Instructions for Substitute Teacher Certification

Getting started

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (2.0 or higher GPA) is required to substitute teach in Wood County Schools.

Enroll and complete the WVDE Policy 5202 coursework to become a substitute teacher.

Visit Canvas (formerly WV Learns), https://wvde.instructure.com to enroll (this course is provided at no cost). The course is named Initial Substitute Online Training.

image of substitute teacher with child books in background

During this time, complete the following steps:

  1. Send an official university transcript to Stephanie Cunningham at stephanie.cunningham@k12.wv.us or by US mail to 1210 13th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101. An official transcript is required when applying for certification through the WVDE.

  2. Go to https://wvde.us/certification/certification-info/application-forms/. If you’ve never held a West Virginia certificate previously, a Form 7 (fingerprint background check) is also required. You cannot get your background check until after all the paperwork required for application is submitted by the county board of education to WVDE, because a code from the WVDE is necessary to obtain the background check.

  3. Complete online Form 2L for a Long-Term Substitute Permit upon Completion of the Initial Substitute.

  4. Apply to be a substitute teacher in Wood County. Visit our 'Careers' webpage.

  5. Once your substitute permit is approved by the state, we will be in touch with you.

Instructions for alternative teaching certification

Applicants for Alternative Certification in Wood County must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

  1. Go to www.teachwv.com and select Option 3.

  2. Select a program option in which to enroll (fees required) and follow those program guidelines, including passing the required Praxis exams.

  3. Upon completion of the program guidelines, you will be eligible to apply for an alternative teaching certificate.