How to Get Your Wyoming
Teacher Certification
A Wyoming teaching license is the first step toward a meaningful career in education. Teaching in Wyoming means joining a community where educators are valued. Smaller districts, strong relationships, and the chance to truly know your students create a rewarding experience.
This guide walks you through the steps to earning your teaching license in the Equality State — from choosing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) to applying for your credential and starting your journey in the classroom.
Wyoming Department of Education
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) and the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) oversee educator licensure across the state. They are your primary resources for understanding requirements, applying for licensure, and maintaining your credential throughout your career.
How to Become a Licensed Teacher in Wyoming
Whether you’re starting out, currently teaching, or changing careers, Wyoming offers multiple pathways to become a licensed educator.
Traditional Path
If you’re a high school graduate and you know you want to be a teacher, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university.
For this path, you will need to:
- Pass the required Praxis exams
- Submit official degree transcripts
- Complete a background check
- Apply for your license through the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB)
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Alternative Path
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education, this path allows you to transition into teaching through an alternative Educator Preparation Program (EPP).
Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is a great option as it’s 100% online and can be completed in as little as 9 months.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
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For a comprehensive look at Wyoming’s teacher licensure pathways and requirements, visit the Wyoming PTSB website.
Benefits of Earning Your Wyoming Teaching License
Strong Demand for Teachers
Wyoming has 7,311 teachers, according to state data, and continues to see an ongoing need for licensed teachers across subject areas and grade levels. This creates meaningful opportunities for new educators.
Competitive Pay
The average teacher salary in Wyoming is $63,669, with starting pay for new teachers around $50,214, according to the National Education Association. This reflects the strong potential for career and salary growth for teachers.
Balanced Class Sizes
According to state data, Wyoming maintains a student-teacher ratio of about 13:1, lower than the national average of 15:1 or 16:1. This allows educators to provide more individualized attention to students.
Diverse Student Population
About 16% of Wyoming students are Hispanic, along with representation from American Indian, Pacific Islander, and other communities. This creates a rich learning environment for both students and educators.
License Types in Wyoming
Wyoming offers several license options to support teachers at different stages of their careers.
Exception Authorization (Provisional License)
Wyoming offers a one-year Exception Authorization (sometimes known as a provisional license) for applicants who do not yet qualify for a standard license. To be eligible for an Exception Authorization in Wyoming, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in the subject area you wish to teach
- Be hired by an accredited Wyoming school/district
- Have the district provide proof they were unable to hire a fully certified teacher for that role
- Submit a plan showing how you will work toward full licensure within one year, including how you’ll meet all certification requirements within three years
You can receive up to three Exception Authorizations, but you must demonstrate ongoing progress toward full licensure each year. By the end of year three, you’ll need to obtain a standard license to continue teaching.
Standard Educator License
The Standard Educator License is the primary teaching credential in Wyoming and is required for most full-time classroom teaching roles. It is issued to candidates who:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Meet PRAXIS II scores or provide equivalent testing
- Pass a background check
- Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions
This license is valid for five years and allows educators to teach independently in their endorsement area, pursue additional endorsements, and build a long-term career in Wyoming schools.
For more comprehensive information on license types and requirements, visit the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board website.
Wyoming Teacher Education Requirements
General Requirements
To teach in Wyoming, educators must meet the standards established by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree, candidates must:
- Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) that includes student teaching and leads to an Institutional Recommendation for licensure
- Submit official transcripts verifying degree completion
- Complete fingerprinting and a background check
- Demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions
Testing Requirements
Wyoming requires candidates to demonstrate subject matter competency through approved assessments. Requirements vary based on endorsement area, but can include:
- Passing required Praxis Subject Assessments aligned to the grade level and subject you plan to teach
- Meeting Wyoming’s minimum qualifying scores for each required exam
Education Requirements
Wyoming teachers are required to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. If your degree is in a field other than education, you could complete an alternative EPP to earn your license.
For more comprehensive information on requirements for Wyoming teachers, visit the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board website.
