2026 How to Become a Teacher in West Virginia – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher?

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a teacher in West Virginia is a licensure decision, not just a college major decision. Before you enroll in a program, take Praxis exams, or apply for a certificate, you need to know whether your degree route, endorsement area, field experience, and renewal plan will meet West Virginia Department of Education expectations.

This guide is for future teachers, career changers, substitute teachers, private school educators considering public school roles, and current West Virginia educators planning their next credential. It explains the main West Virginia teacher certification requirements, alternative pathways, renewal rules, high-demand specialties, education program options, and career advancement choices.

West Virginia has continued investing in education, including funding for teacher salaries, classroom resources, and early childhood education programs. In 2026, over 63% of students graduated from their four-year programs within six years, compared to 54% from 16 years ago (National Center for Education Statistics, 2024). For aspiring teachers, that context matters: the state needs qualified educators, but candidates still have to choose the right preparation route and maintain their license carefully.

How to Become a Teacher in West Virginia Table of Contents

• Overview of the Education Industry in West Virginia
• Educational Requirements for How to Become a Teacher in WV
• Licensure Application and Renewal Process For How to Become a Teacher in WV
• What are the certification pathways and specializations for teachers in West Virginia?
• What are the most in-demand teaching specialties in West Virginia?
• How are common teaching challenges addressed in West Virginia?
• How can a doctoral degree in education advance your career in West Virginia?
• What are the financial considerations for earning an education degree in West Virginia?
• What alternative career paths can a teaching degree open for you?
• How can I transition to a school librarian role in West Virginia?
• What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in West Virginia?
• What are the private school teacher requirements in West Virginia?
• What are the career advancement opportunities for teachers in West Virginia?
• What measures are in place to alleviate teacher burnout in West Virginia?
• List of Top Education Programs in West Virginia for 2026
• What are the requirements for special education teacher certification in West Virginia?
• How can educators leverage online resources to further their careers in West Virginia?
• What are the pathways and benefits of substitute teaching in West Virginia?

Quick Answer: How do you become a teacher in West Virginia?

To become a public school teacher in West Virginia, you generally need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of an approved teacher preparation program, passing scores on required Praxis exams, a background check, and an approved application through the West Virginia Online Licensing System. Teachers must also renew their license every three years by completing professional improvement coursework or meeting another qualifying renewal option.

The best route depends on your starting point. Traditional undergraduate students usually complete an education major with field experience. Career changers may pursue alternative certification if they already hold a bachelor’s degree. Current educators may add endorsements, complete graduate study, or move toward advanced credentials such as a Professional Five-Year Teaching Certificate or Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate.

Overview of the Education Industry in West Virginia

West Virginia’s public education system serves 263,486 students across 55 counties (Ballotpedia, n.d.). Each county operates its own school district, which gives local communities meaningful control over staffing, programs, and priorities. At the same time, the West Virginia Department of Education sets statewide standards, policy expectations, licensure rules, and support systems for county districts.

For teacher candidates, this structure creates both opportunity and variation. One county may have urgent needs in special education or math, while another may be hiring elementary teachers, career and technical education teachers, or substitutes. Before choosing a program or endorsement, candidates should look beyond statewide requirements and review hiring needs in the counties where they want to work.

West Virginia, like many states, is also managing a shortage of qualified educators. There are currently 2,135 teaching vacancies in the state (Savage, 2024). Salary outcomes vary widely by role, grade level, subject area, credentials, and whether the position is in K-12 or higher education. Teaching-related occupations in West Virginia range from $41,455 to $116,090, depending on specialization and qualifications (US BLS, 2024).

Teachers who want to move into higher-paying or leadership-oriented roles often pursue graduate credentials, including an in-person or online master in education. By contrast, entry-level early childhood roles that require less education often have lower wage potential; students comparing early childhood options should review how an associate degree in early childhood education salary differs from bachelor’s-level licensed teaching roles.

