Become a Teacher in West Virginia - WV

• West Virginia Teacher Certification - Program Information
  
  
• Step by step instructions - West Virginia Teacher Certification, Certification Renewal and much more

At $38,360^*, West Virginia was ranked 46^th 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