University of Wyoming to Restore Technical Education Teacher Program

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — The University of Wyoming plans to re-start a program to train career technical education teachers for high schools.

The program was discontinued in 2017 due to low enrollment and amid budget cuts. College of Education Dean Ray Reutzel says lawmakers, school districts and others have made it clear the program is important.

Career and technical education programs allow students to gain work experience and earn industry certifications in a variety of fields.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports the program was previously based at UW-Casper, had one instructor and graduated just 15 students between 2010 and 2015.

The program is scheduled to begin admitting students in the fall of 2021 as a joint project with community colleges, the state Professional Teaching Standards Board, the state Department of Education and the Wyoming School University Partnership.