How to Become a Math Teacher in Wyoming
Becoming a math teacher in Wyoming is a fulfilling career choice that allows you to inspire and educate students in one of the core subjects. Whether you aim to teach middle school or high school mathematics, the process involves earning the right degree, completing an approved preparation program, passing required Praxis exams, and meeting Wyoming’s teacher licensure standards.
This guide is designed for aspiring educators who want clear, practical, and confidence-building guidance. You’ll learn exactly how to become a math teacher in Wyoming, how the Praxis exams fit into the process, how to prepare effectively—without unnecessary stress or confusion, and why Prepsaret is the best preparation platform on your journey to becoming a math teacher in Wyoming.
- Exam Overview
- Certification Requirements
- Exam Format & Structure
- Content Categories
- Scoring and Passing Requirements
- Study and Preparation Tips
- Test-Day Strategies
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Becoming a Math Teacher in Wyoming: Exam Overview
To teach math in Wyoming public schools, you must earn a Wyoming math teacher license issued by the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE). This license confirms that you meet the state’s academic, pedagogical, and testing requirements.
Wyoming recognizes several types of teaching certificates, with the Standard License being the most common for career educators. This license requires a bachelor’s degree, completion of an approved teacher preparation program, and demonstrated competency through examinations. The state offers endorsements for mathematics at different grade levels, including middle school mathematics and secondary mathematics for high school teaching positions.
- Grade-Level Mathematics Endorsements: Wyoming structures mathematics teaching endorsements based on the grades you plan to teach:
- Middle School Mathematics Endorsement: Covers grades 5-8 and requires specific coursework in middle-level mathematics content and pedagogy. This endorsement prepares teachers to work with students transitioning from elementary arithmetic to more advanced algebraic thinking.
- Secondary Mathematics Endorsement: Covers grades 6-12 and represents the most comprehensive mathematics teaching credential. This endorsement requires substantial mathematics coursework at the college level and prepares teachers to teach everything from pre-algebra through calculus and statistics.
Some teachers pursue both endorsements to maximize their employment opportunities, though most focus on the grade band that aligns with their interests and educational background.
Wyoming Teacher Certification Requirements for Math Teachers
The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) oversees all teacher certification in the state. To teach mathematics in Wyoming public schools, you must obtain a Standard Teaching License with an endorsement in mathematics.
To become a math teacher in Wyoming, candidates must meet several certification requirements. Below are the key steps involved in obtaining a Wyoming math teacher certification:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
- Enroll in a Wyoming educator preparation program.
- Pass the Praxis Core and Praxis Math exams.
- Complete a student teaching experience.
- Submit a background check and fingerprinting documentation.
- Apply for your Wyoming teaching certificate.
Educational Degree Requirements
To become a middle school or high school math teacher in Wyoming, you typically need:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher
- A major in mathematics or completion of a teacher preparation program with a mathematics endorsement
- Degrees may be earned through:
- Traditional education programs (education + math content)
- Content-area degrees paired with a post-baccalaureate or alternative certification route
Wyoming Educator Preparation Program
All candidates must complete a Wyoming-approved educator preparation program, which includes:
- Coursework in teaching methods and educational psychology
- Supervised classroom experiences
- Student teaching requirements in Wyoming or an approved equivalent
This program prepares you for real classroom instruction and aligns closely with Praxis expectations.
Field Experience and Student Teaching
All certification pathways require substantial classroom experience before licensure. Traditional programs incorporate observation hours throughout coursework, followed by a full semester of student teaching. This capstone experience typically involves 12-16 weeks of full-time teaching under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and university supervisor.
Student teaching placements aim to provide diverse experiences. Many programs arrange placements in two different schools—often one middle school and one high school placement, or placements in schools serving different demographic populations. This variety helps new teachers develop versatility and understand different school cultures.
During student teaching, you’ll gradually assume full teaching responsibilities, including planning lessons and units, delivering instruction, assessing student learning, managing classroom behavior, communicating with parents, participating in faculty meetings and professional development, and reflecting on your practice through observations and feedback.
