Wyo. Code R. 019-0001-3
Teaching Standards Board, Professional
Chapter 3: Certificate Requirements
Effective Date: 08/13/1998 to 07/03/2003
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 019.0001.3.08131998
Section 1. Standard Teaching Certificate Requirements. The applicant shall hold a bachelor's degree and have an Institutional Recommendation from an institution of higher learning that has been approved by the Professional Teaching Standards Board.
OR
A bachelor's degree and a portfolio approved by the professional teaching standards board.
Section 2. Grade Levels of Standard Teaching Certificate. The qualified applicant will be issued one or more of the following:
(a) Pre-School Years (Birth to Age 5) The applicant shall have completed an approved professional education program or an approved portfolio designed to prepare teachers for pre-school settings.
(b) Elementary Grades (k-8). The applicant shall have completed an approved professional education program or an approved portfolio designed to prepare teachers for elementary school settings. The elementary level also satisfies the elementary endorsement.
(c) Middle School Grades (5-8). The applicant shall have completed an approved professional education program or an approved portfolio designed to prepare teachers for a middle school setting. The middle school may include any grades 5-8 in a formal organization.
(d) Secondary Grades (7-12). The applicant shall have completed an approved professional education program or an approved portfolio designed to prepare teachers for secondary school settings. The applicant shall also satisfy the requirements for one or more of the teaching endorsements outlined in this document.
(d) Grades k-12. The applicant shall have completed an approved professional education program designed to prepare teachers for k-12 school settings or an approved portfolio. The applicant shall also satisfy the requirements for one or more of the teaching endorsements outlined in this document.
Section 3. Endorsements. Endorsement(s) for which an applicant qualifies will appear on the Standard Certificate. As determined by the program approval standards, the endorsement(s) will allow the teacher to provide instruction in the classroom, or the administrator or pupil personnel person to provide services in the area(s) identified on the certificate. Teaching endorsements are valid at the level for which they are issued.
Section 4. General Education Program Approval. The general education component shall include a well-planned sequence of courses and experiences offered in liberal arts and other general studies. A graduate from an NCATE or regionally accredited institution shall be considered to have met the general education requirements.
Section 5. Professional Education Program Approval. Professional education is based on
those studies which include foundations of education, methods and materials of teaching and supervised experiences designed to provide areas of knowledge and competencies required in the teaching profession. Its purpose is to contribute directly to the prospective teacher’s skills in guiding student learning. The prospective teacher shall complete a program that provides for the development of insights into child and adolescent psychology; the teaching/learning process; the social interactive process of the classroom, school and community; the methods, materials and instructional technology of the school system; and the broader problems of the profession as they relate to society and the function of the school.
(a) Standard I. The program shall require experiences that develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in the prospective teacher which enhance pupil self-esteem and confidence and promote constructive interaction among people of differing economic, social, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
(b) Standard II. The program shall require knowledge of general principles of life-long human growth and development and the relationship of teaching and learning theories to physical, social, intellectual, cultural and emotional development.
(c) Standard III. The program shall require knowledge of research about teacher characteristics and behaviors as they affect the learner.
(d) Standard IV. The program shall require knowledge of the legal and ethical considerations of school personnel to include the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, administrators and other professional staff members.
(e) Standard V. The program shall require knowledge of the historical, philosophical and social development and organization of education in the United States to include present-day roles and responsibilities of school personnel.
(f) Standard VI. The program shall require knowledge of the communication process and utilization of effective communication and consultation techniques with students, parents, families and other school and community professionals.
(g) Standard VII. The program shall require knowledge and methods of teaching reading and writing in the prospective teacher’s field of study.
(h) Standard VIII. The program shall require demonstrated competence in the methods of assessing the learner and designing and executing instructional programs for all students, including the full range of exceptionalities from the gifted student to the handicapped student.
(i) Standard IX. The program shall require demonstrated competence in behavior management to include classroom management skills, intervention strategies, appropriate socialization and motivation techniques. Students shall be required to demonstrate competence in the management of large group, small group and individualized instruction.
(j) Standard X. The program shall require demonstrated competence in the use of instructional materials and instructional technology including computers and software as they relate to the prospective teacher’s field of study.
(k) Standard XI. The program shall require demonstrated competence in enabling children to express themselves creatively and to enhance thinking and problem solving abilities.
(l) Standard XII. The program shall require demonstrated competence in the ability to teach study skills and facilitate independent learning and decision-making skills in the prospective teacher’s field of study.
(m) Standard XIII. The program shall require prospective teachers to observe and analyze a variety of teaching models. The institution shall assist prospective teachers in assessing their own teaching styles, effectiveness and professional growth needs.
(n) Standard XIV. The program shall require study of symptoms, effects, remediation and referral processes for students at risk.
(o) Standard XV. The program shall require demonstrated competence in monitoring and documenting, speaking, writing and reading.
(p) Standard XVI. The program shall require demonstrated competence in monitoring and documenting student behavior.
(q) Standard XVII. The program shall require demonstrated competence in identifying, selecting, adapting and using a variety of commercial and teacher-made media and materials for improving programs in a variety of teaching situations.
(r) Standard XVIII. The program shall require knowledge and demonstrated competence in the development, implementation and analysis of assessment instruments and their application to the improvement of student learning.
(s) Standard XIX. The program shall require knowledge of political theory and the political process as it applies to education.
(t) Standard XX. The program shall require knowledge of appropriate methods of exploring controversial issues within the classroom.
(u) Standard XXI. The program shall require knowledge of the school improvement process and demonstrated competence in collaborating in school improvement activities.
(v) Standard XXII. The program shall assure that each prospective teacher has adequate documented pre-student teaching experiences, to provide a basis for selection of a level and field of study in teaching.
(w) Standard XXIII. The program shall require a student teaching (or internship) experience in a recognized k-12 setting and of sufficient length and concentration for the prospective teacher to experience the full range of teacher activities in a k-12 school situation.
Section 6. Teaching Field or Field of Study Program Approval. The teaching major or field of study shall consist of a carefully planned pattern of courses and experiences designed to produce a strong academic background and competencies necessary for successful teaching at the particular grade levels for which each program is designed.
(a) Standard I. The teaching field or field of study shall be based upon statements of program objectives and competency expectations for classroom teaching related to the public school curriculum. These statements shall reflect analysis of current theory, research, practices and recommendations the professional organizations representing the teaching field found in public school.
(b) Standard II. Each teaching field or field of study shall require study and experience designed to develop an understanding of the sequential nature of the knowledge and skills, as well as competence in the methodologies needed to teach the subject matter. The program shall take into account diverse student learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
(c) Standard III. The program shall require students to demonstrate competence in understanding their teaching fields or fields of study. Competency shall be measured in the following ways:
(i) academic achievement in the field of study;
(ii) assessment of demonstrated professional skills including the ability to integrate a field of study with other fields of study;
(iii) evaluation of the ability to apply a knowledge base in a variety of ways under actual conditions of professional practice.