Become a Teacher

To teach in West Virginia, the state requires that you complete an accredited, state-approved teacher preparation program and pass the required PRAXIS tests. WVU teacher candidates are also required to complete and pass an edTPA website, a nationally-scored teacher performance assessment.

Teacher Preparation Programs Leading to Initial Teacher Certification:

• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
• STEM: science, technology, engineering and math
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
  Preschool Special Needs, Pre-K - K, online
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural & Extension Education
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education
• Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Music in Music Education
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Kinesiology
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies/Secondary Education
• Master of Arts in Education and Teacher Certification Program
  Elementary and Secondary
• Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education

Advanced Teacher Education Programs

• Master of Arts in Literacy Education
  
• Reading Specialist, PreK-Adult
• Master of Arts in Elementary Mathematics Specialist
• Elementary Mathematics Specialist, K-6

Background Check Information and Procedures

If you are located in West Virginia, you may schedule an appointment for a fingerprinting/background check with IDENTOGO online at uenroll.identogo.com or you may schedule via telephone at (855) 766-7746. You will need the Service Code you will receive via email once the West Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Certification receives your application. Use the following step-by-step directions to schedule an appointment online:

1. Visit uenroll.identogo.com
2. Enter the Service Code you received via email from the West Virginia Department of Education
3. Select “Schedule or Manage Appointment”
4. Enter your information as required in the next several screens
5. Search for the closest enrollment center to schedule your appointment
6. Select your center of choice
7. Select date and time for appointment
8. Review your information
9. Students can use debit, credit, check or money order at the LiveScan facility. (CASH IS NOT ACCEPTED)

If you are located outside of West Virginia and cannot make it to a WV IdentoGo LiveScan fingerprint location, please see West Virginia Department of Education for instructions, WVDE Fingerprinting Instructions

Questions? Contact Michelle Principe, Certification Specialist at michelle.principe@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3983.