How to become a substitute teacher in West Virginia.

Now is the time to become a substitute teacher in West Virginia. The state has a significant teacher shortage, and substitute teachers are needed to support students when those teachers are absent from classrooms. 

Kelly Education works with hundreds of school districts across the country to recruit and hire qualified substitute teachers, so we’re the experts in helping people understand what it takes to work in schools.  

In West Virginia, substitute teachers must become certified. Depending on your previous academic and teaching experience, candidates might consider one of three permits: a Restricted Short-Term Substitute Permit, a Short-Term Substitute Teaching Permit, or a Long-Term Substitute Teaching Permit. Note that the district’s substitute teacher job description may include requirements beyond the state’s hiring conditions. 

Minimum West Virginia state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Certification: A restricted substitute teacher permit 
• Education: Associate degree (or 60 eligible hours toward completion of a bachelor’s degree) with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 
• Age: 18 years old 
• Employment verification to work in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting 
• Background check 
• Completion of county-authorized initial substitute teacher training 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has three tracks for substitute teacher permitting. All require that candidates possess an associate degree or at least 60 eligible hours toward a bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 2.0 (or C average). You must contact your preferred school district to determine which permit to pursue: 

• Restricted Short-Term Substitute Permit – Requires all of the minimum qualifications above. The restricted permit allows for one year of substitute teaching, but you may only work up to ten consecutive days in the same classroom. 
• Short-Term Substitute Teaching Permit – Valid for three years and allows 30 consecutive days in the same classroom. 
• Long-Term Substitute Teaching Permit – Requires that applicants meet additional coursework criteria within a specific academic area. Long-term permit holders qualify to teach specific grade levels/subjects. 

The WVDE has an application guide to help facilitate the process. You will be responsible for a processing fee ($35 for short-term and $50 for long-term credentials). 

Education verification.

The minimum education for substitute teachers in West Virginia is an associate degree, though many school districts prefer a bachelor’s degree. The WVDE will review transcripts to ensure completed coursework in core competencies (English, reading, writing, and mathematics) and a minimum GPA of 2.0. To verify that you meet the education qualifications, contact your institution’s registrar’s office to request official transcripts. This process can take up to a week and will typically cost a small fee. 

Employment verification.

All West Virginia substitute teachers must be eligible to work in the United States. To verify your eligibility, submit a federal I-9 form to your employing school district along with two acceptable forms of identification (such as a passport and driver’s license). 

Background check and fingerprinting.

All West Virginia substitute teacher candidates must undergo a background check and fingerprint screening. Once you complete the application for a substitute permit, the WVDE will email you instructions on making your background check and fingerprinting appointment. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are a West Virginia resident or from out-of-state. 

Training.

The state mandates that all substitute teachers engage in an approved training session. The WVDE provides three self-paced online substitute teacher training courses through Canva’s learning management system. Contact the human resources office for your local school district to determine what training you need to complete.

Getting started as a substitute teacher.

If you’ve attended college and have prior experience teaching, West Virginia wants you to consider returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher. Visit your school district website or the West Virginia Certification website to learn more! 

Have more questions about becoming a substitute teacher? Go to our Kelly Education career advice webpage to learn more about this rewarding profession. 

*Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have additional requirements, in addition to state requirements.