- Wyoming Alternative Teacher Certification
Teaching Schools in WY
Teaching Reciprocity Guide
In order to work in the Wyoming public education system, aspiring teachers must earn certification from the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) within the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE).
The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Wyoming are:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree with a Wyoming-approved teacher preparation component.
- Complete a student teaching placement.
- Pass the required teacher certification exams.
- Apply for a teaching certificate or license.
Continue reading to learn more about the traditional pathway to teaching in Wyoming.
Table of Contents
- Steps to Become a Teacher in Wyoming
- Teacher Certification Renewal
- Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate
- Teaching License Reciprocity
- Related Licenses
- Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming
This section details the teacher certification process for applicants seeking a teaching license in Wyoming through the traditional route. If you are a bachelor’s degree holder who has yet to complete a teacher preparation program, check out our guide to alternative teacher certification in Wyoming.
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an approved teacher preparation program.
Candidates for Wyoming teacher certification must earn a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the PTSB. The bachelor’s degree major will depend on the grade level and subject they wish to teach. They must also complete a PTSB-approved university program leading to an institutional recommendation (IR) from the school for licensure, usually as part of the bachelor’s degree.
You can compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs on our Wyoming schools page. You can also read about two important accreditations to consider, institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation, on our teaching schools guide.
2. Complete a student teaching placement.
All candidates for a Wyoming Educator License must complete a student teaching placement, or residency. The residency should consist of a minimum of eight consecutive weeks of student teaching in a school setting. To meet the requirements for state certification, the student teaching placement should be at the grade level and in the subject you wish to teach. Select programs may offer longer student teaching placements or opportunities to pursue more than one placement.
3. Pass the required Wyoming teacher exams.
All teaching candidates must either provide evidence of appropriate coursework in the US and Wyoming Constitutions or pass the PTSB exam for these subjects. Unlike most other states, Wyoming only requires the Praxis tests for certain types of teaching licenses. The following teaching endorsem*nts require candidates to take one or more exams:
- Candidates adding an endorsem*nt through a Demonstration of Competency (Praxis)
- Early childhood education (Praxis)
- Elementary education (Praxis)
- Middle school teachers adding an endorsem*nt in math, English, science, or social studies (Praxis)
- Social studies composite (Praxis)
- Special education (Praxis)
- World language endorsem*nt (Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) exam administered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL))
For additional information on these requirements, consult the PTSB.
4. Apply for Wyoming teacher certification.
Once the steps above have been completed, applicants can email their application for a teaching license to the PTSB. The required documents include:
- Transcripts verifying a bachelor’s degree (mailed or emailed to PTSB)
- Verification of completion of approved teacher preparation program including student teaching and institutional recommendation
- Completed background check fingerprint cards (must be mailed to the PTSB office)
- Passing scores on the required exams for the endorsem*nt(s) sought
- Payment of the non-refundable processing fee (PTSB will email an invoice after they receive your application)
Visit the PTSB website for further details on Wyoming teacher certification.
Guide to Other Teaching Pathways
- I want to be a teacher and have a degree, but not in education: Learn about Wyoming’s Alternative Certification Process and Programs
- I have a teaching degree and am interested in graduate education: Learn about Master’s Degree Education Programs, Education Specialist Programs, or Doctorate Education Programs
- I want to explore substitute teaching: Learn about Substitute Teacher Opportunities
Wyoming Teacher Certification Renewal
Educators in Wyoming must renew their licenses every five years. To renew a standard teaching license in Wyoming, educators must complete five professional development or renewal credits. These credits can be completed through PTSB-approved workshops or credits earned while pursuing National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The PDF application must be emailed to the PTSB, and they will email an invoice once your application has been received.
Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate
Once you receive your license, you will only be eligible to work as a teacher in the grade levels and certification areas listed on your license, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. They can only be added in two ways:
- By completing an approved educator preparation program and receiving institutional recommendation (IR) for licensure
- Through a Demonstration of Competency, which allows teachers to use previous coursework towards a new endorsem*nt
Any current Wyoming teacher may apply to add a coaching endorsem*nt to their license.
Wyoming Teaching License Reciprocity
Wyoming offers out-of-state reciprocity, so long as the requirements of the out-of-state license are equal to Wyoming’s teaching license requirements. Equal requirements include completion of an accredited teacher education program, completion of supervised student teaching, and passing of required state tests. Should the out-of-state license meet these requirements, educators must complete and submit the following documents:
- Wyoming PTSB license application and fees
- Institutional recommendation (IR) from the school housing the teacher preparation program
- Official transcripts
- Test scores (if applicable)
- Demonstrated knowledge of the US and Wyoming Constitutions (either by transcript or PTSB test)
- Background check with fingerprinting
Once this paperwork is submitted and the fees are paid, educators will receive their Wyoming educator license and be fully authorized to teach in Wyoming. You can learn more about transferring a teaching certificate or license between states on our guide to certification reciprocity.
In addition to standard educator licenses, Wyoming offers a variety of endorsem*nts (certificates) in support and administrative areas through the PTSB. These include:
- School Counselor Endorsem*nt: To be a K-12 school counselor, applicants must hold a master’s degree in school counseling with an IR.
