One of the fastest-growing states in the country, Colorado attracts new residents from across the U.S. with its beautiful landscapes, plentiful recreation opportunities, and strong economy. As an indicator of the state's growth, public elementary and secondary school enrollment increased by 26% from 2017 to 2020, compared to the national average of 7% in the same time.
Featured Online Programs
A teaching degree at any level opens the door to a stable, meaningful career, making a difference in the lives of children and their families. Colorado's educator shortage and growing population of school-age children promises many opportunities for new teachers. Read on to learn about teaching in Colorado, including considerations for earning your degree and what to expect from teaching in the state. We also explain the types of online teaching programs in Colorado.
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Colorado at a Glance
| Population | 5,845,530 |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | $38,057 |
| Full-Time Equivalent Teachers | 53,147 |
| Number of Public School Districts | 270 |
| Number of Public K-12 Schools | 1,915 |
| Number of Higher Learning Institutions | 87 |
| Climate | Average Annual Temperature: 45.1℉ Annual Precipitation: 15.9 inches |
| Major Sports Teams | Colorado Rockies, Colorado Rapids, Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, Colorado Avalanche |
Top Colorado Schools for Teaching
Regis University
University of Northern Colorado
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Mesa University
Colorado State University-Global Campus
University of Colorado-Boulder
University of Colorado-Denver
Denver University
Why Go to College for Education in Colorado?
Colorado is home to more than 80 colleges, many with accredited education or teaching degrees. Most Colorado colleges sit along the Front Range/I-25 corridor, from Colorado State University up north in Fort Collins to Colorado College down south in Colorado Springs.
If you plan to pursue teaching licensure in Colorado, it makes sense to earn your degree there. This ensures that your degree and teacher preparation program meet the requirements of the Colorado Department of Education. If you earn a degree in another state, you must pursue alternative licensure in Colorado, which can take longer.
Students who obtain their degree in Colorado also gain the benefit of networking while still in school. The connections made while completing student teaching hours can lead to job offers after graduation, especially in states with a high demand for teachers.
Postsecondary Education Statistics for Colorado
College students in Colorado can choose from 53 four-year and 34 two-year institutions. Students considering an online degree may find it promising that more Coloradans participate in distance education than the national average.
The state spends less on postsecondary education appropriations per full-time student compared to the national average. Colorado also allocates a smaller percentage of tax revenue to higher education than most other places. Despite its reduced spending on higher education, the state still boasts a more educated populace than average, with 25.2% of the population aged 25 or older holding a bachelor's degree.
| CO Data | National Data | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Four-Year Colleges | 53 | 3,004 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges | 34 | 1,579 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 36% | 34.7% |
| Postsecondary Education Appropriations per Full-Time Student | $4,653 | $8,196 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education | 3.4% | 5.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree | 8.4% | 8.4% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree | 25.2% | 19.4% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher | 15% | 12.1% |
Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey
Accreditation for Colorado Schools
Accreditation is a voluntary evaluation process that schools use to demonstrate they meet minimum standards. Colorado universities can hold regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation is much more popular and prestigious than national accreditation. Students who attend regionally accredited colleges find it easier to transfer credit to another institution, qualify for federal financial aid, get into graduate school, and obtain professional certifications.
When choosing an online school in Colorado, look for those accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the regional accrediting agency that evaluates postsecondary institutions in the state. Prospective students should also look for education programs accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, a specialized agency that sets standards for educator preparation accreditation.
Considerations for a Teaching Degree in Colorado
There are many factors to consider for prospective students considering a teaching degree. The data below can help you figure out if Colorado is the right place to look for teaching programs. We explain different degree levels, explore which grade or subject level to teach, and examine differences between online, in-person, and hybrid programs. We also describe options for paying for your teaching degree in Colorado.
Teaching Degree Levels
The level of teaching degree you pursue impacts your school choice. Below, we explain the differences between an associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in teaching.
Associate Degree in Teaching
Bachelor's Degree in Teaching
Master's Degree in Teaching
Ph.D. in Teaching
What Grade or Subject Will You Want To Teach?
The age or subject you plan to teach impacts the type of degree and concentration you choose. For example, to teach special education in Colorado you must hold a teaching license with an endorsement in special education. This requires a bachelor's degree with a concentration or coursework in special education. Deciding what age or subject you want to teach before choosing a program ensures that you meet licensing requirements after graduation.
