How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming
Becoming a teacher in Wyoming is going to come with the kind of rewards you can't put a price on. You will have the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of countless children, maybe even in the very same community you grew up in.
Follow these steps to live your dream of becoming a certified teacher in Wyoming!
Choose What You Want to Teach
The first important question to answer is what grade or subject you would like to teach. There are different certification requirements for each area. Teachers must hold licensure in the specific content area they wish to teach. For example, if you want to become an elementary school teacher, you would work towards an Elementary certification which applies to grades K-6. If you prefer to teach a specific content area, you would most probably be required to get a secondary certification in a subject for grades 6-12.
The Wyoming Department of Education has useful information on schools, curriculum, teachers, and students in the state.
Complete Your Bachelor's in Education Requirements for a Teaching Certificate in Wyoming
In order to become a ‘highly effective" teacher in Wyoming, you must hold at least a four-year degree, preferably a bachelor's in education, and complete an approved teacher preparation program.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program
One of the requirements of becoming a "highly effective" teacher in Wyoming is to complete an approved teacher preparation program.
Often times, you will be able to find a program at an approved institution of higher education which blends together the coursework for a teacher preparation program and a bachelor's degree.
Teacher preparation programs are generally structured on two elements: college coursework and fieldwork. College courses in the program usually focus on subject-specific teaching methods, differentiated instructional strategies, multiple modes for assessment, classroom management strategies, and integration of technology. The element of fieldwork is usually comprised of classroom observations and student teaching or interning. Student teachers have the opportunity to work in classrooms with students for a set amount of time under the mentorship of a certificated teacher. As a student teacher, you will work with the teacher of record to prepare and implement lessons based on the needs of your diverse student population. During the student teaching experience, you may also be responsible for grading assignments, monitoring behavior, and communicating with parents.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can still go through an approved alternative route. Often times, you can complete a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program. There may be an option that you could even participate in a joint master's degree program as well.
For up to date requirements please consider visiting the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board. Make sure to contact this organization to insure the best route for Wyoming teacher certification.
Alternative Teacher Certification in Wyoming
If you already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, you can learn about some alternate routes to becoming a certified teacher in Wyoming.
Teacher Certification Program
You can earn your teaching certification through a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program. The University of Wyoming offers a Teacher Certification Program for Post-Baccalaureate Students with an Option to Earn a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction.
Northern Plains Transition to Teaching (NPTT)
Wyoming recognizes licensure through the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching (NPTT) program, which is located at Montana State University-Bozeman. The NPTT program is for career professionals with a Bachelor's Degree who want to transition into teaching. The program allows individuals to work in a Wyoming School district while they complete the necessary coursework required to obtain a full teaching certification. This program allows for individuals to transition smoothly from other careers into the classroom.
Pass the Required Tests for Teacher Certification in Wyoming
In order to become fully certified to teach in Wyoming, you will need to pass a few tests, such as a basic skills test as well as a subject competency exam.
Basic Skills Test
Wyoming requires their certified teachers to pass a basic skills test, which could be fulfilled by taking the CORE Academic Skills for Educators Test. This exam measures a candidates skills in basic reading, writing, and mathematics.
Subject Tests
In order to show subject matter competency, the Praxis II exam can be taken in the area you wish to become licensed in. This exam will assess your general and subject-specific skills and knowledge. The test is comprised of multiple choice and essay questions.
Some colleges or universities may ask that testing requirements be fulfilled before entering or exiting the program. Check with a program advisor to see that will be required of you.
Apply for your Wyoming Teacher Certification
Application Requirements
In order to apply for teaching certification in Wyoming, you will need to submit the following:
- Completed application form
- Documentation to support the form, including official and sealed college transcript(s) that show your degree and completion of a teacher preparation program
- Passing test scores
- If applicable, copy of out of state teaching credential/license
- Clear status of fingerprints and background check
Contact Information
Wyoming Department of Education
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building, 2nd Floor
Cheyenne, WY 82002-2060
Phone: (307) 777-7690
Find a Teaching Job in Wyoming
Once the certification process is completed and approved, you will be ready to begin your career as an educator in Wyoming. You will be ready to make a positive impact on the lives of all those you teach.
