What You Need to Teach Elementary School in West Virginia
To teach elementary school in West Virginia, you need a bachelor's degree, completion of an approved teacher preparation program, and a teaching certificate issued by the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts (WVDOE). The state does not require you to have your degree in education specifically — you can major in any subject — but you must complete coursework in education, child development, and teaching methods, and you must pass the required exams before you can stand in front of a classroom.
West Virginia recognizes several pathways to certification. The most common is a traditional four-year bachelor's degree program at a West Virginia university that includes teacher preparation built in. An alternative route exists for people who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field and want to teach: you can complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, which typically takes one to two years. Both routes lead to the same certificate and the same job prospects.
Key Takeaways
- You must earn a bachelor's degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program — either as part of your degree or afterward if you already have one.
- West Virginia requires you to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) exam and the Praxis Elementary Education content exam before certification.
- Traditional four-year university programs and post-baccalaureate programs both lead to the same teaching certificate and are equally recognized by schools.
- After certification, you must complete a mentorship program during your first year of teaching, which most school districts provide.
- The state has ongoing teacher shortages in certain subjects and rural areas, which can affect job availability depending on where you want to teach.
The Bachelor's Degree and Teacher Preparation Program Route
If you are starting from high school or early college, a four-year bachelor's degree program at a West Virginia university is the straightforward path. Universities like West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Concord University all offer elementary education degree programs that combine general education coursework with education-specific classes. During these four years, you take courses in child development, literacy instruction, mathematics education, science education, social studies education, and special education, plus you complete student teaching — a semester or full year where you work in an actual elementary classroom under the supervision of a mentor teacher.
Student teaching is not optional and not a formality. You will spend full days in a classroom, gradually taking on more responsibility for planning and delivering lessons. Your mentor teacher and a university supervisor will observe you multiple times and evaluate your performance. This experience is where you learn whether teaching is actually the right fit for you, and it is also where schools often first notice strong candidates and may offer them jobs before graduation.
The cost of a four-year degree varies significantly. In-state tuition at West Virginia public universities ranges from roughly $6,000 to $8,000 per year, while private universities cost more. Many students use federal student loans, state grants, or scholarships to cover these costs. Some West Virginia counties offer loan forgiveness or signing bonuses for teachers who commit to working in their schools, particularly in high-need subjects or rural areas — ask your university's education department or your county school district about these programs.
The Post-Baccalaureate Route for Career Changers
If you already have a bachelor's degree in any subject, you do not need to earn another one. Instead, you can enroll in a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, sometimes called a "post-bacc" or alternative certification program. These programs compress the education coursework and student teaching into one to two years of full-time or part-time study. West Virginia universities and some private providers offer these programs.
Post-baccalaureate programs still require student teaching, and the length varies. Some programs ask you to complete coursework first and then do a semester of student teaching; others weave coursework and teaching together. The time commitment is real — you may be taking evening classes while working, or you may need to step back from work entirely for a semester. However, you emerge with the same teaching certificate as someone who completed a four-year degree, and employers do not distinguish between the two routes.
Cost for post-baccalaureate programs is typically lower than a full bachelor's degree because you are not paying for four years of general education. Expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the program and whether you attend full-time or part-time. Some employers, including school districts themselves, offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships for people who commit to teaching in their schools.
Passing the Required Exams
Before the West Virginia Department of Education will issue your teaching certificate, you must pass two Praxis exams. The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE) test measures your competency in reading, writing, and mathematics — essentially, it confirms you have the foundational skills to teach these subjects to children. The Praxis Elementary Education exam tests your knowledge of elementary curriculum across all subjects: reading and language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies.
You can take these exams while you are still in your teacher preparation program, and most programs build exam preparation into their coursework. You must pass both exams before you graduate or complete your post-baccalaureate program. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam — there is no limit on attempts, but each attempt costs a fee (currently around $150 per exam). Many teacher preparation programs offer study groups, practice tests, and tutoring to help you prepare.
