West Virginia · Career guide

How to become a Elementary Teacher in West Virginia

Elementary teachers (typically K-5 or K-6 depending on the state) deliver self-contained instruction across all core subjects. Hiring competition varies — popular metro districts can have dozens of applicants per opening, while rural and high-poverty districts often run staffing fairs to recruit. Bilingual / dual-language certification can dramatically expand opportunity.

See 480 elementary teaching jobs open in West Virginia →

Certification path in West Virginia

  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
  2. Pass the required exams. West Virginia typically requires:
    • Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying ACT/SAT/GRE scores) — Basic academic skills
    • Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your certification area

    Most states issue a generic elementary license (K-6 or K-8). Adding a content endorsement (e.g. middle-grades math) expands grade-level placement options.

  3. Apply for your initial license through West Virginia Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit West Virginia Department of Education →
  4. Job-search in West Virginia.Browse current elementary teaching openings across West Virginia districts. Apply directly to each district's careers page — no platform fees.

Alternative pathways in West Virginia

If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, West Virginia offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:

  • Temporary Authorization to Teach: Issued in shortage areas while seeking certification
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) authorization
  • Teach For America (active in southern West Virginia)

West Virginia salary context

Average teacher salary in West Virginia: $50,162/year (rank #50 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $34,000/year.

Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full West Virginia salary guide for the breakdown.

Full West Virginia certification guideAll license tiers, alt routes, and reciprocity from other states.West Virginia salary guidePay schedule, COL context, top-paying districts.West Virginia teacher shortageWhich subjects are in shortage status — and the loan-forgiveness eligibility.