{"id":45170,"date":"2023-11-24T13:38:04","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T19:38:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=45170"},"modified":"2023-11-24T13:48:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T19:48:38","slug":"how-to-become-a-teacher-in-colorado","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/how-to-become-a-teacher-in-colorado\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Teacher in Colorado in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

Teaching in Colorado is a rewarding career choice that makes a difference in children’s lives. The state believes in education, and is ranked number 4 in the country for 2023 by <\/span>US News and World Reports’<\/span><\/a>. However, the high praise for their quality schools hasn’t sheltered the state from the teaching shortage impacting the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) conducted a <\/span>2022-23 Educator Shortage Survey<\/span><\/a>, reporting a 64% increase in unfilled teaching positions from the previous school year. The CDE has opened an <\/span>Educator Recruitment and Retention Department<\/span><\/a> to help address the growing shortage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Colorado’s need for quality educators makes it the perfect time to enter the profession. However, each state has its own requirements to become a licensed teacher. <\/span>In this guide, we’ve assembled the essential information you’ll need on teaching in Colorado, including the pathways to becoming certified.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Portrait<\/p>\n

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Teaching is an attractive career choice for those passionate about education and committed to making a difference. The role requires dedication, creativity, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to collaborate and persist through challenges. Meeting these high demands requires high energy and self-motivation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The incentives to join the vocation are not stimulated by promises of wealth but with opportunities to grow and inspire others. However, teaching has <\/span>benefits<\/span><\/a>, including substantial vacation time, family-friendly working hours, healthcare, and consistent income.<\/span><\/p>\n

Salaries and packages vary between school districts and US states. For instance, the average annual salary in <\/span>Colorado is $58,481, whereas in Kansas,<\/span><\/a> it is $54,815<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Requirements for Teaching in Colorado<\/span><\/h2>\n

Teaching requirements in the United States vary across the country. A state’s particular steps to licensing and certification also depend on the grade level and subject a candidate wishes to teach. To help address the teaching shortage, Colorado offers alternative pathways to teaching in addition to the traditional route.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Bachelor’s Degree<\/span><\/h3>\n

Colorado requires all teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree as does the rest of the country. The degree must be obtained by a university or college accredited by one of the state’s approved associations <\/span>listed on their website<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those attending a college and university in Colorado can obtain their teacher certification program requirement while pursuing their bachelor’s degree in education or preparing for a secondary teaching degree in their preferred subject.\u00a0 A, B- or higher is necessary to meet the CDE’s <\/span>measures of content competency<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree will enable you to be a confident and effective teacher in the classroom. You’ll develop necessary education skills such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n