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Prerequisite Coursework in Colorado
Every state requires at least a bachelor’s degree for teacher certification, but some have additional undergraduate credit hour restrictions. Colorado requires that the bachelor’s degree include a teacher preparation program. For Elementary educator licensure, there are no specific coursework requirements. Special Education Generalist, Early Childhood, K-12 and Secondary licenses require 24 credit hours of required content. The Special Education Specialist Initial license requires some graduate work or a full master’s degree, depending on what type of special needs students you plan to work with.
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Colorado Teacher Certification Programs
Getting a teaching certificate usually involves the completion of an accredited certification course with both pedagogical theory and classroom practice components. These courses can be completed either on-site or online. Colorado require student teaching as part of the teacher preparation program.
Upgrading from an initial to a professional certification requires a teacher induction program consisting of “supervision by mentor teachers, ongoing professional development, and training, including ethics, and performance evaluations.” The Colorado Department of Education provides a list of Approved Educator Preparation Programs.
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Required Tests for Colorado
Unlike most states, Colorado does not require a basic skills test. All that is required is a Subject Area Competence test, which can be fulfilled by the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment. Colorado has approved the adoption of Praxis exams for most content areas.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
Earning your Colorado teaching credential will require the completion of the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. Colorado offers an Initial License, valid for three years, for beginning teachers; you must complete a Teacher Induction Program to qualify for a Professional License, which must be renewed every five years. In addition to Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary certifications, Colorado has certifications for Special Education Generalist and Special Education Specialist. Learn more about getting your Colorado teaching credential through the Colorado Department of Education Office of Educator Preparation, Licensing and Enforcement.
Read more about getting your teaching credential on Teach.com.
