apply now 
All it takes is a few semesters to complete UW’s graduate certificate in Teaching Elementary School.*
If you hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you qualify to take advantage of the alternative licensure pathway provided through Wyoming's Professional Teaching Standards Board. This means that you can complete your requirements, including student teaching, to become a licensed K-6 elementary school teacher in about four semesters.
About Teaching Elementary School
The UW teaching elementary school certificate prepares you to teach grades K-6 with a Wyoming teaching certificate. Plus, you can apply 12 credit hours toward a UW master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
As a student in this certificate program, you will study educational theory and best practices while also acquiring hands-on teaching experience through practicums and student teaching. From spending time observing in classrooms and writing lesson plans to student teaching, you will be prepared to take your place in your own classroom, making a difference in students’ lives.
*Depending on your undergraduate transcripts, you may be required to take some prerequisite professional education courses and possible content courses prior to beginning your graduate certificate studies.
As a University of Wyoming pre-service elementary education teacher, you will be studying in one of the nation’s preeminent programs. UW’s elementary education program is nationally ranked, plus you will be learning from faculty—all of whom have been classroom teachers—who are highly regarded in their fields.
Here are some reasons to choose the University of Wyoming for your elementary education studies:
Accredited. The UW College of Education is nationally accredited by Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Faculty. Learn from award-winning professors, all of whom have served as K-12 classroom teachers.
Practica. Complete two practicums (10 hour and 30 hour) prior to beginning your student teaching. This will give you a firm foundation upon which to build as a student teacher.
Work towards a Master's. Apply your coursework towards a Master of Arts degree in Education with concentrations in curriculum and instruction or literacy education.
Grant support. Consider investigating grant support for example the Wyoming Interns to Teacher Scholars (WITS) scholars’ program that targeted to those with expertise in science and technology.
Literacy Research Center and Clinic. Gain experience in this on-campus clinic, which offers free or low-cost assessment and tutoring to Wyoming school-aged children.
Student teaching. Student teaching placements are set early, so you spend plenty of practicum hours in your school setting before collaboratively teaching with a supportive mentor. There are also options to take your student teaching abroad.
University of Wyoming Lab School. Spend time learning and observing in UW’s very own K-9 public school on campus. This student-centered environment provides you with your own learning laboratory for practicums and student teaching.
High-tech teaching. Test your teaching—and get feedback—through our special virtual reality system, Mursion. Take advantage of the potential to work in UW’s Shell 3-D Visualization Center, where College of Education faculty have been designing immersive educational experiences.
UW conferences. Participate in UW’s annual education-focused conferences, which expose teachers statewide to the latest research and best practices in education law and policy, literacy education, English as a second language and dual language immersion.
Travel grants. Take advantage of travel grants that cover some of your travel costs associated with attending or presenting at professional conferences. Additional funding may also be available from the dean’s office.
Scholarships. Take advantage of UW’s College of Education graduate scholarships that include the following:
The UW graduate certificate in teaching elementary school prepares you for K-6 Wyoming state licensure and for teaching children during those critical years as they learn to read, write, master arithmetic and learn about the history and culture of their country and region.
Here are some of the careers UW elementary education alumni have created in Wyoming, Colorado and beyond:
Elementary Education Careers
UW School of Teacher Education graduates hold titles such as:
“This program has been amazing for me. The faculty have been the most helpful and inspiring teachers I have ever had. I can confidently say that I will graduate from this program feeling fully prepared and ready to be the best I can be as an educator!”
– William Burns, ’20
These are just some of the classes you might take as an elementary education student at the University of Wyoming:
View the full graduate certificate in Teaching Elementary School program curriculum.
1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071
UW Operators (307) 766-1121 | Contact Us | Download Adobe Reader
