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Earn your Colorado Teacher Certification!

Learn everything you need to know about Colorado Teacher Certification.

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Colorado Teacher Certification Requirements

To become a teacher in Colorado, you must complete the follow steps:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

  • Teaching in Colorado requires at least a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college.
  • The type of degree a student holds depends on their teaching goals.

Student Teaching Requirements

  • Colorado does not set a minimum requirement for student teaching experience. Instead, each college determines its own requirements for student teaching experience.
  • Typically, a teacher candidate takes several practicum courses throughout their program. They also complete at least one semester of full-time student teaching.

Pass Required Exams

  • The certification tests students take depend on what type of endorsement they want to earn.
  • Many endorsements require a passing score on one or more PRAXIS exams.

Apply for Certification

  • To complete an initial teaching license application, candidates must complete a background check and submit their fingerprints. They must submit their completed application within 30 days of the CDE receiving their background check.
  • The CDE evaluates applications within 45 days of receiving completed paperwork.

Apply for Teaching Jobs

  • Once you have your teacher certification you can now start applying for jobs.
  • You can use job boards and search engines like Google to find open teacher positions in your area.

Alternative Teacher Pathway for Colorado Teacher Certification

The alternative teacher pathway allows districts to hire individuals to serve as a teacher while completing the necessary teacher preparation based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards. Alternative teacher preparation programs vary in length from 1 year to 2 years (though special education generalist candidates may take a third year, if necessary). While serving as a teacher, alternative candidates put what they learn into practice immediately. To qualify, each candidate must:

  • Hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
  • Be enrolled in an approved Colorado alternative teacher program; and
  • Complete and submit an ALTERNATIVE TEACHER application to request either a Colorado Alternative Teacher License or an Interim Authorization issued specifically for alternative teacher preparation.

How to Register For the Exams?

You can follow the following steps to register for your teacher certification exams:

  • Identify Your Exams: Determine the specific teacher certification exams you need to take. If you are a part of a certification program you should talk to your program advisor to determine which exams you need to take.
  • Create an Account: Visit the official testing service website and create an account.
  • Select Exam and Date: Login, choose your exam, and select a convenient test date and location.
  • Complete Registration: Follow instructions, provide necessary information, and pay exam fees online.

How To Study for Your Colorado Teacher Certification Exam(s)

To become a certified teacher you must pass your required exam(s). Luckily, we offer a wide variety of study guides to help you pass your exams and get closer to getting that teacher certificate. Our study guides offer practice questions, video lessons, quizzes and full length practice tests to ensure you are ready come test day! Our curriculum team studies all of the standards and competencies for the exams and cross-references them with the current and previous questions released by the official testing company. We then work with content and teaching experts to distill down what test-takers need to know. No matter where you are in the study guide, you can always see how the concept you are learning is aligned to the test standards.

How Do I Maintain Teaching Certification in Colorado?

Once professionals have their initial teaching license, they must complete a teacher induction program for professional teaching license eligibility. People who cannot complete the program within three years of acquiring their initial teaching license must apply to renew their initial license.

Best Education Schools in Colorado

  • University of Colorado–Boulder
  • University of Denver (Morgridge)
  • University of Colorado–Denver
  • University of Colorado–Colorado Springs
  • University of Northern Colorado
  • Colorado State University

Colorado Teacher Salary Information

The average Public School Teacher salary in Colorado is $58,529 as of February 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $48,871 and $71,392.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Colorado Teacher Certification!

More Colorado Teacher Certification Resources

Praxis Articles

Praxis® – Questions Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/praxis-questions-quick-guide/

The following article will discuss the structure of Praxis® Core exams and subject assessments.

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What You Must Know About Preparing For The Praxis® https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/what-you-must-know-about-preparing-for-the-praxis/

We’ll discuss how hard it is to pass the Praxis®, we’ll help you figure out how much you should study, and finally we’ll recommend study guides and free resources to improve your score.

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Do You Know Which Praxis® Exams You Need to Take? https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/do-you-know-which-praxis-exams-you-need-to-take/

In this article, we will tell you who needs to take the Praxis® test. We will also break down the different types of tests and sort out which one to choose.

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Everything You Need To Know About Praxis® Scores https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/everything-you-need-to-know-about-praxis-scores/

In this article we will discuss what score you need to pass a Praxis® test, how long it takes to get scores, and how to interpret your score report.

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Your Praxis® Costs & Retakes Quick Guide https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/your-praxis-costs-retakes-quick-guide/

First, we’ll talk about the cost of a Praxis® test. Then we’ll discuss the number of attempts you’re allowed on the Praxis® and what happens if you fail. Finally, we’ll cover the other costs associated with taking the tests.

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How To Register For A Praxis® Exam https://www.240tutoring.com/praxis-prep/how-to-register-for-a-praxis-exam/

This article answers your questions about registering for a Praxis® exam.

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What is the Praxis®️ Test https://www.240tutoring.com/resources/what-is-the-praxis-test/

Dive deeper into what the Praxis test is, how to prepare for it, and what to expect come test day.

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50,000 Teachers passed their exam last year with the help of 240!

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Colorado Teacher Certification FAQs

What is required to become a teacher in Colorado?

In order to become a teacher in Colorado you must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree and completed an approved teacher preparation program. The average time frame is 2-4 years.

Can you teach in Colorado without a degree?

No. Colorado requires that the bachelor’s degree include a teacher preparation program.

How long does a Colorado teaching license last?

Your Colorado teacher certificate is valid for three years.

How bad is the teacher shortage in Colorado?

According to a recent survey, 85% of educators say the shortage of classroom teachers in their school is worse than in previous years and 90% say the shortage of support staff is worse.

Is Colorado a good state to teach in?

Though it is one of the most expensive places in the U.S. to call home, Colorado also has a relatively poor pay scale for teachers. The average pay for Colorado teachers is in line with the rest of the country but starting pay for teachers is some of the nation’s lowest as of 2021 data.

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