How to Become a Teacher in Colorado

Instructions about how to become a teacher in Colorado are available at State colleges and universities, as well as at government websites and the department of education. The process of becoming a teacher in Colorado is relatively less involved and complex than in other States. The Colorado licensure board emphasizes regional completion of a bachelor's degree and State-approved training program.

How to become a teacher in Colorado - traditional route for residents

A guide describing how to become a teacher in Colorado will begin by stating the basic requirements: a bachelor's degree, completion of an approved educator preparation program, and a criminal background check. Those hoping to earn elementary school teacher certification in Colorado must pass the Colorado State Board of Education approved elementary content test. Candidates for secondary teaching positions must pass the Colorado State Board of Education assessment in the endorsement area.

How to become a teacher in CO - alternative routes for residents

Two primary alternative routes exist for those pursuing a teacher certificate in Colorado. The alternative teacher program requires only a bachelor's degree and demonstrated proficiency in relative subject matter, an option intended to attract non-teachers with liberal arts backgrounds to the public school sector. The teacher in residence program, similarly, offers relaxed requirements for teachers to address teacher shortages.

How to become a teacher in CO - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Those out-of-State applicants wishing to learn how to become a teacher in Colorado will find that they need only hold an approved degree and demonstrate completion of an approved educator preparation program. They will also need to submit to a Colorado State background check.

How do I become a teacher in Colorado - necessary exams for residents

The specific necessary exams for those hoping to become teachers will vary depending on the area candidates are hoping to go into. These exams may include:

• Colorado State Board of Education Assessment in the appropriate endorsement area
• SPED or ACE for Special Education Teachers
• Colorado State Board of Education approved elementary content test

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Colorado?

Candidates for teaching certification in Colorado may not need to hold a bachelor's degree in the specific subject that they wish to teach, but they must have completed at least 24 semester hours of course credit to demonstrate content proficiency, which will be determined through specific transcript evaluation. However, the vast majority of teachers in Colorado do hold a bachelor's degree in their chosen subject.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Colorado?

Most applicants who ask "how do I become a teacher in Colorado?" are sent to local colleges or universities, where they may complete a State-approved teacher preparation program, which aims to advance the Colorado Board of Education mission and improve the quality of teaching in Colorado. The exact content of the program will vary between schools.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Colorado?

To renew one's teacher certificate in Colorado, a process that must be undertaken every five years, one must demonstrate either 90 clock hours of professional development or six semester hours of college credit. Teachers need only submit an application, prove that they have met the previously stated requirement, and pay the renewal fee.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in CO?

Those interested in teaching in Colorado may find adequate information at a number of websites, including the following:

• Colorado Department of Education

  This website will provide the most authoritative source of information pertaining to obtaining a Colorado State teacher's license.

• National Center for Alternative Certification

  This nationally comprehensive website will provide information on non-traditional routes for earning a teacher certificate, which may help qualified individuals reach their teaching goals sooner.

• University of Colorado - School of Education

  University websites such as these can provide extensive information about how to become a teacher in Colorado. They can also detail the exact requirements of their teaching preparation programs.