Wyoming Alternative Teaching Certification Requirements

Wyoming alternative teacher licensing programs, also known as non-traditional programs, are designed for those with a bachelor’s degree outside of education and typically lead to a certificate or master’s degree. These pathways are specifically designed for career changers who wish 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.

Table of Contents

Wyoming Alternative Certification Requirements
Types of Alternative Teaching Licenses
Testing Requirements
Licenses From Another State
Schools With Alternative and Master’s Programs
Additional Resources

Requirements for Alternative Certification

Candidates for alternative teacher certification in Wyoming must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and may need to pass Praxis exams for their specific endorsements. Candidates typically need to complete a teacher preparation program, which can be completed as a graduate certificate, a master’s degree in education or teaching, or a core subject degree with 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 (PTSB).

Approved Preparation Program and Two-Year Internship

Those with 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. After completing the preparation program and passing licensure exams, candidates can apply for a teaching license. For more information, see the PTSB website.

Professional Industry Career Permit

The Professional Industry Career (PIC) Permit is issued to applicants qualified to teach career and technical education subjects in grades six through 12. Candidates need a high school diploma and two years of verified work experience in their occupational specialty. Note that PIC Permits in subjects such as business and technology or trade and technical require 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

Secondary endorsements in Wyoming do not require Praxis exams. Those seeking a PIC Permit to teach at the middle school level may need to pass the Praxis Subject Test for their subject area. However, all teaching candidates must either complete coursework in the US and Wyoming Constitutions or pass the related PTSB exam.

Transferring Teaching Licenses From Another State

Reciprocity is available to experienced teachers who have completed an approved teacher preparation program, have an Institutional Recommendation for licensure, and meet equivalent standards for teacher licensure in Wyoming. Teachers licensed through alternative programs in other states may qualify if they have at least three years of teaching experience in 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 PTSB.

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)

Additional Resources

Professional Industry Career (PIC) Permit: Overview of the PIC permit requirements and limitations.
Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB): Provides detailed information and requirements for prospective educators.

References:
1. Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board: https://wyomingptsb.com/
2. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP): https://caepnet.org/provider-search
3. Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP): https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs
4. US Department of Education 2021 Title II Report: https://title2.ed.gov/Public/Home.aspx
5. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Wyoming Alternative Teacher Certification Process and Programs