How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming

Between the mountains, plains, rivers, and state parks, Wyoming is a beautiful place to live, and an ideal atmosphere for those who love nature and small community life. However, its dispersed population and expansive spaces create some administrative challenges for those trying to provide good education for those who live in Wyoming's rural communities and small cities.

How to become a teacher in Wyoming - traditional route for residents

The traditional route for those wishing to become a teacher in Wyoming has two important parts. First is the teacher preparation program, and traditionally this means going to an approved college or university and taking classes in both education and in the area of their expertise. Once the bachelor's degree is earned, the student is ready for the second part of the process, the Praxis test. The Praxis is a 2-part standardized test required by most states, which measures the prospective teacher's competence in general studies and in the area of their specialization.

How to become a teacher in WY - alternative route for residents

Wyoming makes provision for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree. These prospective teachers still have to be certified, so they go through alternative methods provided by the state. To acquire a teacher certificate in Wyoming, aspiring teachers must enroll in the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching Program. If an unlicensed applicant is hired for a Wyoming teaching job, he or she must immediately enroll in the NPTT program.

How to become a teacher in WY - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Like most states, Wyoming recognizes the licenses of those who have been certified in another state. They are members of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, which indicates which states' teaching certificates the signing states will accept. This does not mean that someone coming from another state won't have extra requirements for teacher certification in Wyoming, but it does mean that they can start teaching, because Wyoming has pronounced their certificate valid.

Other requirements for teachers coming in from out of state include:

• The teacher must have taught for 3 of the past 6 years in the state where they are coming from.
• The teacher must send a copy of his or her current valid teaching license.
• The teacher must send copies of his or her Praxis I and II scores.

However, if a teacher is an elementary school or social studies teacher from another state, he or she does not have to send Praxis scores, but rather proof of being a highly qualified teacher in his or her state. The teacher will also have to be fingerprinted in Wyoming, even if they have already done so in another state.

How do I become a teacher in Wyoming - necessary exams for residents

Like most states, Wyoming requires teachers to pass both parts of the Praxis exam, Praxis I and II. If a teacher comes in from another state—even a state whose licenses are recognized by Wyoming—they still have to take the Praxis II exam.

What bachelors degree do I need for teaching in Wyoming?

It is effectively required by the state of Wyoming that a student on the traditional path to teaching obtain a bachelor's degree in education from an approved institution. While it's not technically a requirement, it is required that an individual have both a certain number of education courses, and the endorsement of the institution as a qualified future teacher. That endorsement usually happens during the course of an education program.

What is a teacher preparation program in Wyoming?

A teacher wondering how to become a teacher in Wyoming should know that a preparation program is either an education program pursued through an approved bachelor's degree, or it's an NPTT program for those who already have bachelor's degrees.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Wyoming?

Before a teacher can renew a teaching license in Wyoming, he or she has to have at least 5 credits of professional development. One credit is 14 hours worth of training. After that requirement is met, the teacher can apply for renewal, after paying a small renewal fee.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in WY?

• Professional Teaching Standards Board

  The PRSB is an independent licensing agency used by the state of Wyoming to ensure that all Wyoming teachers meet state-established standards of competence and ethics.

• Teaching Positions in Wyoming

  This is the Wyoming state site for teaching jobs.

• Wyoming Department of Education

  This is an overview of all the educational procedures, laws, and standards surrounding education in the state of Wyoming.