Become a Teacher in Wyoming

Graduates of accredited colleges or universities whose bachelor’s degree are not in education, and who have not yet earned a traditional teaching certificate, can still receive an alternative teaching certificate by satisfying certain requirements. Wyoming offers an alternative program for secondary licensure through the Northern Plains Transition to Teaching program. Visit the program’s website for more information. The Lewis and Clark Region Troops to Teachers program also offers an alternative route to licensure in Wyoming, specifically for qualified military personnel looking to transition from the armed services to service in public school classrooms.

The Wyoming School Boards Association publishes an online list of education jobs in the state, including teaching positions, administrative positions, superintendent positions, and district-wide positions. Check back frequently as new listings are provided as needed. Wyoming also lists positions on the Teachers-Teachers website.

Learn more about finding a teaching job on Teach.com.

According to 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average teacher salaries for Wyoming teachers range from $58,000 to $62,000 per year, depending on grade level.

Learn more about teacher salaries on Teach.com.

The Wyoming Retirement System (WRS) offers two types of retirement benefits: pensions and deferred compensation. Pension plans for teachers differ according to when the first contribution was made. To learn more about your specific circumstances, contact WRS.

Learn more about benefits for teachers on Teach.com.

A teacher shortage area is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as “an area of specific grade, subject matter or discipline classification, or a geographic area in which … there is an inadequate supply of elementary or secondary school teachers.” The Department allows states to identify their own teacher shortage areas, but encourages them to follow a prescribed methodology based on unfilled teaching positions, teaching positions filled by instructors with irregular certifications, and positions filled by teachers certified in other subject areas. Shortage areas for the 2020-21 school year are as follows:

There are several forms of aid available to teachers pursuing their Master’s in Teaching. The TEACH Grant, for example, offers financial aid in return for teaching full time in a high-need field at a low-income school for at least four academic years. Similarly, the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program allows teachers to teach full-time at a low-income school for five years in exchange for forgiveness of up to $17,500 of student loans. The college or university where you plan to attain your master’s degree may also offer its own aid.

Learn more about how to finance your Master’s degree on Teach.com.

The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) oversees both certification and professional development for Wyoming teachers. You can find information on various professional development workshops, approved university programs, and additional education resources on the PTSB website.

As a teacher with a master’s degree in the field of education in Wyoming, you may have more job security, as well as the possibility of better compensation. Salary can be influenced by location, years of experience, and other factors as well.

Learn more about the benefits of a Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education on Teach.com.