Student teaching represents the bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Take this experience seriously—many schools offer employment to successful student teachers, making this an extended job interview opportunity.
Praxis Exams Required to Teach Math in Wyoming
In Wyoming, to teach mathematics, candidates must pass the Praxis Math exam and the Praxis Core assessments. These exams are designed to ensure that teachers possess the necessary competencies to teach effectively.
So, Do You Need Praxis to Teach Math in Wyoming? Yes. Wyoming requires Praxis exams for most initial teacher licensure pathways.
Depending on your grade level and background, you may need:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (or an approved exemption)
- A Praxis Mathematics Subject Assessment
These exams demonstrate your readiness to teach both foundational skills and math-specific content.
Complete Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Wyoming takes student safety seriously and requires comprehensive background checks for all candidates seeking teacher certification. This process includes both state and federal criminal history checks through fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting Requirements
You’ll submit fingerprints electronically through an approved vendor, typically Fieldprint or a similar service. The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board coordinates with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI to review your criminal history.
Schedule your fingerprinting appointment after applying for your teaching license, but allow 4-6 weeks for processing. The background check fee (typically $50-75) is separate from your license application fee and is your responsibility.
Apply for Your Wyoming Teaching License
Once you’ve completed your educator preparation program and passed all required exams, you’re ready to apply for your Standard Teaching License through the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board.
Application Materials
Your application packet will include completed application forms through the Wyoming Educator Licensing System (WELS), official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, verification of your educator preparation program completion, official Praxis score reports sent directly from ETS, background check results, and the application fee (currently $150 for initial licenses).
Submit your application through the WELS online system. The Professional Teaching Standards Board reviews applications on a rolling basis, typically processing complete applications within 4-6 weeks.
Understanding Wyoming Teaching License Levels
Wyoming issues teaching licenses at different levels based on education and experience:
- Level 1 Standard License: Valid for five years, issued to candidates who have completed an approved educator preparation program, passed required exams, and met all other requirements. This represents your initial professional license.
- Level 2 Standard License: Valid for five years, available after completing three years of successful teaching on a Level 1 license and completing required professional development.
- Level 3 Standard License: Valid for five years, available after completing an additional three years of teaching and ongoing professional development, often including completion of a master’s degree or equivalent professional growth.
Each license level requires renewal and demonstration of continued professional learning. Wyoming teachers must complete continuing education units (CEUs) or college credits during each renewal cycle to maintain their licenses.
Praxis Exam Overview
The Praxis exams are a series of assessments used to evaluate the knowledge and skills of aspiring educators.
Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators
The Praxis Core represents Wyoming’s basic skills requirement, testing reading, writing, and mathematics at a high school level. While this may seem elementary for mathematics majors, don’t underestimate these exams—they assess different skills than advanced mathematics courses.
- Praxis Core Math (5733): This 85-minute exam includes 56 selected-response questions covering number and quantity, algebra and functions, geometry, and statistics and probability. You’ll need to demonstrate computational fluency and problem-solving skills with real-world contexts.
- Praxis Core Reading (5713): This 85-minute exam includes 56 questions testing your ability to analyze, evaluate, and comprehend various texts, including educational passages you’ll encounter as a teacher.
- Praxis Core Writing (5723): This 100-minute exam combines 40 selected-response questions about language usage with two essay responses, assessing your ability to communicate clearly in writing—essential for creating assignments, communicating with parents, and writing student recommendations.
Wyoming accepts the Praxis Core as one pathway to demonstrate basic skills competency. The state also accepts qualifying ACT or SAT scores, certain undergraduate GPA thresholds from your degree-granting institution, or passing scores on the ACT WorkKeys assessments as alternatives.