Wyoming Licensing Application Process
Applying for a Wyoming teaching license is a straightforward process through the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). To get started, you must provide:
- Your completed application and required fee
- Official transcripts
- Testing documentation
- License verification (if you currently hold a teaching license or held one in the past)
Wyoming Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs)
Wyoming has a list of state-approved EPPs as well as pathways for candidates who complete an online or out-of-state program.
Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is a great out-of-state option for Wyoming teachers.
TEACH-NOW:
- Fully accredited
- 100% online
- Global cohort model
- Rolling admissions
- Monthly start dates
- 9 months total
- Clinical learning (student teaching) included
Moreland University’s Guide to Teacher Certification in Wyoming provides a streamlined overview of what it takes to become a certified teacher in the Equality State.
FAQs
You have questions about becoming a licensed teacher in Wyoming. We have answers.
How do I become a teacher in Wyoming?
Wyoming requires educators to complete specific steps to ensure you are prepared to teach in the classroom.
Requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Completion of an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Passing scores on the required licensure exams
- Fingerprint and background checks
- Knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions
For more detailed information on Wyoming’s teacher requirements, visit the Wyoming PTSB website.
How can out-of-state teachers earn a teaching license in Wyoming?
Wyoming has pathways for teachers who complete an in-state Educator Preparation Program (EPP) as well as those who complete an out-of-state EPP. If you choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland University’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program, you’ll need to submit an Institutional Recommendation form showing you are eligible for licensure in the state your EPP is located. (You don’t actually have to earn that state’s license; just show that you are eligible.)
Learn more about out-of-state licensure on the Wyoming PTSB website.
Do I need a teaching license to teach in Wyoming?
Yes, most public school teaching positions require a valid Wyoming teaching license. Licensure is regulated by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB), which ensures educators meet state standards for preparation and competency. While some private schools or temporary substitute roles may not require full licensure, most full-time teaching positions will require an active Wyoming license.
What are the requirements for Wyoming teacher licensure?
To obtain a teaching license in Wyoming, you must meet requirements set by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB). These typically include:
- Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Completing an Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
- Completing student teaching/clinical learning experience
- Passing required Praxis exams aligned to your subject area and grade level
- Submitting official transcripts
- Completing fingerprinting and a background check
- Demonstrating knowledge of the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions
- Submitting a completed application through the PTSB
Specific requirements may vary depending on the type of license and endorsement area.
How do I maintain my Wyoming teaching license?
Wyoming educators must renew their license periodically and demonstrate continued professional growth. To maintain an active license, teachers need to:
- Complete required professional development or continuing education hours
- Maintain employment in an educational setting or demonstrate continued competency
- Submit a renewal application before the license expiration date
- Pay applicable renewal fees
You should check with the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board for current renewal timelines and specific requirements, as they may vary by license type.
How long does it take to become a licensed teacher in Wyoming?
The timeline to become a licensed teacher in Wyoming can vary depending on your educational background, the specific pathway you choose, and the time it takes to complete the required exams and training programs.
If you’re an undergrad earning your bachelor’s degree in education, for example, that typically takes about 4 years.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, your path to a license could be much faster. Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months. TEACH-NOW is 100% online, with rolling admissions, monthly start dates, and clinical learning (student teaching) included.
TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Wyoming, so you would follow the process for out-of-state applicants.
How much do teachers make in Wyoming?
Wyoming ranks 12th for highest teacher salaries in the United States. According to the National Education Association, the average teaching salary is $63,669, with the highest salaries seen in cities like Laramie, Natrona, and Campbell. For teachers just beginning their journey, starting pay is approximately $50,214 — that is $4,000 higher than the national average for a teacher’s starting salary.
It’s important to note that your specific salary will vary based on factors like experience, education level, job type, and district.
If a higher salary is important to you, enrolling in a master’s degree program may be another option you will want to investigate.
How can I learn more about becoming a certified teacher in Wyoming?
The Wyoming Department of Education is the best resource to learn more about teacher certification, endorsements, and pathways to teaching in the Equality State.
You can also reach out to Moreland University at admissions@moreland.edu or 844-283-2246. We’d be happy to answer your questions about teacher certification or our 9-month, 100% online Educator Preparation Program.