- School Librarian Endorsem*nt: School librarians must have a bachelor’s degree in school library science K-12.
- School Principal Endorsem*nt: Prospective school principals must receive a school administrator endorsem*nt, hold a Wyoming teaching license, and complete an educational leadership program with an IR.
Additional endorsem*nts such as school psychologist, school social worker, and speech pathologist are available in Wyoming. In most cases, advanced endorsem*nts require a master’s degree with IR and passing the corresponding exam. A valid Wyoming teaching license is also commonly required. More information about additional school personnel endorsem*nts can be found on the PTSB website.
Wyoming Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs
Projected Job Growth
10%
Growth in Teaching Jobs in WY through 20302*
During the 2017-2018 school year, there were 369 K-12 public schools in Wyoming, with an estimated 94,258 students.3 With approximately 7,335 teachers, this gave Wyoming a student-to-teacher ratio of nearly 13:1.3
Overall, job growth prospects for educators in Wyoming are slightly lower than they are nationally, with some exceptions. Job growth for Wyoming elementary teachers is projected at 10.2% compared to 7.4% nationally; for Wyoming middle school teachers, 9.3% compared to 13.1% nationally; and for Wyoming secondary school teachers, 10.3% compared to 13.7% nationally.2
The table below provides a detailed comparison of job growth prospects and salary levels for Wyoming teachers.
| Type | Number Employed in WY4 | Average Annual Openings in WY2 | WY Proj. Job Growth 2020-20302 | Average Annual Salary in WY4 | 25th Percentile Wages in WY5 | 75th Percentile Wages in WY5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool Teachers | 930 | 80 | 18.8% | $31,540 | $22,290 | $38,460 |
| Preschool Teachers, Special Education | 110 | 10 | 28.6% | $51,790 | $38,180 | $65,530 |
| Kindergarten Teachers | 470 | 50 | 10.3% | $59,860 | $50,860 | $62,380 |
| Elementary School Teachers | 2,710 | 200 | 10.2% | $60,580 | $51,530 | $62,410 |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education | 550 | 40 | 12% | $61,780 | $55,570 | $66,350 |
| Middle School Teachers | 1,070 | 100 | 9.3% | $62,190 | $52,270 | $71,640 |
| Middle School Teachers, Special Education | 280 | 30 | 9.7% | $63,620 | $58,360 | $72,060 |
| Middle School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 60 | — | — | $63,760 | $58,840 | $74,260 |
| Secondary School Teachers | 1,850 | 130 | 10.3% | $63,730 | $59,400 | $74,530 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Special Education | 360 | 30 | 10.3% | $63,550 | $59,110 | $72,790 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 230 | 20 | 9.1% | $64,280 | $59,030 | $73,620 |
*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.
Teacher Shortages in Wyoming
Like most states in the US, Wyoming has shortages in several teaching areas. According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-2024, Wyoming has the following shortages:
- English as a Second Language, K-12
- General Education, K-12
- Special Education, K-12
- World Languages (Chinese), K-12
- World Languages (Spanish), 1-126
Recent research indicates that there were over 1,000 unfilled teaching positions in Wyoming during the 2022-2023 academic year.7 Nearly 200 teachers in Wyoming were considered underqualified for their position, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification field on a temporary or emergency basis.7
Additional Resources
- Wyoming Education Association (WYoEA): An association that provides advocacy and legal expertise and support to educators in Wyoming.
- Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) Education Resources: Provides approved state and national education resources for continuing education and getting an initial license in Wyoming.
- Wyoming PTSB License Renewal Requirements: Details how to receive renewal credits in Wyoming based on the type of license an educator is looking to renew.
- Wyoming School Boards Association (WSBA) Educator Vacancies: Live postings of current education job openings throughout Wyoming.
Related Articles
- Alternative Teacher Certification in Wyoming
- Guide to Funding Your Teaching Degree
- Overview of the Bachelor’s in Education
- Wyoming Schools Guide
- Top Online Master’s Programs for Initial Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I become a high school teacher in Wyoming?
Answer: You must earn an educator license through Wyoming to become a Wyoming high school teacher. To qualify for the license, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in the subject you will be teaching. You must also complete a teacher preparation program with a student teaching component in a high school setting and pass a background check.
Question: How much do teachers in Wyoming make?
Answer: Teachers in Wyoming from elementary through high school earn average salaries of over $60,000 per year.4
Question: How many private schools and private school teachers are working in Wyoming?
Answer: The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that there are 40 private schools in Wyoming as of the 2019 to 2020 school year.8 Those schools employ 301 full-time teachers and serve 2,120 students.8 Wyoming requires teachers in non-religious private elementary and secondary schools to have a certificate with the necessary endorsem*nts. Religious schools are not required to employ certified teachers. Check with private schools you are interested in to confirm teacher requirements.
References:
1. Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board: https://wyomingptsb.com/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, Wyoming Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2017-2018: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Wyoming: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
7. Teacher Shortages in the United States, Tuan D. Nguyen et al.: https://teachershortages.com/
8. National Center for Education Statistics, Private School Universe Survey, 2019-20: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/TABLE15fl1920.asp
