How to become a substitute teacher in Wyoming.

There are two different paths to becoming a substitute teacher in Wyoming. One requires some college credits, while the other requires training and classroom observation. 

Let’s look at the minimum state requirements for substitute teachers in Wyoming. 

Minimum Wyoming state requirements, at a glance*: 

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent 

• Training: School district in-service training 

• Classroom observation 

• U.S. and Wyoming Constitution courses or exams 

• Wyoming Educator Permit 

• Fingerprinting and background check 

A deeper dive into substitute teacher requirements.

The state of Wyoming provides two pathways to becoming a substitute teacher: the College Credit Path and the Alternate Path. Both paths require submitting an application packet for a Wyoming Educator Permit. Check this website for more information. 

The College Credit Path requires at least 60 semester hours of college credit or an associate degree from an accredited college or university.  

The Alternate Path requires no college coursework, but you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll have to complete at least 24 hours of school district in-service training and at least 30 hours of classroom observation. The 30 hours must include at least 10 hours at each level: elementary, junior high/middle, and high school.  

Since requirements for substitute teachers can vary from district to district in Wyoming, make sure to check the specific criteria listed in the job description. 

Education requirements.

All substitute teachers in Wyoming must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. If you are taking the College Credit Path, you need at least 60 semester hours of college credit or an associate degree from an accredited college or university. 

You must submit official transcripts to verify your education. Most schools and institutions assess a small fee (less than $20). Transcript requests generally take under a week to complete. 

Both paths require you to demonstrate your knowledge of U.S. and Wyoming history and government. You can do this through coursework or exams. For the coursework path, you need to pass the courses with a “C” or higher. [The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) accepts five Wyoming university and college courses that fulfill these requirements.] For the exam path, there are two 20-question, multiple-choice exams you must take and pass. You can do this at any Wyoming school district administration office or request that the exams be emailed to you. Find out more about this requirement here. 

Background check and fingerprinting.

Wyoming legislation requires that all educators submit to a background check and fingerprinting. When you submit your application packet (mentioned above), you must include two blue FBI Fingerprint Cards if you don’t already have valid fingerprints on file with the PTSB. The fingerprint processing fee is $50, and additional fees may apply. 

Employment verification.

All teacher applicants in Wyoming must verify their employment eligibility and prove they can legally work in the U.S. To complete this step, you’ll submit an I-9 form with valid identification credentials. This form can be completed in just a few minutes. 

Training.

Those who take the Alternate Path to substitute teaching in Wyoming must complete at least 24 hours of school district in-service training and at least 30 hours of classroom observation. This observation must include at least 10 hours at each level: elementary, junior high/middle, and high school. 

Getting started as a substitute teacher.

Substitute teaching is a rewarding career. Check the Wyoming PTSB’s website and your local school districts’ websites for more information. They should provide a job description and details about how to apply to be a substitute teacher.  

Want more information about the role of a substitute teacher? Visit our career advice webpage. From substitute teacher dress codes to what to bring on your first day, Kelly Education shares everything you need to know about substitute teaching. 

*Information subject to change. This is a general guideline. School districts may have more requirements, in addition to state requirements.