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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

Renew TEE

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

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

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

Advance Initial Teacher License to a Professional License

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

Add a Master Certificate

  • valid National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification

Add a Designation

 

Return to Educator Licensure