What Are the Requirements to Become a Teacher in Colorado?

Colorado's teacher requirements vary for first-time applicants, renewal applicants, and alternative applicants.

First-Time Applicants

With their application, first time applicants must submit the following: the results of the PLACE or PRAXIS II assessment tests, official transcripts from every college they've attended, and a signed institutional recommendation from their teacher certification program.

Renewal Applicants

Within the five years preceding their application, renewal applicants must complete six semester hours of college or university credit or 90 clock hours of professional development. Professional development comprises in-services, workshops, conferences, and committee work, to name a few.

Alternative Applicants

Colorado offers two programs for alternative applicants, that is, those who hold a bachelor's degree without a teaching certification: the one-year alternative teacher licensing program, which leads to the Colorado teacher's license; and the two-year teacher in residence program, which leads to the professional teacher's license.

Application Evaluation Fee

Colorado charges an application evaluation fee of $60.00.

More Information

For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Education online at http://www.cde.state.co.us/

References

• The Colorado Deparment of Education

Resources

• Become a Teacher in Colorado