Educational Requirements for How to Become a Teacher in WV

West Virginia teacher preparation has several nonnegotiable pieces: an accredited degree, an approved preparation pathway, assessment requirements, and state licensure approval. The exact details depend on the grade level and subject area you plan to teach.

• Bachelor’s degree: Candidates must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Currently, 64% of teachers have a bachelor’s degree (Zippia, 2025), while 15% have completed higher education masters programs online or in person. Aspiring teachers should also have a minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Approved teacher preparation program: Candidates must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. These programs combine education coursework, subject-area preparation, classroom observation, supervised practice, and student teaching. Students who are still learning what is general education should understand that general education courses are only one part of the degree; licensure also requires professional education and endorsement-specific training.
• Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Teacher candidates must pass required Praxis general education exams in reading, writing, and mathematics unless they qualify for an approved exception.
• Praxis Subject Assessments: Candidates must pass the Praxis exam tied to the endorsement or teaching field they are seeking, such as elementary education, special education, secondary English, science, math, or another approved area.

Alternative certification programs

Alternative certification can help career changers enter teaching when they already hold a bachelor’s degree but did not complete a traditional education program. These routes are not shortcuts around professional standards; they are structured pathways that help candidates meet West Virginia teacher requirements while transitioning into the classroom.

Professional Five-Year Teaching Certificate

A Professional Five-Year Teaching Certificate may be available to applicants who satisfy the Professional Teaching Certificate renewal requirements and document one qualifying route: completion of a Beginning Educator Internship/Induction, five years of teaching experience in another state while holding a valid Professional Teaching Certificate, or initial licensure in West Virginia.

Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate

A Permanent Professional Teaching Certificate requires stronger evidence of experience and professional standing. Applicants may qualify by holding a Professional Five-Year Teaching Certificate for 10 years and meeting renewal standards, earning a Master’s Degree related to the public school program with five years of relevant educational experience, or holding an equivalent permanent out-of-state certificate and completing a minimum of five years of teaching in the endorsement area. Each route also requires an official recommendation from the appropriate authority.

Licensure Application and Renewal Process For How to Become a Teacher in WV

West Virginia uses the West Virginia Online Licensing System (OLS) for teacher licensure applications. Before applying, gather every required document so your application is not delayed because of missing transcripts, test results, or background check information.

Applicants generally submit the following:

• Completed application form
• Official transcripts from every college or university attended
• Praxis score reports
• Background check results
• $35 application fee

After the application is reviewed and approved, the candidate receives a teaching license. The license is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years for continued employment in West Virginia public schools.

Renewing Your Teaching License

Renewal requires six hours of coursework connected to professional improvement. Teachers may complete the requirement through college coursework, workshops, eligible professional development, or other approved activities.

Renewal is not just a compliance step. It is also an opportunity to update instructional strategies, improve classroom management, and add content knowledge. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 98.4% of public school teachers in West Virginia have control over selecting the teaching techniques they use in their classrooms (NCES, n.d.), which makes ongoing professional development especially relevant.

The standard renewal process includes these steps:

1. Sign in to your OLS account.
2. Complete the online renewal application.
3. Upload documentation for professional development or qualifying coursework.
4. Pay the renewal fee.
5. Monitor your account until the renewal has been processed and approved.

If you hold a West Virginia Professional Teaching Certificate, review WVBE Policy 5202 before your certificate expires. For an expired Professional Teaching Certificate, West Virginia recognizes three renewal options.

Option 1: Qualifying coursework

• Three-Year Validity Option: Complete six semester hours of college or university coursework with a 3.0 GPA, or eligible e-Learning coursework connected to the public school program. The coursework must be completed after the certificate was issued and within the five-year period before the application. It should relate to the public school program, your endorsement area, an added endorsement, a relevant Master’s Degree curriculum, or coursework prescribed by the county based on your teacher evaluation.
• One-Year Validity Option: Complete three semester hours of college or university coursework or one qualifying eLearning course that meets the same criteria used for the three-year option.

Option 2: Qualifying degree and salary classification

Educators may qualify by having a minimum of MA+30 salary classification based on the awarding of a Master’s Degree.

