UW, Governor, State Superintendent Launch Effort to Recruit Substitute Teachers, Preserve In-Person Learning

In an effort to address the shortage of substitute teachers in Wyoming’s K-12 schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Wyoming is encouraging its students to fill that role during the break between the UW’s fall and spring semesters.

According to information from Governor Mark Gordon’s office, students in UW’s College of Education recently received a letter from the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow asking the students who are certified as substitute teachers to consider serving their local K-12 school districts in this capacity. Additionally, UW encourages all of its students who have at least 60 hours of college credit – the minimum required to be a substitute teacher – to pursue certification from Wyoming’s Professional Teaching Standards Board. UW students who serve as substitute teachers are eligible for a service credit from the university, in addition to the wages paid by local school districts.

UW President Ed Seidel says substitute teaching in Wyoming’s K-12 schools is another very meaningful way that UW students can contribute to their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. UW students are encouraged to reach out to their local school districts to pursue student teaching opportunities. Contact information for the districts may be found at https://edu.wyoming.gov/resources/school-links/. The Professional Teaching Standards Board may be reached by phone at (307) 777-7291 or email at wyoptsb@wyo.gov.