How to Become a Teacher in Denver
The public school board in Denver is Denver Public Schools (DPS), which overseesis responsible for over 90,000 students acrossin 207 schools inacross the city.1 To work as a teacher in Denver, you must become certified by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Continue reading to learn more about options for becoming a teacher in Denver’s public, private, and charter schools.
Table of Contents
- DPS Steps for Becoming a Teacher
- How to Become a Substitute Teacher
- Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements
- The Largest Denver K-12 Schools
- Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
- Additional Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
Denver School District Steps for Becoming a Teacher
The traditional path to certification requires prospective teachers to complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program, usually as part of the bachelor’s degree. Candidates must also demonstrate content competency in each endorsement area sought. Read our Colorado teacher certification guide to learn more. Aspiring teachers who already have a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for Colorado alternative teacher certification. Learn more about the alternative path through our guide to alternative teacher certification in Colorado.
Hiring for K-12 public schools in Denver is overseen by the DPS Talent Acquisition Team. Once you have become a certified Colorado teacher, you can follow these steps to look for a job in the DPS:
Step 1: Search for open positions.
Visit the DPS Job Board and search for available teaching positions. You will need to apply for each job individually.
Step 2: Apply to specific positions online.
Once you identify positions that match your qualifications, you can apply. You must include a resume, employment history, and copies of your official transcripts. School leaders will reach out directly to candidates and explain next steps. The interview process will vary by school but may include a one-on-one interview with the school principal, an interview by a panel with current teachers, and a review of a sample lesson plan and/or teaching of a sample lesson.
Step 3: Complete the hiring process.
If you are offered a position with the school system, you will complete the hiring process with your assigned Talent Acquisition Specialist. The requirements can be found on the Teacher Hiring Checklist and include an updated resume, background check, five references, a valid CDE teacher’s license, verification of teaching experience, and a copy of official transcripts.
Contact Information
Denver Public Schools
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenverPublicSchools
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverpublicschools/
X (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/DPSNewsNow
1860 Lincoln St
Denver, CO 80203
(720) 423-3200
https://www.dpsk12.org
Teacher Certification Programs in Denver
The following list presents colleges and universities in the Denver area that offer teacher preparation programs approved by the state for first-time certification or additional endorsements. You can also read more about teacher certification programs in the state through our Colorado education schools guide.
- Colorado Christian University
- Colorado School of Mines
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- Regis University
- Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
- University of Colorado-Boulder
- University of Colorado-Denver
How to Become a Substitute Teacher With the Denver School District
Prospective DPS substitute teachers must have at least a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the 1-Year Substitute Authorization; at least a bachelor’s degree for the 3-Year Substitute Authorization; and a current or past teacher certificate for the 5-Year Substitute Authorization. Once you have your authorization, you can apply to the substitute teaching pool. If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview and be able to accept open assignments.
Private and Charter School Teacher Requirements in Denver
Private and charter schools in Denver may have different requirements for teaching positions than those of DPS. While state teaching certification is not generally required in private schools, candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, private and charter schools may require candidates to hold a master’s degree or have demonstrated experience in the subject matter. Check individual job postings to ensure you meet the requirements.