Exam Format & Structure
The Praxis Math exam consists of various question types, including multiple-choice questions and constructed-response questions. The total duration for the exam is typically 2 hours and 30 minutes.
| Exam Component | Question Type | Time Allotted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Praxis Core | Reading, Writing, Mathematics | Varies by component | |
| Praxis Math | Multiple-Choice, Constructed-Response | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Content Categories
The Praxis Math exam covers several content categories, ensuring that candidates are well-versed in essential mathematical concepts. These categories include:
- Number and Quantity
- Algebra and Functions
- Geometry
- Statistics and Probability
- Mathematical Practices
Scoring and Passing Requirements
Praxis exams use a scaled scoring system, not a percentage-correct model with specific passing requirements set by the Wyoming Department of Education. While exact passing scores may vary, it is crucial to aim for a score that meets or exceeds the state’s standards. Each test has a different score range, and Wyoming sets passing scores for each required exam.
For the Praxis Core, Wyoming requires minimum scores of 150 on each subtest (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics). The Praxis Core exams use a 100-200 scale, with 150 representing a middle passing standard.
For the Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge exam (5161), Wyoming requires a minimum score of 160 on the 100-200 scale. For the Praxis Middle School Mathematics exam (5164), Wyoming requires a minimum score of 165.
Your scaled score reflects not just the number of questions you answered correctly, but also the difficulty level of those questions. This equating process ensures fairness across different test forms. You’ll receive your unofficial score immediately after completing computer-delivered exams, with official scores available in your ETS account within 10-15 business days.
Wyoming requires official score reports sent directly from ETS to the Professional Teaching Standards Board. Plan for this 2-3 week processing window when timing your applications.
Study and Preparation Tips for Praxis Math Exams
Preparing effectively can make the difference between retesting and passing on your first attempt. Here are some tips to help you study:
1. Build a Focused Study Plan
- Identify your exam type and content areas
- Allocate more time to weaker topics
- Study in short, consistent sessions
2. Use Realistic Practice
- Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions
- Review explanations—not just correct answers
- Track recurring mistakes
3. Master Concepts, Not Just Formulas
- Praxis math questions often test why an answer works, not just how to compute it.
- Consider joining a study group
4. Reduce Test Anxiety
- Simulate test-day conditions
- Practice pacing strategies
- Review test instructions in advance
Test-Day Strategies
On the day of the exam, it’s essential to stay calm and focused. Here are some strategies for success:
- Arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Bring the necessary identification and materials.
- Read each question carefully before answering.
- Manage your time effectively throughout the exam.
FAQs
How long does it take to become a math teacher in Wyoming?
The time it takes to become a math teacher in Wyoming varies, but generally, it can take around four years to complete a bachelor’s degree and fulfill certification requirements.
What degree do you need to teach math in Wyoming?
A bachelor’s degree in education or a related field is typically required to teach math in Wyoming.
How to get a Wyoming teaching license for math?
To obtain a Wyoming teaching license for math, complete the necessary education and certification requirements, including passing the Praxis exams.
Do you need Praxis to teach math in Wyoming?
Yes, passing the Praxis Math exam is a requirement for obtaining a teaching license in Wyoming.
Can you become a math teacher in Wyoming without an education degree?
It is possible to become a math teacher without an education degree by pursuing alternative certification routes approved by the Wyoming Department of Education.
Alternative route to math teacher certification in Wyoming
Alternative routes may include completing a content area degree and a teacher preparation program, or obtaining a provisional license while meeting certification requirements.
Teaching Math in Wyoming Schools: Final Encouragement
Teaching math in Wyoming is more than meeting licensure requirements—it’s about building confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking in students. While the process may seem detailed at first, each step brings you closer to a meaningful and impactful career.
With the right preparation, a clear study plan, and a solid understanding of Praxis expectations, passing on your first attempt is absolutely achievable.
Becoming a math teacher in Wyoming involves a series of well-defined steps, including obtaining the necessary certifications and passing the Praxis exams. By following this guide and utilizing the resources available, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a math educator. Remember, preparation is key, so take the time to study effectively and approach the exams with confidence.