Option 3: Qualifying age

Applicants who are sixty years old may submit a copy of a birth certificate or other official government-issued documentation.

Choose the renewal option that best matches your professional record, timeline, and documentation. Waiting until the certificate is close to expiration can limit your options.

What are the certification pathways and specializations for teachers in West Virginia?

West Virginia offers several certification pathways, including traditional undergraduate preparation, alternative certification for bachelor’s degree holders, out-of-state preparation review, and advanced certificate upgrades. The right pathway depends on whether you are a first-time college student, a career changer, an experienced educator, or a teacher seeking another endorsement.

Specialization matters because licensure is tied to grade bands and subject areas. Common areas include Special Education, Early Childhood Education, STEM fields, Secondary Education, English, elementary education, and career and technical education. Candidates should choose an endorsement based on three factors: where they want to teach, which age group they are prepared to serve, and which positions local districts are actively hiring for.

Teachers who want a clearer comparison of credential options can review the different types of teaching certificates in West Virginia. This is especially useful for career changers trying to compare cost, timing, and eligibility across certification routes.

What are the most in-demand teaching specialties in West Virginia?

West Virginia hiring needs vary by county, grade level, and subject. Candidates who want stronger employment options should pay close attention to shortage areas such as math, science, special education, and other hard-to-staff teaching fields. Elementary education can also be a practical route for candidates who want to serve younger students; those considering this path can review how to become an elementary school teacher in West Virginia.

Adding endorsements can also improve flexibility. For example, teachers may pursue areas such as English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted and Talented Education, special education, reading, or STEM-related fields, depending on their preparation and district needs. The key is to avoid choosing a specialization only because it sounds interesting; compare it against actual county hiring patterns and your ability to pass the required subject assessment.

How are common teaching challenges addressed in West Virginia?

Teachers in West Virginia may face large workloads, staffing shortages, resource limitations, behavioral challenges, and the need to support students with varied academic and social needs. Districts and school leaders address these issues through mentoring, professional learning, peer collaboration, mental health supports, and efforts to reduce administrative burdens where possible.

New teachers should look for schools with strong induction systems, collaborative grade-level teams, and administrators who provide feedback without overwhelming new staff. Subject-specific preparation also helps. For example, candidates preparing to teach language arts can use guidance on how to become an english teacher in West Virginia to understand both certification steps and classroom expectations for that discipline.

How can a doctoral degree in education advance your career in West Virginia?

A doctoral degree in education, such as an EdD, can support advancement into district leadership, higher education, curriculum design, policy work, research-informed school improvement, or senior instructional roles. It is not necessary for most entry-level teaching jobs, but it can make sense for educators who want to lead systems, supervise programs, or influence educational practice beyond one classroom.

Because doctoral programs require significant time and money, teachers should compare tuition, format, dissertation or capstone expectations, accreditation, and employer support before enrolling. If affordability is the main concern, researching the cheapest EdD programs can help educators weigh advanced study against long-term career goals.

What are the financial considerations for earning an education degree in West Virginia?

The cost of becoming a teacher includes more than tuition. Candidates should also budget for fees, books, transportation to field placements, testing, background checks, application fees, and possible unpaid or limited-paid student teaching periods. Online and transfer-friendly routes may reduce some costs, but they still need to meet licensure requirements.

Do not choose the fastest or lowest-cost credential without confirming that it leads to the license or endorsement you want. Some students look for the easiest education degree, but the better question is whether the program is accredited, state-approved, affordable, and aligned with your career target.

Financial planning should also include expected earnings. West Virginia teacher salaries vary by specialization, degree level, district, and years of service. Additional certifications, graduate coursework, National Board Certification, and leadership roles may support advancement, but salary outcomes are not guaranteed.

Prospective teachers should also ask about scholarships, grants, federal aid, employer tuition support, and loan forgiveness options. West Virginia participates in federal loan forgiveness programs that may help eligible teachers who work in high-need areas for a required period.

What alternative career paths can a teaching degree open for you?

