Become a Teacher in West Virginia
At $38,360*, West Virginia was ranked 46th in the nation for average teacher salaries in 2005. Yes, this is low on the scale when compared to 49 other states and Washington D.C. However, as those of you know who live in West Virginia, the cost of living is drastically reduced compared to say... New York, Connecticut and many other states who have significantly higher average salaries. On the other hand, salaries are down 0.3% from 2004. This is a much more alarming statistic. Such percentage declines typically represent the momentum of public perception toward education. It will be the job of teachers and administrators alike in West Virginia to turn the tide of the public's ambivalence.
Future West Virginia Teachers:
Beginning teachers in West Virginia are faced with an uphill battle. However, teachers are no longer battling the narrow mindedness of traditional pedagogy. West Virginia's public education fundamentals are changing just as are the fundamentals of every state in America. The necessity for educated graduates and highly qualified teachers is becoming more self-evident every year. As a beginning teacher, you must explore the resources open to you in order to greatly increase the probability of success as a teacher. Gather information on certification and advanced degree programs that will help propel your career in education.
Current West Virginia Teachers and Administrators: Experienced teachers and administrators have their work cut out for them with new, more stringent methods for new teacher mentoring and pressures for improving student achievement. However, such an environment is ripe for career advancement for those with ambition. If you are an experienced teacher or administrator in West Virginia who wishes to create mobility for your career, an ability to be the best educator you can be and also earn a more satisfying salary, West Virginia's public educational system is making enticing compensation packages for those who earn their Master's degree, PhD or Administrative Credentials from accredited universities.
* NEA 2005 Stats
All Teacher Schools
Schools offering both online and campus-based education programs in West Virginia:
Online: (or skip down to campus-based schools)
University of Phoenix Online Campus
Programs: BA, Master's, PhD, EdD, Certification
Walden University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Certification, Bachelor's, Master's
Ashford University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Certification/Licensing, Bachelor's
Western Governors University (Online)
Programs: Teacher Preparation, Bachelor's, Master's
==> Find All Online Teacher Education Schools
Campus:
Salem University
Locations: Salem (Main Campus)
Programs: Bachelor's, Master's
Steps to Become a Teacher in West Virginia
West Virginia Teaching Salaries
West Virginia Department of Education
West Virginia Teaching Jobs
Secondary Teacher Education
Early Childhood Education
Special Education
Technology Education
Administrator Education
Teacher Credentialing
Elementary Licensure
Secondary Licensure
Early Childhood Education
Leadership in Ed Administration
"I decided to go to graduate school and earn my Master of Arts in Education because I am inspired by new knowledge. I feel in order to perform my job to the best of my ability, I need to keep up with current practices and trends in the field of education."
- Sara Marvez
-- 6th grade science teacher
"Gaining my Masters degree has earned me respect from Administrators and colleagues. Also, my salary has benefitted greatly. The cost of graduate school was paid off in only a couple years."
- Thomas Bjornson
-- high school english teacher
"Postgraduate study was a personal goal of mine and completing my Masters degree has given me a great sense of personal satisfaction, it has also increased my efficiency in the classroom and my marketability in the job market."
- Janet O'Reilly
-- 8th grade social studies teacher
"I found my online courses efficient and friendly. I had a desire to go to graduate school, but I didn't want to go through the nonsense of another undergraduate degree, bumping shoulders with students a third my age who have very little understanding of real life or the benefits of real knowledge. A friend recommended online education and I haven't looked back since.
At the age of 53, I love my job more than ever. I get so much satisfaction knowing that many of my students respect me for what I do as a teacher.
I am able to face any sort of situation that arises in my classroom with complete confidence."
- Jonathan Lloyd
-- high school chemistry teacher
Average Beginning Teacher Salary:
$31,753 Average Teacher Salary: $47,602 Average Administrator Salary:
$77,740 Elementary School Principals:
$82,414 Middle School Principals:
$87,866High School Principals:
$92,965
On average, teachers with masters degrees will earn $8,000 to $10,000 more each year than those with only a bachelors degree.
Consequently, in order to attain a position as an administrator, a masters, PhD or Ed D. is required.
On average, Administrators will earn around $30,000 more each year than their hard working, teacher cohorts!
* BLS Statistics
