Learn how to become an Education Administrator or School Principal in West Virginia.

West Virginia offers 3 administrative endorsements for qualified candidates:

• School principal
• Superintendent
• Supervisor of Instruction

Academic Obligations

All administrative credentials apply to the Pre-Kindergarten to Adulthood licensure level because education administrators must be prepared to lead all education groups. The Wisconsin Department of Education (DOE) requires administrative candidates to successfully complete an education administrator preparation program from an institution accredited institution of higher learning.

A list of educator preparation programs can be found here. Programs should offer master’s degrees in educational leadership and other administrative areas, giving candidates a good foundation of school management principles.

Administrator candidates must successfully complete their administrative preparation programs with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered for licensure.

Classroom Teaching Experience Requirements

During their administration preparation programs, candidates gain valuable experience at the management level. Much like student teaching, students in administrative programs are given opportunities for the first-hand experience as school education administrators in training. Additionally, many of these programs require candidates to gain previous experience as educators to ensure they have sufficient school structure knowledge.

Administrator candidates who currently hold a valid administrative license in another state may also be considered if they have 3 years of managerial or teaching experience and have completed the Evaluation Leadership Institute program.

Assessments

To be considered for administrative licensure in West Virginia, candidates must receive a score of at least 141 on the PRAXIS Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam.

All license seekers must pass the PRAXIS I Pre-Professional Skills Test in reading, mathematics, and writing.

All exams cover educational and leadership knowledge, ensuring potential education administrators have the skills and abilities necessary to manage their schools.

Document and Application Requirements

If you meet all educational, assessment, and experience obligations, you’re qualified to apply for administrative licensure in West Virginia.

The initial step in the application process is printing and completing Form 19.

Form 19 asks applicants to list all pertinent make contact and background info, including educational institutions, degrees, and endorsement areas.

First-time applicants must also request a fingerprint card from the DOE and complete and turn it in with their application packets and Form 7. More info about fingerprint can be found in the Background Check Requirements section below.

Before you acquire your education administrator license, you must undergo a criminal history background check.

State Contacts

More info about the administrative licensure process may be found on the DOE website or by calling the licensure office at 1-800-982-2378.