A teaching degree can lead to more than classroom instruction. Educators may move into curriculum development, instructional design, academic advising, educational consulting, corporate training, nonprofit education programs, tutoring businesses, assessment work, or school support roles.

The best alternative path depends on which skills you want to use most. Teachers with strong writing and curriculum skills may fit publishing or instructional design. Teachers who enjoy adult learning may consider corporate training. Educators who prefer systems-level work may move toward administration or program coordination. For a broader view, explore jobs with teaching degree.

How can I transition to a school librarian role in West Virginia?

Teachers who enjoy literacy, research, digital tools, and schoolwide instructional support may consider becoming school librarians. This role often combines curriculum collaboration, information literacy, technology integration, and student support across grade levels.

The transition may require additional coursework, an endorsement, or a specialized credential depending on the role and school setting. Teachers should review state expectations before assuming classroom licensure alone is enough. For a focused career guide, see How to be a school librarian in West Virginia?.

What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in West Virginia?

Kindergarten teachers need preparation in early childhood development, early literacy, numeracy, play-based learning, classroom routines, family communication, and age-appropriate assessment. Most candidates complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood or elementary education and gain supervised classroom experience in preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary settings.

Prospective kindergarten teachers must also satisfy West Virginia assessment and licensure requirements. Because early childhood and elementary endorsements can differ, candidates should confirm which credential their target district requires. For a detailed route, review the kindergarten teacher requirements in West Virginia.

What are the private school teacher requirements in West Virginia?

Private schools in West Virginia may set hiring standards that differ from public school licensure rules. Some private schools may not require the same state-issued certificate, but many still prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, teaching experience, strong references, and relevant subject knowledge.

If you want flexibility between private and public school jobs, earning or maintaining public school certification can protect your options. Candidates should review each school’s hiring expectations and compare them with state licensure requirements. For more detail, see the guide to private school teacher requirements in West Virginia.

What are the career advancement opportunities for teachers in West Virginia?

Teachers in West Virginia can grow their careers by deepening classroom expertise, adding endorsements, moving into leadership, or pursuing advanced education. Advancement should be planned intentionally because each path has different costs, credential requirements, and day-to-day responsibilities.

• Advanced degrees: A master’s or doctoral degree can support movement into curriculum leadership, administration, higher education, or specialist roles.
• National Board Certification: This credential demonstrates advanced teaching practice and may support recognition, leadership opportunities, and salary advancement where applicable.
• Administrative roles: Experienced teachers may pursue principal, assistant principal, or district-level positions after meeting additional certification and experience expectations.
• Specialized endorsements: Adding areas such as special education, STEM, reading, or another targeted field can increase teaching flexibility.
• Mentoring and instructional coaching: Experienced educators can support new teachers, lead professional learning, and help improve instruction across classrooms.

What measures are in place to alleviate teacher burnout in West Virginia?

Teacher burnout is often tied to workload, staffing gaps, emotional demands, limited planning time, and administrative pressure. West Virginia schools and districts may address these concerns through mentoring, counseling access, peer support, workload review, collaborative planning, and professional learning communities.

Individual teachers should also evaluate school culture during the job search. Ask about planning time, mentor assignment, class coverage, behavior support, administrator availability, and professional development expectations. Credential rules are only one part of sustainability; the working environment matters just as much. For related information, review teacher certification requirements in West Virginia.

How does West Virginia support teacher development and continuing education?

West Virginia requires teachers to keep developing professionally because instructional methods, student needs, technology, and assessment practices continue to change. Continuing education also helps teachers maintain licensure and prepare for advancement.

• Continuing education requirements: Teachers must complete six hours of coursework related to professional improvement every three years. This can include university classes, workshops, online professional development, or other qualifying activities. Candidates who want flexible undergraduate preparation can compare options such as a bachelor of education online.
• National Board Certification: West Virginia encourages teachers to consider advanced professional certification as a way to demonstrate high-level teaching practice and prepare for leadership opportunities.
• Mentorship programs: New educators can benefit from mentoring focused on classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, professional expectations, and local school culture.

