Become a Teacher in Wyoming
The COESSC is here to make sure you are ready apply to the UW College of Education, help you navigate our program requirements, and ensure you have completed the steps to apply for licensure with the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.
To become a licensed teacher in Wyoming, you will need to fulfill the requirements below:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree and other prerequisite coursework required.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
- Pass required exams.
- Submit a Wyoming teaching credential application.
Step One: Prerequisite Coursework
Wyoming requires that certified teachers hold a bachelor’s degree. However, Wyoming does not have specific course or credit hour requirements, it does necessitate that student teaching be part of the licensure applicant’s teacher preparation program, as stated in the Wyoming Educator License Application Packet.
Step two: Teacher Preparation program
To become a teacher in Wyoming, you must first complete an accredited teacher education program. Programs consist of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. In your education courses you will deep-dive into current and historical best practices in pedagogy and assessment while learning how to incorporate special education techniques, technology, and multicultural learning strategies into your teaching practice. Starting early in your academic career, you will hone your craft by working in real classrooms. This fieldwork will culminate during your student teaching residency.
Alternative Certification
If you already have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, you can take advantage of alternative licensure pathways to get on the fast-track to becoming a teacher in Wyoming. UW offers alternative programs for those interested teaching in elementary schools or in secondary education classrooms. These certificate programs allow you to apply for your teaching license in as little as three semesters. These are tailored to your needs and your prior experience.
Step Three: Required Tests
The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) requires the Praxis examination for certain content areas to become certified to teach. Please view the Wyoming PTSB's Praxis page for testing requirements. View the Praxis website for information about these assessments and required scores. If you are in the Graduate Certificate program, the deadline to complete and pass the Praxis is May 15th, prior to the start of the summer sequence.
Step Four: Teacher Licensure Requirements
The Wyoming Department of Education requires all candidates seeking initial licensure meet the following requirements:
- Submit all official transcripts documenting the completion of a bachelors from accredited institution
- Be recommended by an approved teacher preparation program
- Submit two fingerprint cards and pass a background check
- Submit all required applications, supplemental documents, and fees
- Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions
Background Check
Applicants seeking initial teaching licensure in Wyoming must undergo a fingerprinting clearance and pass a background check. Please follow the instructions for completing the initial College of Education background check.
Wyoming Teaching Jobs
Visit the Wyoming School Boards Association’s Job Vacancies webpage for a list of available positions in Wyoming School Districts.
