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:

(1) High School Diploma or GED - Hold a minimum of a high school diploma or GED; and

(2) Contract - Be employed under a contract with a board of education to serve as a coach; and

(3) 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

(4) 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.

B. Renewal of the Authorization for Coaching - The applicant for licensure must provide evidence of satisfying the following:

(1) Contract - Be employed under a contract with a board of education to serve as a coach; and

(2) 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 Karen Huffman, Director of Professional Preparation, at the WV State Department Office  (304-558-7826).