List of Top Education Programs in West Virginia for 2026

Research.com reviewed reliable public data to identify education programs that can help students prepare for West Virginia teacher certification. The evaluation considered factors such as available WV teaching certification pathways, academic ratings, enrollment rate, affordability, acceptance rate, and related school-level indicators.

Use this list as a starting point, not the only basis for your decision. Before enrolling, confirm program approval, endorsement alignment, field placement availability, transfer policies, Praxis preparation, total cost, and whether the program supports your preferred teaching level.

1. West Virginia University

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education at West Virginia University prepares candidates for K-6 teaching certification through a blend of campus coursework and extensive school-based practice. Students complete more than 1,000 hours of teaching experience with mentor support and can shape their studies through available focus areas. The program emphasizes national accreditation standards, small class sizes, a yearlong teacher-in-residency model, technology use, diversity, global awareness, and culturally responsive teaching.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/concentrations: Professional Inquiry in Education; Differential Elementary Instruction; Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Teaching
• Professional Inquiry in Education
• Differential Elementary Instruction
• Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Teaching
• Cost per credit: $431 (resident), $1,179 (non-resident)
• Required credits to graduate: 120 hours
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University has prepared educators for over 120 years and centers its teacher education work on public school student achievement. Its Teacher Education Programs are accredited by CAEP and the West Virginia Board of Education. The curriculum covers content specialization, professional education, and the general education core while exceeding state requirements.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/concentrations: Creating, Managing and Assessing Public School Learning Communities; Capstone Experience for Elementary Teachers; Human Growth and Development
• Creating, Managing and Assessing Public School Learning Communities
• Capstone Experience for Elementary Teachers
• Human Growth and Development
• Cost per year: $23,306 to $27,236 (in-state), $32,580 to $34,215 (out-of-state)
• Required credits to graduate: 120 hours
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

3. Fairmont State University

Fairmont State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education designed for future K-6 teachers in multi-subject classrooms. The program supports initial and advanced certification levels through undergraduate and graduate offerings. Coursework includes Professional Studies, Content Methods, and General Studies, along with field experiences and student teaching in approved K-6 settings. The goal is to prepare reflective and responsive educators who can support learning for all K-6 students.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/concentrations: Inclusive Classroom Practices; Science in the Elementary School; Arts Integration in the Elementary Classroom
• Inclusive Classroom Practices
• Science in the Elementary School
• Arts Integration in the Elementary Classroom
• Cost per year: $15,358 to $21,280 (in-state), $30,698 to $31,198 (out-of-state)
• Required credits to graduate: 122 to 123 credit hours
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University provides education students with varied classroom experiences, certified teacher mentorship, and opportunities to work with diverse learners. The program emphasizes cultural understanding, respect for diversity, active learning, and practical decision-making from the beginning of a graduate’s teaching career. Students can pursue Elementary Education (K-6) and selected secondary education fields.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/concentrations: Elementary Education (K-6); Music Education; English Education
• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Music Education
• English Education
• Total cost: $49,539
• Required credits to graduate: 120 credits
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

5. Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College

Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Education pathway in which students complete two years of coursework at Eastern and then transfer to WVU Parkersburg for the third and fourth years. Classes continue at Eastern’s Moorefield campus. Students also complete field and clinical courses requiring school placement and a background check. The capstone includes student teaching in the final semester of the senior year after all other coursework has been completed.

• Program Length: Four years
• Tracks/concentrations: Classroom Management; Teaching Reading: K-6; Educational Assessment
• Classroom Management
• Teaching Reading: K-6
• Educational Assessment
• Cost per credit: $12,410 (in-state), $26,096 (out-of-state)
• Required credits to graduate: 121 hours
• Accreditation: HLC

What are the requirements for special education teacher certification in West Virginia?

Special education teacher candidates need preparation in adaptive instruction, behavioral supports, individualized education plans, assessment, legal and ethical responsibilities, and collaboration with families and school teams. Supervised field experience in specialized settings is also essential because candidates must learn to support students with diverse learning, behavioral, communication, and developmental needs.

