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Colorado Teacher Certification and Career Guide

Aspiring Colorado teachers in public K-12 schools must meet the requirements set by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for the type of certification they are seeking. The main steps for the traditional path to teacher certification in Colorado are:

  1. Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component.
  2. Complete a student teaching placement.
  3. Demonstrate content competency.
  4. Apply for a teaching certificate or license.
  5. Upgrade your license.

Continue reading to learn more about the traditional certification pathway in Colorado.

Table of Contents


How to Become a Teacher in Colorado

This section covers the traditional steps to teacher certification in Colorado. Colorado uses a tiered teacher licensing structure:

  • Initial Teacher License (3-year): For first-time teachers with a bachelor’s degree who have completed an approved teacher preparation program and demonstrated content knowledge.
  • Professional License (7-year): For teachers who have successfully completed an approved teacher induction program and/or have been recommended for the professional teacher license by their district.

If you are a bachelor’s degree holder who has yet to complete a teacher preparation program, check out our guide to alternative teacher certification in Colorado.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree that includes an approved teacher preparation program.

In order to fulfill the requirements for Colorado teacher certification, applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree. Colorado also requires candidates to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program, typically completed as part of the bachelor’s degree. You can find a list of CDE-approved programs on its website.

You can compare key metrics for state-approved teacher preparation programs on our Colorado schools page. You can also read about two important accreditations to consider, institutional accreditation and programmatic accreditation, on our teaching schools guide.

2. Complete a student teaching placement.

To meet the requirements for a teaching credential, the teacher preparation program must include clinical hours in student teaching or practicum. Colorado teacher preparation programs require 800 hours of field experience through which candidates practice and demonstrate professional skills and knowledge under the guidance of an experienced teacher. Student teaching should be in the grade level and subject area of the certification area sought.

3. Demonstrate content competency.

Colorado State SealUnlike most states, Colorado does not require a basic skills test, but it does require candidates to prove competency in each endorsement area sought, referred to as Multiple Measures of Content Competency. Teacher candidates must demonstrate competency by submitting one or a combination of the following to the CDE:

  • Transcripts and worksheets showing a bachelor’s degree and an approved preparation program (for middle and secondary school endorsements only)
  • Passing scores on the corresponding Praxis exam (administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS)
  • Transcripts and a worksheet showing 24 semester hours of specific course credit in the subject area with a grade of “B-” or higher
  • A portfolio of evidence and a worksheet

Refer to the CDE website for a detailed list of endorsement requirements.

4. Apply for Colorado teacher certification.

Once all requirements for licensure have been met, candidates for a teaching credential must apply through the CDE by submitting:

  • Valid identification
  • Official transcripts
  • Verification of completed bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program, including Approved Program Verification (APV) form
  • Demonstration of content knowledge for each endorsement requested
  • All prior work experience
  • Documentation for any self-disclosures, if necessary
  • Fingerprints for background check to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • Non-refundable application fee

Colorado uses the Colorado Online Licensing (COOL) system to process all new applications. Review the Application checklist for full details on how to become a teacher in Colorado.

5. Upgrade your license.

New teachers working under an Initial License complete an induction program through their hiring school district that includes mentorship and ongoing professional development. Candidates who complete the induction program can apply for a seven-year Professional License on COOL. Read more about advancing your license on the CDE website.

Teachers with a Professional License who earn National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification can apply for a Master Teacher Certificate, which is valid for seven years. You can read more about this certificate on the CDE website.

Guide to Other Teaching Pathways

Colorado Teacher Certification Renewal

Teachers who have not yet completed an approved induction program can renew their Initial License. They will need to include a letter stating why the induction program has not yet been completed, updated work experience, and any other documentation required.

To renew a Professional License, teachers must complete 90 contact hours of professional development and continuing education units (CEUs). Starting in June 2025, teachers with a Professional License will be required to complete at least 10 contact hours of professional learning with at least one contact hour related to behavioral health and one contact hour related to educating students with disabilities in the classroom. For more details on renewing a Professional License in Colorado, check out the CDE website.

Adding Subjects or Grades to a Certificate

Once you receive your teaching certificate, you will only be eligible to work as a teacher in the grade levels and certification areas listed on your certificate, though occasional, temporary exceptions are made. Teachers in Colorado can add an endorsement area to their existing license by completing the requirements for that endorsement area. Most teaching endorsement areas allow the applicant to prove subject competency through completing a bachelor’s degree or higher in the corresponding subject, completing 24 hours of specific related coursework, or passing the corresponding Praxis exam. Other endorsements like Reading Specialist require a master’s degree, teaching experience, and the completion of an approved preparation program. For more information on requirements by endorsement, review the endorsement requirements page.

Colorado Teaching License Reciprocity

Licenses from other states do not transfer to Colorado, and all teachers must meet or exceed Colorado’s requirements to become licensed in the state. Out-of-state teachers with a valid standard license and three years of licensed experience in their content area may be issued a professional license with the identical endorsement requested. To apply for a teaching license with an out-of-state license or if you have completed an out-of-state teacher preparation program must apply on COOL and submit:

  • Official transcripts
  • Approved program verification form
  • Documentation of content knowledge for each endorsement requested
  • All prior work experience
  • Copies of all educator licenses
  • Documentation for any self-disclosures
  • Fingerprints for background check
  • Non-refundable application fee

Applicants who meet the degree and program requirements but still need to fulfill the exam requirements for a license can apply for an Interim Authorization. The Interim Authorization is good for one year and can be renewed one time. For more information on out-of-state teachers, review the CDE website. You can learn more about transferring a teaching certificate or license between states on our guide to certification reciprocity.

