even very small kids need extra care and attention from mental health professionals. If you can help them overcome a personal or family problem, their later lives will positively reflect your work.
Deaf and Hearing Impaired:
Students who are hearing-impaired might rely on you to teach them American Sign Language. You can also work with them on lip-reading and other skills to help them navigate our aural environment.
Autism:
This seems to be a growing population. From the severely affected to more functional students, your credential will enable you to work with these kids and help them lead their best lives.
Accredited Early Childhood Educator Teacher Preparation Programs
If education is your passion, then you will need a degree from an accredited college or university. Without proper accreditation or state acknowledgment, the West Virginia State Department of Education is unlikely to grant you teaching credentials. Though most Education departments will provide the training you need to qualify for licensure, it's important to ensure that this is the case prior to enrolling. You want to start your career on-time, so research accreditation.
West Virginia Universities & Colleges with Teaching Programs
West Virginia University
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia Department of Education
NCATE
West Virginia State University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services; Master’sM
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’sM
Reading Teacher Education; Master’sM
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’sM
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia Department of Education
NCATE
West Liberty University
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia Department of Education
NCATE
Glenville State College
Degrees Offered:
Elementary Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s
Accreditation By:
Higher Learning Commission
West Virginia Department of Education
NCATE
Those curious regarding winding up being educators in West Virginia have to obtain instructor credentials before operating in the state's K-12 public education system. The West Virginia Department of Education and learning supervises the certification treatment, which is detailed below for those looking for more information on how to come to be a teacher in West Virginia. Like a great deal of states, West Virginia requires that instructors hold a bachelor's level, complete an accredited teacher prep job program, and also pass the required internet material exams.
New instructors that complete all licensure demands are released a Very first Specialist Coach Certification. After finishing an induction program as well as additionally proceeding education and learning and also knowing in public school topics, teachers might get an Expert Five-Year Training Certificate. Teachers could advance to the Permanent Specialist Training Qualification by making an Expert Certificate and also completing 5 years of effective advisor as well as acquiring a master's level.
You can situate an existing listing of authorized teacher preparation work programs by means of the TeachWV website. You can additionally contrast important metrics for these state-approved teacher prep work programs by utilizing the sortable table on our West Virginia schools page. Colleges located out-of-state or that give on the internet teacher preparation job need to be accepted by amongst the 6 local qualification companies which are managed by the Division of Education and learning and learning.
Furthermore, lots of universities try to find qualifications from the Council for the Accreditation of Instructor Prep Work (CAEP). Educator accreditation potential customers should get a bachelor's level with a regionally licensed academic company as well as finish a state-approved instructor preparation program as well as likewise be suggested for accreditation with that program.
The Method Core examination gauges essential abilities in reading, composing, as well as math, while the PLT checks out capacities particular to training along with course management. The content-specific exams examination certain content-area competence depending upon the endorsement( s) for which you intend to apply. Possible teachers in West Virginia have to undertake a criminal history background check by both the West Virginia State Cops and also Federal Bureau of Examination.
As quickly as all actions in the direction of West Virginia teacher certification have in fact been completed, applications should certainly be sent out to the state's Division of Education and learning. The normal processing time depends on 90 days as well as likewise the call for paperwork is as follows: Hooligan background check clearance. Key documents revealing evidence of bachelor's level from a regionally identified organization.
Colleges areas with openings. Various other companies to wind up being acquainted with are private establishments, Head Beginning as well as additionally Montessori organizations. Make certain to examine the youngster treatment centers in your area, as most of these facilities remain in continuous demand of highly-qualified instructors in addition to assistant teachers.
Taking into consideration that the state isn't managing your class, you can advise whatever the moms and dads will definitely allow. In a personal university configuration, you will absolutely not always require a West Virginia mentor credential. However, personal college principals will absolutely value it if you have an appropriate bachelor's degree or considerable experience in the area you desire to advise. You will probably need a West Virginia training credential to land a job with Running beginning, but this task will absolutely supply a numerous amount of full fulfillment in return. These include everything from preschool arts programs to pee-wee soccer organizations.
potentially not require a training certificate, yet a strong need to deal with kids paired with optimal experience will definitely serve you well. These programs run differently from public college financing, but they enable you additional freedom in what as well as just how you enlighten, as long as it is approved by the establishment you are aiding. Educators that desire to see.
The requirements for teaching in West Virginia include a high school diploma or an equivalent. Many school districts have a minimum number of credits required for teaching in a public elementary or high school. Teachers can earn the equivalent of a bachelor's degree with a two-year bachelor's program, including classroom experience and student education courses. Some schools also require a teacher to have a teaching certification before starting a career.
In addition to education, teachers must also pass a written test. This is called a C-SPARQ (Composite Procedure, Sexuality, and Abilities for Reading), and is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It evaluates the knowledge and skills required for an effective preschool teacher.
Teachers are also required to complete a certain number of supervised practice sessions before they apply for a teaching position. During this time, they will be asked to work alongside other students under the supervision of the principal. Each teacher will have an evaluation that will determine their performance.
