About Teaching Secondary Content
The UW teaching secondary content certificate prepares you to qualify for a Wyoming
teaching license and begin your career as a middle or high school teacher. (Your coursework
can also be applied—12 credit hours—to a UW master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.)
In this three-semester program offered during consecutive summer, fall and spring
terms, you will acquire a foundation in educational theory and teaching methods, while
also gaining real-world teaching experience through practicums and student teaching.
Even better, you will be learning in small classes from faculty that were former K-12
teachers, who know what it’s like to face a classroom for the first time. In this
personalized learning environment, you will discover your own voice as a teacher while
also learning the theories and best practices that will make you an inspiring educator.
Admission Requirements
Leverage your undergraduate degree in one of these content-area certifications:
- Agricultural Education
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Modern Languages Education
- French, German, Spanish
- Secondary Science Education
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science: Geology, Earth Science: Environmental Systems Science
- Social Studies Education
- History, Political Science
What Can You Do with a Teaching Secondary Content Graduate Certificate?
The UW graduate certificate in teaching secondary content program provides the coursework and experience for grades 6-12 Wyoming state licensure. It also prepares you for a career in which you will make a profound difference in students’ lives.
UW School of Teacher Education graduates can hold titles such as:
- Secondary language arts instructor
- English teacher
- Mathematics teacher
- Science teacher
- Middle school teacher
- High school teacher
- Teacher/coach
- Lead teacher
- Department head
The Teaching Secondary Content Graduate Certificate is designed for those who already have a bachelor’s degree, this program prepares you for Wyoming state licensure to teach grades 6–12 in your content area. You’ll learn how to manage a classroom, design effective lessons and connect with students in meaningful ways.
Yes, secondary teaching can be an incredibly fulfilling career path—especially if you’re passionate about your subject and enjoy working with teens. As a middle or high school teacher, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact during a pivotal stage in students’ lives. You’re not just teaching content—you’re helping students grow into critical thinkers, build confidence and prepare for their futures. Many teachers find deep satisfaction in watching their students succeed, building strong classroom communities and knowing their work truly makes a difference.
Primary teachers typically work with students in grades K–6 and teach all core subjects to the same group of children throughout the day. In contrast, secondary teachers work with students in grades 6–12 and specialize in one subject area, such as math, English or science, teaching multiple classes of different students. The key difference lies in the age of the students and the teaching structure—primary teachers focus on foundational skills across subjects, while secondary teachers dive deeper into specific content areas.
Interested in becoming a primary school teacher? Check out our certificate program.
Wyoming ranks #10 in the nation for highest starting teacher salary according to NEA teacher salary data
"Looking back, the camaraderie built between peers in my cohort has been invaluable both as a Post-Bac student and as a current teacher. Between the encouragement from my peers and professors, the cogent lessons in class, and the discussions and support that follow, I felt over-prepared in many ways upon starting my teaching career. It hasn't been easy, but having learned so much before starting teaching has made all the difference."
- Austin Gager, ‘16