Lesley Degree and Certificate Programs
ONLINE PROGRAMS
Certificate Programs
Autism
Emergent Technologies
Internet & Society
Mathematics in Education
Online Teaching
Science in Education
Special Education
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master's Degree Programs
Effective Teaching, K-8 Elementary Generalist
Effective Teaching, K-8 Mathematics
Individually Designed Program for Educators
Mathematics Education
Science in Education
Educational Technology
Low Residency Programs (residency takes place on Cambridge, MA, campus)
Ph.D. in Educational Studies with Specialization in Adult Learning
Ph.D. in Educational Studies with Specialization in Educational Leadership
M.S. in Ecological Teaching and Learning (residency in either Maine or Washington)
TEACHER CERTIFICATION FOR EDUCATORS in WEST VIRGINIA
Are you a current educator in West Virginia and interested in learning more about the process to add a level or an additional field to your educator certificate? If so, read more.
An endorsement is a specialization(s) and grade levels appearing on any license which designate the program areas to which the holder can be legally assigned within the public schools of West Virginia.
There are various types of teaching certificates for a West Virginian educator, a few of which are described below:
An Initial Professional Teaching Certificate may be issued to a person who has completed:
- The general requirements for teacher licensure
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or a master’s degree if required) through a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Completed all state required praxis exams
Conditions for issuance (Individuals must have completed and show evidence of the following):
- Must have completed an institution of higher education’s state approved program which includes the recommendation of the designated official at school OR
- Must meet all requirements for out-of-state-applicants OR
- Meet all guidelines for alternative routes to certification
Validity Period - no more than three years.
An Initial First-Class/Full-Time Permit for Professional Teaching or Student Support Personnel may be granted to an individual employed for a specific assignment who has completed the following:
- The general requirements for teacher licensure
- A minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or a master’s degree if required) through a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Conditions of Issuance:- For all endorsement areas except school psychologist, verification by the designated official at the institution of higher education through which the program is being completed that the applicant has completed 25% or six semester hours, whichever is greater, of the state approved program in the specialization(s) for which the permit is requested is required. For the endorsement area of school psychologist, verification by the designated official at the institution of higher education through which the program is being completed that the applicant has completed 70% of the state approved program in the specialization for which the permit is requested is required; AND
- Submission of the Professional Commitment verifying the applicant’s enrollment in the state approved program is required; AND
- The individual receive the recommendation of the county superintendent verifying that the applicant is the most qualified candidate for the position, and has been hired for the position.
Validity period - valid for one school year and shall expire on June 30. An educator employed on or after January 1 may be issued a permit valid until June 30 of the following school year.
A Permanent Teaching Certificate may be issued to an individual who has completed the following:
- The general requirements for licensure AND
- An Initial Professional Teaching Certificate valid for three years, converted the certificate to a five year certificate and renewed the five year certificate 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.
Should you have additional questions on your educator certificate, contact the West Virginia Department of Education.
Authorization and Educator Licensure
Authorization: Lesley University is not required to seek authorization to operate in West Virginia based on Lesley's current activity within this state, as determined by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.
Educator Licensure: Higher education authorization and educator certification approval are separate entities. For more information on educator certification, visit the West Virginia Department of Education.
Faculty Spotlight
Elizabeth Stringer Keefe
Assistant Professor
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