Colorado

Colorado Teacher Preparation Programs

State Licensing OfficeLicensure RequirementsTeacher Preparation ProgramsAlternative ProgramsOnline Programs

Colorado Department of Education, Educator Licensing Unit, 303-866-6628

To obtain a Colorado license in any subject area individuals must complete a teacher licensure program. Programs are available at the graduate and undergraduate level. There are also alternative programs and teacher in residence licensing programs available that allow individuals to teach full time while completing teacher licensure requirements. To qualify for an alternative program individuals must have at least 30 specific semester hours in the desired subject area and pass the appropriate exam.

Substitute Teaching
Substitute teaching is encouraged as it allows individuals to network while gaining an understanding of various schools, districts and subject areas. To obtain a substitute license in Colorado individuals are required to have completed a bachelor's degree and pass a background check.�

Paraeducators
Paraeducators support classroom teachers, usually at the elementary level, in a variety of subject areas. Colorado paraeducators are required to hold an associate's degree or pass the Work Keys Assessment. The Work Keys Assessment is a general knowledge exam and is offered by the school districts prior to employment. Individuals interested in opportunities as paraeducators should contact a local school district for additional information.

Testing Requirements
Colorado requires one content knowledge exam for the desired subject. Colorado accepts the PRAXIS II exam in five subject areas including elementary education, English, math, science, and social studies. The PRAXIS II exam is offered through Educational Testing Service (ETS). Individuals can register and download study materials for the PRAXIS II exam at www.ets.org. All other subject areas require the PLACE exam. The PLACE exam is offered through National Evaluation Systems. Individuals can register and download study materials for the PLACE exam at http://www.place.nesinc.com/.

State Needs
Colorado is currently experiencing a need for teachers in a variety of subject areas, especially math, science, special education and linguistically diverse education.�

Key State Links:

Colorado Commission on Higher Education

Colorado Department of Education

PLACE Testing

PRAXIS Testing

Directory of Approved Teacher Preparation Programs in Colorado
This directory provides a listing of Colorado state approved programs for the preparation of professional educational personnel. This publication is intended to be a source of information regarding available educator preparation programs in Colorado institutions of higher education. The directory is divided into two sections. The first section indicates the licensing programs approved by the Colorado State Board of Education for each institution. The second section lists approved programs by endorsement areas.

Alternative Teacher Licensure or Teacher in Residence Programs allow candidates to be hired in a high need public school prior to completing licensure requirements. Candidates are typically paid a salary during the apprenticeship. These programs are for applicants who:�

Have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
Did not complete an approved educator preparation program with student teaching.
Want to become a licensed teacher in Colorado.
Have completed the 30+ semester hours of content required for the endorsement, as determined by a complete transcript review.
Have passed the State Board of Education-approved content exam for the endorsement being sought.
Have passed a criminal background check, including submission of fingerprints.

For a directory of state approved Alternative Licensure programs, application materials, eligibility requirements, and other details, visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/Licensure_alt_desigagencies.asp

Many universities offer online or distance learning teacher preparation programs. When considering online and distance learning programs, ask:

Does the program license teacher candidates in your state?
Is your state reciprocal with the program's state? Some online programs license you in one state, such as Arizona or Florida, and you will need to transfer that license back to the state in which you desire licensure or certification. This may require additional application or testing procedures.
Does the program offer financial aid for online courses? Federal financial aid (e.g., Stafford and Perkins loans) is only applicable to certain accredited online programs.

American Military University	Rich McMullen rmcmullen@apus.edu	719-360-6979
Chapman University		714-997-6815
Colorado Christian University (CCU)	Tom Boven Enrollment Counselor Military Liaison tboven@ccu.edu Derek Wilson Enrollment Counselor dwilson@ccu.edu	800-44-FAITH
Grand Canyon University (GCU)	Kelly Jensen kjensen@online.gcu.edu	888-333-1242
Jones International University (JIU)	CTC Brian Bourne USAF (Ret) bbourne@jonesknowledge.com	800-811-5663
Lesley University	Brian Bylund bbyland@lesley.edu	719-332-2175
Regent University	Dave Boiselle daviboi@boi@regent.edu	888-713-1595
Regis University	Holly Wilson Enrollment Counselor hwilson@regis.edu	800-944-7667
Rio Salado College	Millie Dean Enrollment Counselor millie.dean@riomail.maricopa.edu	800-729-1197
Saint Joseph's College of Maine		800-752-4723
Teacher Ready	Robin Largue elargue@uwf.edu	850-473-7842
University of Northern Colorado (UNC)	Shane Mares shane.mares@unco.edu	970-351-1709
University of Phoenix	Mercedes Jackson Moore mercedes.moore@phoenix.edu	719-306-3042 866-248-0810
Western Carolina University		800-369-9854
Western State College	Nella Anderson Teach Now Coordinator nanderson@western.edu
Western Governors University (WGU)	Mike Manning Regional Representative mmanning@wgu.edu
Wilmington University		877-967-5464