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The following information summarizes the requirements currently necessary to begin work in the public school system as an:
Audiologist or Speech-Language Pathologist
This information has been collected by researching individual state department of education regulations and policy documents, state administrative code provisions and by contacting each state department of education. Please be advised that regulations and policy may change at any time, so always check with your state department of education for the most up-to-date information.
Audiologist
Audiologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure is typically required for practice in the schools.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Initial Professional Student Support Certificate
- Master's degree-completion of approved program in speech-language pathology from an accredited institution of higher education
- Passing score on Praxis II Speech-Language Pathology test
Continuing Education Requirement
Either six semester hours (at least 3.0 GPA) every five years, or granting of M.A. plus 30 (or higher) salary classification are required. M.A. plus 30 = master's degree plus 30 semester hours of approved graduate classes. Persons age 60 and over do not need to complete additional renewal credit.
Emergency Certification
- A First Class Permit may be issued if no qualified applicants are available. This permit requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a 2.5 GPA, completion of 25% of the approved program leading to certification (or six semester hours -whichever is greater) and the recommendation of the superintendent.
- This permit is valid for one school year. It may be renewed if the applicant completes at least six semester hours in furtherance of full certification. In addition, the State Superintendent of Schools shall have the authority to waive licensure requirements in a situation where he/she judges (after thorough investigation) that the applicant's knowledge, preparation, and/or experience are adequate to justify such waiver.
Support Personnel
- Speech assistants must be issued an authorization from the West Virginia Department of Education, Office of Professional Preparation. These individuals must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in speech pathology or communication disorders from an accredited institution, be employed by a local West Virginia Board of Education, and receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that the applicant is the most qualified candidate for the position, and that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position.
- An authorization is valid for one school year. In order to renew the authorization, the applicant must complete professional development activities and receive the recommendation of the district superintendent verifying that no fully certified speech-language pathologist has applied for the available position. The speech assistant will be assigned a caseload based on their level of expertise, experience, and supervision requirements. The caseload of the certified speech-language pathologist working with the assistant should be adjusted to provide adequate time for supervision.
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