ACT is an Accelerated Certification for Teaching
ACT is an online certificate program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek to qualify for state teacher certification. ACT provides an alternative pathway into teaching for individuals who have not completed a teacher preparation curriculum but who have considerable life experiences, career achievements, and academic backgrounds that are relevant for teaching in grades 5 through 12. Wheeling Jesuit University's teacher preparation program is designed to meet the “highly qualified” requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The teacher preparation course content is accredited with the West Virginia Department of Education and the program is a candidate member in good standing with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).

The online ACT program is aimed at individual qualification for a West Virginia Teachers’ Certificate with reciprocity to other states. Through reciprocity agreements between the states, a West Virginia teaching certificate may be converted to the equivalent teaching certificate in another state. If your state of interest is not West Virginia you can learn more now by clicking here to visit the Teaching Certificate Reciprocity section of our web site or by speaking with an ACT Counselor.

ACT provides an accelerated path to teacher certification for both those transitioning into a second career as well as those who already serve in the classroom as a temporary, emergency, or substitute teachers who need to earn a formal teaching credential. The online ACT program offers you the flexibility to remain in your present career or your classroom while you prepare to fully enter the teaching profession. In the final semester, full time participation will be required as you fulfill the student teaching requirement. Those who are currently in the classroom can use part of their experiences towards this important part of the certification process.