In addition to teaching licenses, the CDE also offers licenses for administrators and support professionals in the field of education.

  • Administrator License: K-12 Administrator: Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, have completed an approved administrator preparation program, and pass the required Praxis exam.
  • Principal License: Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, complete an approved principal preparation program, have three or more years of teaching or special services experience in an elementary or secondary school, pass the Praxis exam, and complete the CDE E-Train evaluator training.
  • Special Services License: School Nurse: Requires an associate’s degree or higher in nursing and a valid RN license to practice in Colorado.

The CDE offers Administrator and Special Services Licenses in other endorsements including School Counselor, School Occupational Therapist, School Social Worker, Special Education Director, and Gifted Education Director. Requirements for these endorsements vary, but many require a master’s degree, completing an approved preparation program, and passing the associated Praxis exam. Read about other types of licenses on the CDE Licensing page.

Colorado Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs

Projected Job Growth

15.8%

Growth in Teaching Jobs in CO through 20322*

According to the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Colorado has a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1.3 During the 2017-2018 school year, there were 1,900 public K-12 schools in Colorado, which enrolled a student population of over 910,000 with about 52,373 teachers.3

Job prospects for Colorado teachers through 2032 are stronger overall than the projected national averages, with job growth for Colorado elementary teachers projected at 3.8% compared to 0.7% nationally; for Colorado middle school teachers, 3.8% compared to 0.8% nationally; and for Colorado secondary school teachers, 4.1% compared to 1% nationally.2 The table below provides a detailed comparison of job growth prospects and salary levels for Colorado teachers.

TypeNumber Employed in CO4Average Annual Openings in CO2CO Proj. Job Growth 2022-20322Average Annual Salary in CO425th Percentile Wages in CO575th Percentile Wages in CO5
Preschool Teachers5,42076010.2%$50,410$37,230$55,850
Preschool Teachers, Special Education8108014.7%$67,040$53,300$81,300
Kindergarten Teachers3,36047015.4%$62,450$49,800$76,130
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education3,90039014.9%$65,130$52,190$79,030
Elementary School Teachers24,7902,42015.7%$63,250$50,010$78,620
Middle School Teachers13,5001,34015.9%$63,330$50,230$75,720
Middle School Teachers, Special Education2,000——$64,750$51,790$78,550
Middle School Teachers, Career/Technical Education2402011.1%$67,300$52,710$80,050
Secondary School Teachers17,9701,64016.1%$66,050$50,870$80,860
Secondary School Teachers, Special Education2,480——$67,040$52,100$80,680
Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education7707014.1%$64,250$49,640$77,560

*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.

Teacher Shortages in Colorado

According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-2024, Colorado broadly has the following shortages:

According to recent research, there were 373 unfilled teaching positions in Colorado during the 2021-2022 school year.7 A further 1,100 teachers in the state were considered underqualified for their position, which includes teachers assigned to classrooms outside their certification field on a temporary or emergency basis.7

Colorado School District Requirements

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a teacher in Denver, check out our city page below. On this page, you will find a step-by-step description of how to become a teacher in Denver’s public school district as well as information on private and charter schools in the area, becoming a substitute teacher, and school contact information.

Additional Resources

Colorado Teacher Interviews

  • Former President, Colorado Association of Science Teachers, Meg Jacobson
  • Former President, Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Catherine Martin
  • Former President, Colorado Music Teachers Association, Joan Sawyer

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How can you become a substitute teacher in Colorado?

Answer: To become a substitute teacher in Colorado, you must earn substitute authorization from the Department of Education. The department issues 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year Substitute Authorizations. For the 1-Year Authorization, you need a high school diploma or GED. The 3-Year Authorization requires a bachelor’s degree in any content area, and the 5-Year Authorization requires a current or past Colorado or out-of-state teaching license. Authorizations are valid in all Colorado school districts, Boards of Cooperative (Educational) Services (BOCES), charter schools, and approved facility schools.

Question: How many private schools and teachers are in Colorado?

Answer: Colorado had 358 private schools during the 2019-2020 school year, with about 45,900 students and 5,100 teachers.8 Private school teachers are not required to be licensed by the state, but individual schools might require or prefer teachers to be licensed.

References:
1. Colorado State Department of Education: http://www.cde.state.co.us/
2. Projections Central, Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm
3. National Center for Education Statistics, State Nonfiscal Public Elementary/Secondary Education Survey Data, 2017-2018: https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/stnfis.asp
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Colorado: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm
6. US Department of Education, Teacher Shortage Areas: https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
7. Teacher Shortages in the United States, Tuan D. Nguyen et al.: https://teachershortages.com/
8. National Center for Education Statistics, Private School Universe Survey, 2019-20: https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/tables/TABLE15fl1920.asp