The state of Wyoming needs certified and enthusiastic teachers to fill roles in the following subject areas: health and physical education, ESL, sciences, English, math, and special education. In order to ensure that job postings are viewable by as many potential candidates as possible, the state Department of Education uses a number of third-party aggregate sites such as EducationAmerica, SchoolSpring, and Teacher-Teacher to post jobs. Teachers are also strongly encouraged to visit district websites for site specific information.
Teachers looking for career paths outside of public education are welcome to apply to any of the state's 44 private schools. With an impressive ratio of 10 students per teacher, opportunities exist for dynamic learning environments. Teachers should note that salary and benefits may differ from what is offered in the public system.
Professional Teacher Unions
Teachers who have been hired may join a professional labor union. In Wyoming, options include Wyoming Education Association (WEA) or the National Education Association - Wyoming chapter.
Retirement Benefits for Teachers
At retirement, teachers will be eligible to being drawing from their pension annuity. Pension is managed through the Wyoming Retirement System. Retirees should note that every pension is tailored to individual factors and contributions.
Teacher Shortage in Wyoming by Subjects or Discipline (2021-2022)
The following list of teacher shortage areas in Wyoming has been obtained from the U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education, Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) list for the 2021-2022 school year:
- Career and Technical Education, Vocational Technology 8-12
- ESOL K-12
- General Science 6-8
- Special Education, All Exceptionalities K-12
- Basic and Advanced Mathematics K-12
- Remedial Reading K-12
- Geography 7-12
- Physical Science 9-12
- English 6-12
- World Languages, Spanish 6-12
- Chemistry 9-12
- Music K-12
- Earth and Space Science 6-12
- Physics 9-12
- Art K-12
- Elementary Education K-6
- S. History 6-12
- Biological Sciences 6-12
- Physical Education K-12
Number of Public and Private School Teachers By Grade
The following Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) table highlights the number of teachers in Wyoming in both private and public schools, by grade level, as of May 2021:
| Grade Level | Number of Teachers |
|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | 930 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 2,520 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 980 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 1,840 |
| Special Education Teachers, Preschool | 40 |
| Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School | 540 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | 270 |
| Special Education Teachers, Secondary School | 370 |
Continue Your Education and Professional Development
Contrary to popular belief, teachers and educators require more than classroom experience in order to improve their practice. There is in fact a strong link between teachers who engage in professional development and the academic achievement and leadership abilities of their students. In addition to student achievement, teachers who engage in planned, relevant professional development opportunities also achieve their own salary and career goals.
Professional Development in Wyoming
The state of Wyoming's Department of Education has created the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) in order to function as a database and accredited agency for teachers who require renewal credits in order to maintain licensure. The PTSB regulates workshops throughout the state which are held to further develop teachers' skills and subsequently enable all students to meet Wyoming's Education Standards. The ultimate goal of each professional workshop is to enhance student learning and development.
Earn a Master's in Education or Teaching to Satisfy Professional Development Credits
Earning a master's degree isn't necessary to earn and maintain an educator's licensure through the Wyoming Department of Education, however, doing so not only opens up doors for professional advancement and salary enhancement, it also satisfies the professional development credit requirements for licensure renewal.
A Standard Wyoming Educator License is renewed every five years upon completion of at least five professional development/renewal credits. There are several ways to satisfy the renewal credit requirements, including the completion of college credits, either undergraduate or graduate.
Start working toward your master's degree and you'll satisfy the professional development credit renewal requirements for one licensure cycle after completing just two courses.
A Master's in Education or Teaching Will Also Increase Your Earning Potential
A master's degree can also benefit your bottom line by allowing you to earn a higher annual salary. For example, educators with a bachelor's degree in the Laramie County School District #2 earned a minimum salary of $48,000 as of the 2020-2021 school year, while those with a master's degree earned a minimum salary of $54,000 - a difference of about $6,000.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Teachers (Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School) and Special Education Teachers, (Preschool, Kindergarten and Elementary, Middle, High School) reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.