Teaching Math in West Virginia

To John Denver, West Virginia was “almost Heaven.” and the rolling Appalachian Mountains running through the state seem to embody this sentiment. If you enjoy folk music and quaint mountain towns with a unique culture, than West Virginia just might be the perfect match for you. This state is not without financial perks, as the median home cost is less than $100,000, and the cost of living is a whopping 14 percent below the national average. West Virginia reported a shortage in math teachers in 2014-15, so come to “The Mountain State,” where opportunity meets need and excitement abounds.

Math Teacher Certification in West Virginia

Math Teaching Qualifications

West Virginia requires certified teachers to hold a bachelor’s degree, complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass all required professional teaching examinations.

Credentials & Exams

• Initial Teaching Certificate: The general requirements for teacher licensure are a bachelor’s degree and passage of the state mandated examinations.
• Permanent Teaching Certificate: The general requirements for teacher licensure are an Initial Teaching Certificate (valid for three years), which is then converted to a five year certificate and renewed twice OR demonstrate five years teaching experience in the endorsed area(s) and hold a master’s degree in an area related to the public school program.
• First Class Full-Time Permit: For individuals currently pursuing a certification who hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, have completed 25 percent or six semester hours (whichever is greater) of credit in an approved program of specialization, and are enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
• Temporary Teaching Certificate (Reciprocity): Candidates must meet the general requirements for licensure and successfully complete an out-of-state approved teacher education program.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

• Alternative Professional Teaching Certificate: This route requires applicants to fulfill the general requirements for teacher licensure and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the area in which you are seeking certification. Applicants must also meet the proficiency scores on the Praxis I and II (or qualify for an exemption of the Praxis I) and achieve a passing score on the Praxis II. Candidates may also provide acceptable documentation if the content area does not have a competency exam. You must also be offered employment in a shortage area and be enrolled in an 18 semester hour WVDE approved alternative route certification program.
• West Virginia also offers several other alternative programs to becoming a teacher, including: an approved post-baccalaureate’s teaching certification program, a master’s degree in the art of teaching through an approved personnel preparation program, a Transition to Teaching program for those switching their careers, a Troops to Teachers program for qualifying veterans.