English Proficiency for GTAs

Requirements for Graduate Teaching Assistants

In addition to demonstrating English proficiency for admission to West Virginia University, all Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are required to provide evidence that they have an adequate level of speaking proficiency to instruct a course in English (or, in some cases, in another language). Using tests that have a separate speaking component, the TOEFL iBT and IELTS, a satisfactory speaking score can be used to indicate English speaking proficiency. Only official scores will be accepted for this purpose. Any student who has been required to demonstrate English proficiency in order to be admitted to West Virginia University must also meet additional standards in order to engage in assistantships that involve classroom instruction.

Minimum scores: The requirements vary based on whether the GTA will teach in English or another language.
 
WVU accepts speaking section scores from the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition, as well as scores from IELTS.

• For GTAs who teach in English, a score of 22 on the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT or a score of 7.5 on the speaking section of the IELTS will satisfy the English-speaking proficiency requirement.
• For GTAs who teach in a language other than English, a score of 18 on the speaking section of the TOEFL iBT or a score of 6.0 on the speaking section of the IELTS will satisfy the English-speaking proficiency requirement.

• A True North score of 7.5 for GTAs who teach in English or 6.0 for GTAs who teach in a language other than English (such as foreign language classes). 

Students

• If you submitted scores for TOEFL or IELTS for admission, your program should be able to look up whether you have a qualifying score on file. They will contact you if they need additional information.
• If you are required to take TrueNorth to qualify for a GTA position, your program will provide you information about registration and payment.
• When you have completed the assessment, your program will confirm whether you have a qualifying score and will communicate with you about your next steps

Faculty and Staff

• Please be aware students should have a qualifying score through any of the acceptable options before a GTA offer is made. Please check scores carefully.
• How to find scores: All test scores are noted in Banner. For verification, contact Melody Thomas at mthoma29@mail.wvu.edu  (or  InternationalAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu  as a backup) in the Office of Admissions.
• To proceed with the offer of a GTA:
• If the minimum test scores are met, nothing else needs to be done. You may proceed with the offer.
• If the scores on the standardized tests do not meet the minimum threshold (and the student has not previously passed the SPEAK test or the True North test), please contact the IEP program at IEP@mail.wvu.edu to help the student schedule an assessment
• Email GradEd@mail.wvu.edu with any questions
  

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