How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming

Becoming a teacher in Wyoming is a very great and rewarding profession. You will have the chance to make a direct impact on the lives of countless children in the state. The following are the steps to 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 Education Requirements for Teaching in Wyoming

In order to become a ‘highly qualified" teacher in Wyoming, you must hold at least a Bachelor's Degree and complete an approved teacher preparation program.

Complete a Teacher Preparation Program

One of the requirements of becoming a "highly qualified" 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.

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 Degree 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 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 (2014-2015)

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 2014-2015 school year

• Adaptive Physical Education
• At-Risk/Alternative/Non-Traditional Teachers Certification Area
• Elementary Grades (Core Subjects)
• English (Including Middle Language Arts)
• English as a Second Language
• Family and Consumer Science
• Health
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Reading
• Secondary Sciences
• Spanish
• Special Education

Number of Public School Teachers By Grade

The table below lists the number of public school teachers in Wyoming by grade level during the 2012-2013 school year.

Data obtained from the State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data 2013

Number of Private School Teachers By Grade

There are more than 30 private schools with an estimated 200 private school teachers in Wyoming. The table below details the number of teachers by grade level during the 2011-2012 school year.

Data obtained from the Private School Universe Survey (PSS) 2012

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.

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