The Largest K-12 Schools in Denver
We compiled the table below to help you compare the largest K-12 public, private, and charter schools in Denver that regularly hire qualified teachers.2
| School | Type | Grade Level | # Students | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place Bridge Academy | Public | PK-8 | 978 | 14:1 |
| Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy | Public | K-12 | 968 | 18:1 |
| Bill William Roberts K-8 School | Public | PK-8 | 909 | 20:1 |
| McAuliffe International School | Public | 6-8 | 1,158 | 17:1 |
| Hamilton Middle School | Public | 6-8 | 889 | 16:1 |
| Florida Pitt Waller School | Public | PK-8 | 860 | 19:1 |
| East High School | Public | 9-12 | 2,659 | 21:1 |
| South High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,605 | 18:1 |
| George Washington High School | Public | 9-12 | 1,239 | 18:1 |
| Omar D. Blair Charter School | Charter | K-8 | 801 | 15:1 |
| Denver Language School | Charter | K-8 | 748 | 16:1 |
| Rocky Mountain Prep Creekside | Charter | PK-5 | 612 | 15:1 |
| Colorado Academy | Private | PK-12 | 992 | 6:1 |
| Mullen High School | Private | 9-12 | 802 | 14:1 |
| Graland County Day School | Private | PK-8 | 700 | 7:1 |
Denver Teacher Salary and Jobs Outlook
During the 2024-2025 school year, first-year teachers at DPS started at a minimum annual salary of $55,257 but those with advanced credentials or qualifications may receive higher salaries.2 Teachers also receive higher salaries commensurate with experience, along with stipends for duties considered beyond the scope of their contract.2
The table below compares various classroom teaching roles in Denver by the total number employed, median annual salary, 90th percentile annual salary, and 10-year job growth projections. Note SPED is an abbreviation for special education.
| Teacher type | # Employed2 | Median Annual Salary2 | 90th Percentile Annual Salary2 | Proj. Job Growth 2023-333 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten Teachers | 1,570 | $63,670 | $95,020 | 15.8% |
| Elementary School Teachers | 11,650 | $64,170 | $85,390 | 16% |
| Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, SPED | 1,960 | $64,540 | $86,590 | 15% |
| Middle School Teachers | 6,700 | $64,430 | $87,330 | 16.1% |
| Middle School Teachers, SPED | 970 | $65,640 | $86,650 | 14.9% |
| Secondary School Teachers | 8,700 | $67,460 | $98,970 | |
| Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education | 310 | $67,130 | $99,000 | 16.3% |
| Secondary School Teachers, SPED | 1,280 | $67,320 | $97,280 | 15.8% |
Denver Teacher Shortage Areas
The US Department of Education ties certain student loan forgiveness programs to teacher shortage areas. If you teach a subject officially designated as a shortage area, your eligibility for loan forgiveness may be higher. You may also qualify for other funding opportunities or a more competitive salary based on endorsements in these areas. Note that shortage areas may change yearly, so you should check with state education agencies, your selected education program, and your student loan providers about funding options. You can find a list of teacher shortage areas in the state on our Colorado certification guide.
Additional Resources
- Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA): A member-driven association that advocates for Denver public school teachers.
- Colorado Education Association (CEA): The largest teacher’s union in Colorado, with over 38,000 members.
Denver Teaching Jobs Boards
Look for teaching jobs in Denver online by searching the job boards below. You can also visit our jobs board to search for teaching jobs in Denver and beyond.
- Association of Colorado Independent Schools (ACIS) Job Postings
- Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Teaching Jobs
- DPS Job Listings
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What types of teachers are most in demand in Denver?
Answer: Denver public schools are in need of teachers across all levels and subjects. However, the US Department of Education has identified certain areas as being “hard to staff” and may offer incentives for teachers to fill these areas. The Educator Recruitment and Retention program, for example, provides incentives for teachers to work in high-need areas such as special education, math, science, and early childhood education.5 Read more about teacher shortage areas in the state on the Colorado certification page.
Question: How much do substitute teachers in Denver make?
Answer: The pay for substitute teachers varies based on qualifications. Short-Term Substitutes are paid $181.76 per day with a 1- or 3-Year Authorization or $227.20 with a 5-Year Authorization.1 Long-Term Subs are paid $240 per day and must have a 5-Year Sub Authorization.1
References:
1. Denver Public Schools: https://www.dpsk12.org/
2. Niche, Largest Schools in Denver: https://www.niche.com/k12/search/largest-schools/t/denver-denver-co/
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Denver-Aurora-Lakewood Metropolitan Division: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19740.htm#25-0000
4. Colorado Department of Labor and Employment LMI Gateway: https://cdle.colorado.gov/dlss
5. Colorado Department of Education News Release: CDE opens applications for up to $10,000 for aspiring educators: https://www.cde.state.co.us/communications/news-release-err-program-7-18-24-0