How To Become a Teacher in Wyoming 2025

<p>Becoming a teacher is not just a profession but a passion for many individuals. With the current teacher shortage and high demand for well-educated professionals, now is a good time to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/how_to_become_a_teacher.html">become a teacher</a>. </p> <p>In Wyoming, the requirements to become a teacher are different depending on the grade and subject area that you want to teach. For example, a first-grade teacher will have different qualifications from a high school math teacher. </p> <p>Keep reading to learn more about the educational requirements to become a teacher in Wyoming, as well as how to choose the right teaching degree for you. </p> <h2 id="section---StepsToBecomeATeacherInWyoming">Steps To Become a Teacher in Wyoming</h2> <p>Becoming a teacher is a rewarding and engaging profession. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/fastest_program_to_become_a_teacher.html">fastest way to become a teacher</a> is to complete the following steps, look for accelerated courses, and commit to your teacher preparation program full-time. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3> <p>It's important to think about what subject and grade level you might want to teach before pursuing an education program. The requirements and skills needed to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a> are different from the ones required to successfully teach AP science to high school students, for example. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4> <p>Becoming an elementary school teacher requires a degree in early childhood education. Instead of focusing on one subject area, elementary teachers usually have self-contained classrooms. This means that elementary school teachers will become well-versed in early literacy, mathematics skills, child development, and other basic skills of elementary education. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4> <p>Aspiring teachers who want to work with middle schoolers typically focus on one subject, such as science, mathematics, or language arts. Prospective teachers will take education courses in their preferred subject matter. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Requirements_to_be_a_Middle_School_Teacher.html">middle school teacher educational requirements</a> also include topics such as classroom management, child psychology, and curriculum development. </p> <h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4> <p><a href="https://learn.org/articles/High_School_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_High_School_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">High school teacher educational requirements</a> are more specific and focused on one content area. Many high schools offer a variety of subjects that are not available to elementary and middle schoolers, such as psychology, science specializations (e.g., physics or chemistry), and creative writing. This creates more teaching positions and allows teachers to earn a specialized teaching certificate. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3> <p>It's important to choose your major carefully when deciding to become a teacher. Many elementary school teachers choose early childhood education to prepare them to run a classroom with young learners. Middle and high school teachers typically are secondary education majors and may choose to minor in the subject they wish to teach (e.g., science, mathematics, or English). </p> <p>To become a physical education (PE) teacher, an entirely different degree is needed. Aspiring PE teachers should seek a major in physical education to give them the necessary skills. </p> <p>Special education teachers may also choose to major specifically in special education. They can also pursue a typical education degree with a special education concentration or endorsement. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>All certified teachers in Wyoming &mdash; even those who go through an alternative route certification program &mdash; need to earn a bachelor's degree. If your bachelor's degree is not in education, then a master's degree may be required. </p> <p>A bachelor's degree in education includes student teaching. This allows soon-to-be teachers the chance to gain teaching experience under the guidance of a lead teacher. </p> <p>The requirement for student teaching in Wyoming is eight weeks. To earn your teacher certification in Wyoming, you must participate in student teaching. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3> <p>A master's degree is not required to become a teacher in Wyoming, but an advanced degree could set you up for higher-paying positions. This is also a necessary route for those who do not have a bachelor's degree in education. For example, if your bachelor's degree is in English, you could pursue a master's degree in secondary education to become a language arts teacher for middle or high school students. </p> <h3 id="section---Step5PassWyomingTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Wyoming Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3> <p>In Wyoming, prospective teachers must pass Praxis II exams to earn their teaching license. The Praxis II exam you need to take depends on what grade level you plan to teach. For example, elementary school teachers up to third grade must take the Praxis II exam 5024, ''Education of Young Children,'' and earn a passing score of 160 or higher. </p> <h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3> <p>Once you pass the Praxis II exam, it's time to apply for teaching jobs. New teachers must pass a background check, and specific school districts may have additional requirements such as professional development training. </p> <p>Depending on when you earn your teaching credentials, you may be able to apply for a full-time position for the next school year. If not, being a substitute teacher is a great way to get a feel for different school districts and classroom setups. It's a great way to gain work experience before settling into a full-time role. </p> <h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2> <p>It's important to choose the right teacher education program for you. Coursework can be varied depending on your career path. </p> <p>For example, early childhood education will have more of a focus on child development, play-based learning, and the foundations of education. Secondary education will focus on subject matter expertise, classroom management, and instructional strategies. Special education teachers may need to enroll in additional teaching programs to meet the certification requirements. </p> <p>It's possible to earn a teaching degree online to reduce the cost of your education. However, student teaching is almost always in person to give prospective teachers face-to-face instructional time with students. </p> <h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInWyoming">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Wyoming</h2> <p>These are some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a teacher in Wyoming. </p> <h3 id="section---HowFastCanYouBecomeATeacherInWyoming">How Fast Can You Become a Teacher in Wyoming?</h3> <p>It typically takes between four and five years to become a teacher in Wyoming. Most undergraduate degrees take four years, plus prospective teachers must pass their certification exams and find a job. </p> <p>However, accelerated bachelor's degrees like the ones featured here on Learn.org may help make your teaching dreams a reality sooner than you think. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatRequirementsAreNeededToBeATeacherInWyoming">What Requirements Are Needed To Be a Teacher in Wyoming?</h3> <p>To become a teacher, you must meet the following requirements: </p> <ul><li>hold a bachelor's degree </li><li>complete a teacher preparation course (which can be included in your bachelor's degree and must include student teaching) </li><li>pass the required Praxis II exam and apply for licensure </li><li>pass a background check and fingerprinting </li></ul><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3> <p>Private schools can set their hiring criteria and may have different requirements for their teachers. Be sure to check the requirements at any private school at which you apply to teach. All Wyoming public schools have the above requirements, at a minimum. </p> <h3 id="section---HowShouldYouGetATeachingLicenseInWyoming">How Should You Get a Teaching License in Wyoming?</h3> <p>The way you get a teaching license is up to you. Whether you decide to be a teacher in undergraduate school and major in education or choose to pursue a master's degree in teaching, there's no wrong way to become a teacher. </p> <h2 id="section---StartYourTeachingCareer">Start Your Teaching Career</h2> <p>Teaching is a rewarding and sought-after profession that is always hiring. Start your teaching career by exploring online teaching degrees here on Learn.org.</p>