Become a Kindergarten Teacher in Wyoming

Kindergarten Teacher Career Information

Kindergarten teachers in Wyoming teach students basic subjects to prepare them for grade one. To become a kindergarten teacher, students will need to obtain a bachelor's degree in elementary education from an accredited college and complete a teacher preparation program either in conjunction with or after they obtain their BA. After the teacher preparation program is completed, graduates will need to obtain an Institutional Recommendation (IR) for Licensure and pass the Praxis II Early Childhood Education Assessment. After these steps are completed, graduates may apply to the state for their initial Standard Wyoming Educator License.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Job Description

Kindergarten teachers are responsible for educating young students in basic subjects during the school day to provide them with the necessary foundation for further education. These teachers are instrumental as they teach students how to interact with each other. Kindergarten teachers may also be required to escort their students to specialized classes such as art and/or music, assemblies and/or recess. They will also occasionally be required to supervise children during lunchtime or recess.

Many kindergarten teachers use a hands-on approach to aide their students in understanding abstract concepts and developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Kindergarten teachers are required to create lesson plans, instruct their classes, evaluate students' grades and performance and communicate with parents/guardians regarding their children's progress.

To become an effective kindergarten teacher, aspiring educators will need patience, resourcefulness, excellent communication skills and physical stamina.

Education and Training Requirements

Students aspiring to teach kindergarten in Wyoming will need to complete a regionally or nationally accredited teacher preparation program. These programs are typically offered at most colleges or universities through their colleges of education. The program has to include student teaching and lead to an Institutional Recommendation (IR) for Licensure.

To be qualified to teach kindergarten, students must complete the early childhood birth to eight (B-8) endorsement. This is available to undergraduate students enrolled in an elementary education program or post-graduate students who hold a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. The B-8 endorsement requires completion of a six-hour internship in a pre-K setting and the required coursework. Undergrad students must also complete a 15-hour student teaching experience/residency in a primary grade (K-3).

Aspiring kindergarten teachers' requirements for In-State Program applications include:

• Completion of an approved teacher preparation program from an accredited college or university that leads to an Institutional Recommendation for Licensure
• Official transcripts proving the competition of said program
• Understanding of U.S. and Wyoming Constitutions
• Two blue FBI fingerprint cards that include a background check
• Completion of teacher testing requirements (Praxis II exam)
• Submission of the completed application packet

Exam Requirements

For initial licensure in Wyoming, students must pass the Praxis II Education of Young Children (5024) exam with a qualifying score of 160.

Renewal Requirements

The Standard Wyoming Educator License (including the initial license) is valid for five years. The renewal application must be received by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) before the license expires.

To renew a Wyoming Educator License or Permit, teachers are required to complete professional development credits. Most teaching fields require five credits; however, the specific renewal requirements can be found on the back side of the license itself.

Credits can be earned by attending a PTSB-approved workshop, completing college courses through an accredited institution and/or applying any credits earned while pursuing the National Board Certification.

PTSB encourages teachers to pursue National Board Certification. Financial support, salary bonuses and additional financial incentives are offered to those teachers who seek this certification.

To become National Board Certified, teachers must complete three years in a classroom in addition to possessing a bachelor's degree, holding a valid state teaching license and completing Components 1 through 4.