For those who wish to teach at a charter school, they must meet all of the same qualifications as a primary school teacher. However, there are some differences between the requirements for charter schools and primary schools. Most charter schools in West Virginia require teachers to hold master's degrees or a combination of bachelor's and master's degrees. Additionally, charter schools will require a teacher to hold at least a three-year associate's degree.
Because many charter schools are funded by tax dollars, they are not held to the same standards as school districts. Charter schools must follow local, state, and federal regulations on hiring, firing, and discipline. Schools within charter schools may also be inspected by the Department of Education and placed on probation if they fail to meet their academic standards.
Because charter schools are funded by the community and have limited oversight, they may hire individuals who are not qualified to teach in public schools. A large portion of the funding of charter schools is provided by the state and therefore they tend to employ teachers who are not well-trained and/or have little to no prior teaching experience with public schools. Charter schools are able to keep costs down by hiring certified teachers.
There are a large number of teaching jobs available across the country in both public and private schools, but it is important to note that teaching positions are always in high demand. as people become more educated and have more children and want more opportunities to get involved in their community and education.
Teaching is always in demand, and there are always openings. Whether you want to teach at a private school, public school, charter school, or in a home-based program, there are plenty of jobs waiting for you. If you have a desire to teach and want a rewarding career in a fun and exciting job, then why not take a few days to complete an online application for teaching in West Virginia. You may just find a rewarding, high-paying career in your future!
When you apply for teaching jobs in West Virginia, it is important to note the school districts' requirements to become a preschool teacher. The West Virginia Department of Education publishes job postings and curriculum descriptions on their website, so you can find a position right away.
Requirements to be a preschool teacher in West Virginia may include having either a bachelor's degree in a related field or a high school degree. Also, you must have the appropriate state licensing or certification to teach at any public or private school. In addition, you must have strong leadership skills in order to successfully mentor younger children and build up students' self-esteem.
One of the main things that makes a difference when applying for teaching jobs is how well you know the children, and what their personalities are like. For instance, some students are quiet and don't express their feelings very often and some may even prefer not to participate in group work or participate with other students in your class.
If you have the skills and education to help your students succeed, you will have an easier time helping them with their academics and make the most of their time in the classroom. You will also have a greater understanding of your students and be able to give them the support and motivation that they need.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
Blended Preschool Programs:
A specific type of program in WV that requires fewer credentials for their teachers. These programs are part preschool and part daycare program, teaching young preschool children while providing their parents with the freedom to work during the weekday.
Public schools:
You will need a full teaching license from the state of West Virginia to teach in public schools. You will work in a classroom with students from all strata of West Virginia society. Public Schools set the standards for teachers in all other settings, so if you qualify for them then your resume should be in good standing with any other sort of school.
Private childcare:
Sometimes this occupation is called an Au Pair or Nanny. In private childcare you will work with a family's child or children. Your duties might be more functional in that you'll shuttle them between activities, or you could have a more instructional role and give them a head start on reading, writing, mathematics, and more. Since the state isn't regulating your classroom, you can teach whatever the parents will permit.
Private schools:
In a private school setting, you will not necessarily need a West Virginia teaching credential. However, private school principals will appreciate it if you have an appropriate bachelor's degree or significant experience in the field you wish to teach.
Head Start programs:
This program was started by President Kennedy to help inner city or other disadvantaged children get a proper start in life. You will probably need a West Virginia teaching credential to land a job with Head Start, but this job will provide an endless amount of satisfaction in return.
Community-based programs:
These include everything from preschool arts programs to pee-wee soccer leagues. You will probably not need a teaching license, but a strong desire to work with children coupled with appropriate experience will serve you well.
Faith-based programs:
If your faith is something you want to include in your classroom, then you should seek out a faith-based school. These programs operate separate from public school funding, but they allow you more freedom in what and how you teach, as long as it is approved by the school you are working for.
Military programs:
Teachers who want to see the world sign up to teach on military bases. You might not be able to pick your assignment, so you might end up on a base in Norfolk, Virginia. However, you could land an interesting job in Japan or even Germany. Once you attain a West Virginia teaching credential, you can apply.
Early Childhood Education Teaching Salaries in West Virginia
Preschool Teacher:
Our toddlers and pre-k students deserve the best in their formative years. Preschool teachers facilitate a strong foundation for young minds.
Elementary School Teacher:
Once you are licensed to teach elementary school, you can teach any K-6 classroom, though you will likely discover a preference for a particular grade.
Professor of Education:
If you have a lot of experience in the classroom or have achieved a qualifying master's degree to teach at the post-secondary level, you can become a professor. If you want to find a full-time tenure track job, you will probably want to achieve a doctoral degree.
School Principal:
If, after several years in the classroom, you wish to impact students from a more macro perspective, administration is for you. This position requires another PRAXIS test and you will probably want at least a master's degree to be competitive, but it's worth the effort.
Special Education Teacher:
This field is one of the most demanding and rewarding in the entire educational landscape. You will work with a broad spectrum of disabled children to help them meet the goals of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) that you have designed yourself.
ESL Teacher:
Non-English speakers need education too, and with your help they can master our dominant language and become the leaders of tomorrow.
School Psychologist:
All kids need someone to talk to when life gets hard. You can be the rock in their life, a lifeline that will help them move through to adulthood.