| State Regulations on
Coaching Authorization
The following Coaching Authorization Regulations (Title 126
Legislative Rule Series 136) were enacted in July 1997 by the West Virginia Board of
Education.
23.1 Initial Authorizations and Renewal.
23.1.1. General Criteria - An authorization may be issued to a
person who has completed:
1) the minimum degree specified in Appendix A through an
accredited institution of higher education as defined in §126-136-4.2, if applicable;
(not applicable to coaches)
2) the general requirements specified in §126-136-13.1:
General Requirements - A license to work in the public schools of
WV may be granted to an applicant who is 1) a United States citizen, 2) of good moral
character, 3) physically, mentally, and emotionally qualified to perform the duties to
which he/she is assigned, and 4) has attained the age of eighteen years
on or before the first day of October of the year in which the license is issued (WV Code
§18A-3-2a).
3) the minimum grade point average specified in §126-136-13.2,
if applicable (not applicable to coaches); and
4) the conditions for issuance specified for the specialization
for which licensure is requested. The Authorization shall be endorsed to indicate the
specialization(s) and grade levels in which the holder can be legally assigned within the
public schools.
23.1.2 Validity Period - An Authorization shall be valid for one
school year and shall expire on June 30. An applicant employed in a specialization other
than coaching on or after January 1 may be issued an Authorization valid until June 30 of
the following school year. The Authorization endorsed for coaching shall expire
June 30 of the current school year. Permanent Authorizations issued previously
shall remain in effect unless revoked for just cause.
23.1.3 Conditions for Issuance - The applicant for an
Authorization must submit evidence of satisfying the specific conditions for issuance for
the specialization for which licensure is requested.
COACHING
A. Initial Authorization - The applicant for licensure must
provide evidence of satisfying the following:
a) High School Diploma or GED - Hold a minimum of a high school
diploma or GED; and
b) Contract - Be employed under a contract with a board of
education to serve as a coach; and
c) Professional Development Activities - Complete approved
training if the sport falls within the jurisdiction of the West Virginia Secondary School
Activities Commission (WVSSAC) or approved local board of education training if the sport
is not within the jurisdiction of the WVSSAC; and
d) Recommendation of Superintendent - Receive the recommendation
of the county superintendent verifying that no currently employed, professionally licensed
educator applied for the position and the applicant is the most qualified candidate for
the position.
e) Continued Employment - A coach who previously received an
Authorization based on less than a high school diploma or GED and has had no break in
service may continue to receive an Authorization.
B. Renewal of the Authorization for Coaching - The applicant for
licensure must provide evidence of satisfying the following:
a) Contract - Be employed under a contract with a board of
education to serve as a coach; and
b) Recommendation of Superintendent - Receive the recommendation
of the county superintendent verifying that no currently employed, certified professional
educator applied for the position and the applicant is the most qualified candidate for
the position.
IMPORTANT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
INTERPRETATION
In addition to these new authorization regulations, the WVSSAC
received information regarding out-of-state education professionals who wish to coach in
West Virginia. If an individual is employed as a professional educator in an out-of-state
school system, that person must also hold a valid West Virginia Professional Teaching
Certificate if he/she wants to coach in a West Virginia school.
For questions regarding WV Coaching Certification, contact
Barbara Brazeau, Assistant Director, at the WV State Department Office of Professional
Preparation (304-558-7010).
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