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Teacher License (and Authorization) Requirements
Whether you are seeking to complete a Colorado teacher preparation program or want to renew, advance or add an endorsement to your Colorado teaching credential, this page is for you.
General requirements are listed below; select the credential type for the application checklist and complete details on how to apply. (First-time applicant who completed a program outside Colorado? Go to the Out-of-State webpage.)
Need to Complete Teacher Preparation?
Alternative Teacher (1 or 2 years, depending on program)
- district-specific;
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
- demonstration of content knowledge;
- teaching position in the requested content area; and
- enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program
Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) (1 year)
- for Special Education and Special Services areas only;
- district-specific;
- bachelor’s or higher degree* (in any area); and
- enrollment in a traditional preparation program for ECSE, special education generalists or director of special education OR a special services area
- may be renewed up to twice with ongoing progress toward meeting full licensure requirements
Interim Authorization for alternative teacher preparation (1 year)
- district-specific;
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
- teaching position in the requested content area; and
- enrollment in a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program
- may be renewed once to complete a two-year program; and
- must demonstrate content knowledge to complete program
- to renew or advance to an alternative license for a 2-year program, complete the application for an alternative teacher license
Teacher of Record (2-years)
- district-specific;
- enrolled in a bachelor's degree program for teacher preparation at a Colorado college/university only;
- this option is not available for individuals enrolled in out-of-state preparation programs (including online programs)
- 36 or fewer semester hours of coursework remaining to complete program;
- demonstration of content knowledge via the approved PRAXIS exam;
- a TOR plan created in cooperation with the district and preparation program (more information and plan template); and
- teaching position in the content area
- may be renewed only due to unforeseen circumstances (must be approved by CDE)
Have Completed Teacher Preparation?
Advance an Alternative Teacher License or Interim Authorization
- approved program verification form completed by your preparation program (alternative candidates only); and
- verification of demonstration of content knowledge
Initial Teacher License
- bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;
- approved program verification form completed by your teacher preparation program;
- demonstration of content knowledge
Initial Teacher License Renewal
- valid license-holders: letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- expired license-holders:
- letter stating why induction program has not yet been completed
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements
Advance Initial Teacher License to a Professional License
- valid license-holders: a copy of induction certificate
- expired license-holders:
- a copy of induction certificate
- may need to meet additional endorsement requirements
Renew a Professional Teacher License
- 90 contact hours (six (6) semester hours) of applicable professional development activities
- valid license-holders: applicable activities must have been completed within the seven years of your active license
- expired license-holders (or for those whose hold reactivated licenses): applicable activities must have bee completed within the seven years immediately preceding the submission date of your renewal application
Enhancements
Add an Endorsement
- valid Colorado initial or professional license;
- requirements vary by endorsement
Add a Master Certificate
- valid National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification
Add a Designation
- fulfill READ Act requirements
- fulfill English Learner professional development requirements via an approved program or individualized professional development
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