Scores are reported to the West Virginia Department of Education automatically once you pass. You do not need to submit them yourself. Keep in mind that exam scores are valid for a set period; if you do not complete your certification within that window, you may need to retake the exams. Your university or program coordinator will track these important date for you.
explore for Your West Virginia Teaching Certificate
Once you have completed your teacher preparation program and passed both Praxis exams, your university or program will submit your certification paperwork to the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts. You do not submit it yourself — the institution handles this. The WVDOE reviews your transcripts, exam scores, and program completion documentation and issues your teaching certificate, usually within a few weeks.
Your certificate will specify the grade levels and subjects you are certified to teach. An elementary education certificate typically covers kindergarten through sixth grade and all elementary subjects. If you want to teach a specific subject at the middle or high school level, you would need a different certification path.
Once you have your certificate in hand, you are legally permitted to teach in West Virginia public schools. You can begin job hunting when ready. Many teachers are hired in the spring for the following school year, so timing your certification with the hiring cycle helps, but schools hire throughout the year when positions open.
The First-Year Mentorship Requirement
West Virginia requires all newly certified teachers to complete a mentorship program during their first year of teaching. Your school district will assign you a mentor — an experienced teacher in your school or district — who will observe your teaching, provide feedback, and help you navigate the first year. This is a support system, not an evaluation for your job, though your principal will still formally evaluate your performance.
The mentorship program typically involves monthly meetings with your mentor, classroom observations, and reflection on your teaching. Some districts structure this more formally than others, but the expectation is consistent: you will have someone to turn to when you have questions about classroom management, curriculum, parent communication, or school procedures. This requirement exists because the first year of teaching is genuinely difficult, and the state recognizes that new teachers benefit from structured support.
Finding a Teaching Job in West Virginia
West Virginia has experienced teacher shortages in recent years, particularly in rural counties and in subjects like mathematics, science, special education, and English as a second language. This means that in some areas and subjects, schools are actively recruiting and may hire you quickly. In other areas or subjects, competition for positions is tighter.
Most West Virginia school districts post job openings on their websites and on the state's job portal. You can also contact your county school district's human resources office directly to ask about openings and submit your resume. Some districts hold job fairs in the spring. Networking with teachers and administrators during your student teaching placement often leads to job offers — many teachers are hired by the schools where they student-taught.
Starting salary for elementary teachers in West Virginia varies by county but typically ranges from $30,000 to $35,000 for a bachelor's degree holder with no experience. Salary increases with experience and education level (such as earning a master's degree). The state teacher retirement system is separate from Social Security, so understand how that affects your long-term planning if you are coming from another career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I teach in West Virginia with a teaching certificate from another state?
Yes. West Virginia has reciprocity agreements with most states, meaning your out-of-state certificate can be converted to a West Virginia certificate. You will need to submit your original certificate, transcripts, and proof of passing the required exams to the West Virginia Department of Education. The process usually takes a few weeks. Contact the WVDOE directly for the specific documents your state requires.
Do I need a master's degree to teach elementary school in West Virginia?
No. A bachelor's degree and completion of a teacher preparation program are sufficient to teach and to earn your certificate. However, many teachers pursue a master's degree later for salary advancement or to specialize in areas like special education or reading instruction. Some districts offer tuition information for teachers who earn a master's degree.
What if I do not pass the Praxis exam on my first try?
You can retake the exam as many times as needed. There is no limit on attempts, though each attempt requires a new fee. Most teacher preparation programs provide study resources and tutoring to help you prepare for a second attempt. If you are struggling, talk to your program coordinator about what support is available.
Are there loan forgiveness programs for teachers in West Virginia?
Yes, several exist. The federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program forgives federal student loans after ten years of teaching in a public school. Additionally, some West Virginia counties and individual school districts offer signing bonuses or loan repayment information for teachers who commit to working in their schools, especially in high-need areas or subjects. Ask your county school district about these programs when you are hired.
Can I teach part-time or substitute teach while I complete my certification?
You can substitute teach with a bachelor's degree and a substitute teaching permit, which is easier to obtain than a full teaching certificate. This gives you classroom experience and income while you complete your teacher preparation program. However, you cannot hold a full-time teaching position without your certificate. Some teacher preparation programs allow you to work as a substitute while enrolled, which can help pay for the program.