Candidates should expect endorsement-specific coursework, state-required assessments, and practicum or student teaching experiences aligned with special education. For a step-by-step explanation, review the guide to special education teacher certification in West Virginia.

How can educators leverage online resources to further their careers in West Virginia?

Online resources can help West Virginia educators prepare for Praxis exams, complete professional development, compare degree programs, add endorsements, explore remote teaching tools, and stay current with instructional technology. Online learning is especially useful for working adults and rural educators who may not live near a campus.

However, online convenience does not replace licensure verification. Before enrolling in an online program or course, confirm that it is accepted for West Virginia certification, renewal, or endorsement purposes. Educators exploring remote preparation can start with guidance on how to become a teacher online in West Virginia.

What are the pathways and benefits of substitute teaching in West Virginia?

Substitute teaching can be a practical entry point for people considering a teaching career. It allows candidates to gain classroom exposure, understand school routines, build district connections, and test whether teaching is the right professional fit before committing to a full certification pathway.

Substitute roles can also help future teachers strengthen classroom management skills and develop references for full-time positions. Requirements vary, so applicants should review eligibility rules, documentation, and training expectations through West Virginia substitute teacher requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid when becoming a teacher in West Virginia

Questions to ask before choosing a West Virginia teacher preparation program

• Is the program approved for West Virginia teacher certification in my desired endorsement area?
• What Praxis exams will I need, and when should I take them?
• Where will field placements and student teaching occur?
• Does the program support alternative certification, transfer students, or working adults?
• What is the total cost, including fees, exams, books, transportation, and background checks?
• How does the program help students who do not pass required exams on the first attempt?
• Will credits apply toward a master’s degree, salary classification, or future endorsement?
• What job placement or district partnership support is available?

Develop Your Teaching Career in West Virginia

Teaching in West Virginia can be a meaningful career for people who want to serve students, strengthen communities, and build long-term professional expertise. The path is structured: earn the right degree, complete approved preparation, pass required exams, apply through the state licensing system, and keep your credential current through renewal.

The most successful candidates treat licensure as a planning process. They compare programs carefully, choose endorsements based on both interest and demand, prepare early for Praxis exams, and consider how graduate study or additional certifications may support future advancement. Staying connected to the larger purpose of schooling can also help sustain motivation; educators can revisit learn reasons why education is important when reflecting on the value of their work.

Key Insights

• West Virginia needs qualified teachers: The state reports 2,135 teaching vacancies, so well-prepared candidates may find opportunities across counties and endorsement areas.
• Licensure starts with the right program: A bachelor’s degree alone is not enough for most public school teaching roles; candidates must complete an approved preparation pathway and pass required Praxis assessments.
• Specialization affects employability: Math, science, special education, and other shortage-related fields may improve flexibility, but candidates should still check county-level hiring needs.
• Renewal is part of the career: West Virginia teaching licenses are valid for three years, and educators must complete six hours of professional improvement coursework or meet another qualifying renewal option.
• Cost comparisons should include more than tuition: Field placement travel, exam fees, background checks, books, and student teaching logistics can affect affordability.
• Advancement requires planning: Graduate degrees, National Board Certification, added endorsements, and administrative credentials can expand career options, but each requires a clear return-on-investment review.

References

• Ballotpedia. (n.d.). Public education in West Virginia Ballotpedia. https://ballotpedia.org/Public_education_in_West_Virginia
• Learning Policy Institute. (2025, July). An Overview of Teacher Shortages: 2025 Fact Sheet. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/media/4764/download?inline&file=Teacher_Shortages_Overview_2025_FACTSHEET.pdf
• NCES. (n.d.). NTPS Dashboard. https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/ntps/ntpsdashboard/Dashboard/WV
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 8). Occupational projections, 2024–2034, and worker characteristics, 2024. Retrieved February 2026, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm
• Zippia. (2025). Best Colleges and Degrees For Teachers Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/teacher-jobs/education