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Wyoming Alternative Teacher Certification

Alternative teacher preparation programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to the award of a certificate or master’s degree. These pathways are specifically designed for career changers who would like to transition to a career in classroom teaching. Read more about these options for alternative teacher licensure in Wyoming below or visit our guide to traditional certification in Wyoming if you don’t already have a bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for Alternative Certification

Candidates for alternative teacher certification in Wyoming must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and may need to pass the Praxis exams for educators, depending on the endorsement(s) they are seeking. Candidates typically must complete a teacher preparation program, which may be completed as a post-graduate certificate or a master’s degree in education, or in a core subject that includes an approved certification program.

Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses in Wyoming

There are two main pathways to Wyoming alternative teacher certification. These non-traditional paths allow some flexibility based on candidates’ previous education and experience. For more information on these options, consult the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.

Approved Preparation Program and Two-Year Internship

Those who have a bachelor’s degree who did not complete a teacher preparation program may enroll in a licensure-only or master’s degree program that meets Wyoming’s accreditation standards for the preparation of teachers. While enrolled in the teacher preparation program, candidates may apply for a Two-Year Internship Permit that allows holders to teach under supervision while completing certification requirements. Following completion of the preparation program and earning passing scores on the required licensure exams, candidates are eligible to apply for a teaching license. For more information, see the Professional Teaching Standards Board website.

Professional Industry Career Permit

The Professional Industry Career (PIC) Permit is issued to those who are qualified to teach career and technical education subjects in grades 6 through 12. Candidates must have at least a high school diploma and two years of work experience for each occupational specialty. Work experience must be verified by previous employers. Note that for many subjects, such as business and technology or trade and technical, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who are issued a PIC permit must submit and complete a Plan for Continued Professional Advancement.

Testing Requirements for Wyoming Alternative Certification

Wyoming does not require prospective teachers seeking endorsements in the secondary grades to pass the Praxis series of exams. Those seeking a Professional Industry Career Permit to teach at the middle school level may need to pass the Praxis content-area exam for their subject area if one is available for the endorsement(s) sought. However, all teaching candidates must either have appropriate coursework in the US and Wyoming Constitutions or pass the Professional Teaching Standards Board exam for these subjects.

Transferring Teaching Licenses from Another State

Reciprocity for experienced teachers is possible provided applicants have completed an approved teacher preparation program, have an Institutional Recommendation for licensure, and meet equivalent standards for teacher licensure in Wyoming. Candidates who were initially licensed under an alternative program in another state may be eligible if they have taught for three out of the past six years; applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For more detailed information on reciprocity, visit our guide to teaching certificate reciprocity or contact the Professional Teaching Standards Board.

Schools with Alternative and Master’s Programs in Wyoming

Completing an approved teacher preparation program is an important step for prospective teachers in Wyoming. The following school-based programs lead to a certificate or master’s degree and have been approved by the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB):

  • University of Wyoming (Certificate)

*Schools with an asterisk offer programs that can include paid classroom placements, subject to qualifications and experience. The student may be responsible for securing their own placement. Contact program(s) of interest for further information.

Additional Resources

References:
1. Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board: https://wyomingptsb.com/