Wyoming School Librarian Certification

Initial School Librarian Certification Process

To maintain a high quality of education the Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) of Wyoming has a certification process in place for all prospective staff members in schools. This is also the case in all states in the U.S. However, the requirements vary slightly from state to state. As a new applicant in Wyoming, you will first need to acquire the “Initial License” which is valid for five years after which it must be renewed.

The application process usually involves you filling the application form and uploading some of your credentials. You are also required to mail some to the PTSB office. The application process for educators’ licensure in Wyoming is unique, hence you must observe every tiny detail.

Educational Requirements

Since the initial license is essentially an educator license, the primary educational requirement required is a bachelor’s or higher degree in a teaching-related program. This program must have been completed in a regionally or nationally approved institution of higher education. Your education program must lead to the award of a degree in education that is relevant to your intended specialty. The PTSB expects that this requisite training will confer on you the skills to handle the duties of a school librarian.

You are also expected to be conversant with the US and Wyoming constitutions. This requirement can be met by taking an approved course or writing a test. You can take any of the following courses offered in Wyoming colleges and universities; US History to 1865 (HIST 1211), US History from 1865 (HIST 1221), Wyoming History (HIST 1251), American & Wyoming Government (POLS 1000), and Business, Law, & Government (ECON 1200). You are expected to pass with a grade of “C” or higher. For more information about these requirements check the Wyoming PTSB website.

Experience Requirements

When it comes to teaching, there is always a clear difference between an experienced and an inexperienced teacher. The government of Wyoming is committed to maintaining a high quality of education which is why they expect applicants for educator licensure to have some experience. Educator preparation programs offered in the College of Education of colleges and universities usually include some degree of exposure to real-life practice through supervised teaching and/or internships.

The minimum length of teaching experience required is usually one year which can be gotten through an internship. Experience helps you put the concepts you have learned in your degree program to practice. It enables you to fine-tune your technique and methods. Teaching experience is necessary for you as you will be teaching pupils and students about library and media concepts.

Testing Requirements

The Wyoming PTSB uses ETS® Praxis® tests to prove that you have the requisite knowledge and skills to be an educator in the state. You are required to pass two tests. The first test is the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching. There are five kinds of this test namely; Early Childhood, Grades K-6, Grades 5-9, PreK-12, and Grades 7-12 (course codes are 5621, 5622, 562Ꝫ, 5624, and 5625). Each of these cost $156 and last for 2 hours. WVDE requires that you take the Grades K-6, Grades 5-9, or Grades 7-12. Essentially, you only need to take the one that applies to you with respect to your prospective designation. The qualifying scores are 160 points (for K-6 and 5-9), and 157 points (for 7-12).

The second test is more specific and it is called the Library Media Specialist test (5311) which lasts for 2 hours and costs $130. This test is necessary for your endorsement as a school librarian and the passing score is 162. These tests are necessary if you are a first-time applicant, or if you have completed testing requirements in another state apart from Praxis. If you choose the examination route for your demonstration of the knowledge of the US and Wyoming Constitution, you can opt for a digital version of the test to be sent to you at home or you can write it at the school district administration office. Study up on the US Constitution here and the Wyoming Constitution here.

Background Checks

The sensitivity of the school system makes it necessary for a background check to be done on anybody that will work within it. Background checks include an inquiry into your employment, financial, and criminal history. This will bring out any information needed to see if you are a threat to the pupils, students, or staff. 

The background checks are run with fingerprint cards. You will be required to fill in your details on both cards and get your fingerprint captured at a prescribed agency. To obtain a fingerprint packet send an email to wyoptsb@wyo.gov with the subject “FINGERPRINT CARD REQUEST”. You must include your Name, Phone Number, and Mailing Address.

Once you have filled the cards appropriately (with black ink), you will submit the fingerprint cards by mail (not email, scanned copy, or fax). Your fingerprint cards must not be squeezed, folded, stapled, or mutilated. Any compromise to the appearance might result in you having to fill new ones. A $50 processing fee will be collected for this process. After submission, the fingerprint cards are sent to the Department of Criminal Investigation which will send a report on the background check to the PTSB. Learn more about the fingerprinting and background check process here.

Application Process

To begin the application process, you must download an application form for the initial license. This form has three sections namely SECTION I – APPLICANT INFORMATION, SECTION II – LICENSING AND LEGAL INFORMATION, and SECTION III – INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. All fields must be filled correctly and preferably in black ink. Next, you will be required to fill in your fingerprint cards.

You must complete the requirements for demonstration of knowledge of the US and Wyoming constitution by coursework or test. Proof of the results or completion of the courses must be tendered. For your initial license, you are required to pay a $150 fee for an in-state license ($200 for out-of-state). Your license processing fee is not to be paid until you receive an invoice for online payment. 

Finally, put together all your credentials in a single packet. These will be mailed together with your application form to;

While the other documents in the packet can also be sent via email (wyoptsb@wyo.gov) or fax (307-777-8718), the fingerprint cards must be mailed. For a detailed breakdown of the application process go here. For a summary of application requirements, go here. Once you have filed your application, you can follow it up by creating an account on Wyoming PTSB website.