CALHOUN SCHOOLS NOT APPLYING FOR APPROVING TEACHERS THAT DON'T HAVE FORMAL ED DEGREES

(02/06/2016)
West Virginia has a teacher shortage, and is among the nation's lowest paid for starting teachers.

In 2015 the WV Legislature approved a plan to allow individuals with non-education degrees to teach school.

Now, state education officials said 25 counties plan to submit proposals this month for certifying teachers who don't have a formal education background.

Calhoun Superintendent Woodward said Calhoun Schools have not submitted a plan for the credentialing.

Approved by lawmakers last year, it allows for the alternative certification of teachers in some high-need areas. The state Board of Education approved a policy in September establishing the certification process.

State schools Superintendent Michael Martirano said the program will help promote, recruit and retain a "highly effective and diverse" workforce for students.