How to Become a High School Teacher in Wyoming 

By helping teenagers learn and grow into curious, kind young adults, high school teachers have the opportunity to make a lasting difference in their communities. In Wyoming, high school teachers get the chance to work in some of the country’s best schools, as Wyoming is the sixth-best state in the nation for education, according to a ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

There is also a high demand for high school teachers in Wyoming. The U.S. Dept. of Labor is projecting more than a 10% increase in jobs for high school teachers in WY by 2032, compared to 2022. That’s an average of 140 open jobs every year. 

Read on to discover how you could earn your license and become a high school teacher in the Equality State.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming 

Unlike teachers who work with younger students and cover a wide range of topics, high school teachers get to dig into specific subject areas, like math, science, English, social studies, or physical education. To teach high schoolers in Wyoming, you can choose the topic you’re most interested in and then take the required Praxis exam for that content area.

Otherwise, earning your high school teaching license in Wyoming requires the same basic steps as becoming a teacher at any other level. To learn more about the process, you can check out our How to Become a Teacher in Wyoming guide. This guide explains the state’s different license types, testing requirements, the various routes to becoming a teacher in the state, and tips on how to best transition into the profession.

What Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in Wyoming?  

Wyoming requires teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), pass the required Praxis exams, clear a background check, and submit a Wyoming teaching credential application through the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB).

If you don’t have a bachelor’s yet, your timeline to becoming a teacher is likely around 4 years as you earn a bachelor’s in education.  

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to a license could be faster. You could complete an alternative or graduate-level EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program, which is 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months. It is important to note that TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Wyoming, so you would follow the process for out-of-state licensure.

Steps to Becoming a High School Teacher in Wyoming 

In-State vs. Out-of-State Pathways  

Wyoming offers multiple pathways to licensure, including traditional undergraduate programs in education and alternative routes for those who already have a teaching certificate from another state or have a bachelor’s degree in another field. 

If you’d like to be a high school teacher in Wyoming, you can choose an in-state EPP through an accredited college or university (Wyoming provides guidelines on how to ensure your program will lead to licensure), or an out-of-state program. Those who choose an out-of-state EPP will follow Wyoming’s path for out-of-state applicants, which is outlined on the state’s website.

Both pathways lead to a valid Wyoming teaching license, so it’s really about your preferences and whether your preferred EPP is in-state or out-of-state.

Steps to Licensure in Wyoming 

Let’s say you choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s online TEACH-NOW program. Here’s an example of the steps you could take to earn your high school teaching license in Wyoming: 

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. If you already have a bachelor’s, even in another field, you can skip this step.
2. Complete an EPP and submit an Institutional Recommendation form. The TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
3. Submit official transcripts and 2 blue FBI fingerprint cards, including a background check, to the Wyoming PTSB. 
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions, either through prerequisites or exams.  
5. Pass the state-mandated Praxis exams as they correspond to your subject area. For example, to teach biology, you might take the biology exam for teaching 6th through 12th graders.
6. Submit your licensure application through the Wyoming PTSB’s online system.

This is just one example of a potential path to licensure through an out-of-state EPP in Wyoming. For more detailed information, visit the Wyoming PTSB website. 

Why the Out-of-State Path Might Make Sense for You 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing an in-state or out-of-state EPP. If the in-state programs meet your needs, great! If an out-of-state program fits better, that’s great, too! Either way, you’ll end up with a valid Wyoming license, so it’s about choosing the program that’s the best match for you.

For some guidance on choosing your path, download The Teacher’s Guide to Finding Your Right-Fit Educator Preparation Program. You’ll learn 10 factors to help you evaluate EPPs and find the right one for you.

Can You Become a High School Teacher in Wyoming Without a Teaching Degree?  

Yes! The Equality State welcomes career changers. By bringing your unique background and real-world experience to Wyoming’s students, you can open up their world and inspire them to dream big. Especially at the high school level, where students are getting ready to embark on their own career paths, your experience outside the classroom can bring real value. 

If you want to learn more about becoming a high school teacher in Wyoming, check out our Wyoming teacher licensure page.

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Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching license in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.

Once you complete the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months. Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.