Preschool teachers in Colorado benefit from earning an associate degree or bachelor's degree with a concentration in early childhood education or child development. However, preschool teachers can meet credentialing requirements without a degree by demonstrating experience or knowledge in other ways. Preschool teachers with higher degrees may receive better career opportunities or salaries.
On-Campus Versus Online Program Options
Students choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid teaching programs. Below, we describe the differences between these learning formats and how to choose the right one for you.
On-Campus Programs
Online Programs
Hybrid Programs
| Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses | Enrolled in Some but Not All Distance Education Courses | Not Enrolled in Any Distance Education Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO Students | 23% | 12.9% | 64.2% |
| United States Students | 16.3% | 18.4% | 65.3% |
Source: NCES
Paying for Your Teaching Degree
Qualifying for in-state tuition rates is one of the best ways to pay less for a teaching degree in Colorado. Students who pay in-state tuition save more than $20,000 a year to attend a four-year public university. Colorado residents attending a two-year public college pay nearly $7,000 less than out-of-state learners. Coloradans pay slightly more than the national average for in-state tuition at two-year and four-year public schools, but less than average to attend private postsecondary institutions.
Colorado schools offer a variety of financing options to help students pay for their education degrees, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. Some Colorado teachers who commit to teaching in high-need schools qualify for the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness program.
| Colorado | National | |
|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition and Fees (Public Four-Year) | $9,540 | $9,037 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Four-Year) | $29,846 | $25,657 |
| Average Tuition and Fees (Private Four-Year) | $22,873 | $30,731 |
| Average In-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year) | $3,638 | $3,243 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition and Fees (Public Two-Year) | $10,354 | $7,971 |
Source: NCES
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Unsurprisingly, in-state tuition in Colorado costs much less than out-of-state tuition. Students must prove legal residency to pay in-state tuition. However, some schools may offer a tuition discount for online learners in other states.
Some learners in other states can save on tuition by applying for tuition reciprocity through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). Colorado and 15 other states and territories belong to WICHE, the biggest regional interstate tuition savings program in the U.S. Eligible undergraduate students in the Western Undergraduate Exchange pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition to attend eligible programs outside of their home state. Graduate students may qualify for tuition savings through the Western Regional Graduate Program.
Colorado's Cost of Living
Colorado's cost of living index score of 105.6 indicates that living in the state costs more than the national average. Coloradans spend nearly 6% more on basic essentials like transportation, utilities, and groceries. Colorado residents face particularly expensive housing costs, paying nearly 20% more than the national average for housing. Consider researching the down payment assistance program that helps teachers buy homes in the Colorado communities where they teach.
Other School Selection Criteria
Other key factors to consider when choosing your school may include:
How Long Does the Program Take?
Do You Meet Program Requirements?
What Admissions Materials Do You Need to Submit?
How Big is the School?
What Extracurricular Activities Does the School Offer?
Does the Program Prioritize Staff and Faculty Diversity?
What Student Services Does the School Offer?
Teaching in Colorado
A strong economy, beautiful outdoors amenities, and the relatively high percentage of adults with a college degree make Colorado an attractive place to live and teach. The high cost of living and lower-than-average Colorado teacher salary may dissuade some from pursuing a career in the state. However, Denver Public Schools and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association came to an agreement in 2019 to increase teacher compensation by 11% and provide incentives to educators in high-poverty schools.
Major Colorado school districts include Jefferson County, Denver County, Cherry Creek, and Douglas County. The Cherry Creek district increased by nearly 45% between 1990 and 2000. Colorado faces a teacher shortage, particularly for rural schools and in some specific subject areas, which may make it easier for new teachers to find jobs.
Read on for more about how to become a teacher in Colorado. We discuss the steps to becoming a teacher, education and student teaching requirements, and the process of teacher certification and licensure in Colorado. We also cover alternative paths to becoming a teacher in Colorado and the process of finding a teaching job.
How to Become a Teacher in Colorado
Each state sets its own regulations and rules for becoming a teacher, and state teaching licenses do not just transfer seamlessly. The rules for how to become a teacher in Colorado mirror the requirements of many other states. To become a kindergarten, elementary, middle, or high school teacher or to teach special education at a public school requires a bachelor's degree at minimum and completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
To receive a teaching certificate, Colorado requires educators to obtain an endorsement for the subject or grade level they plan to teach. The time it takes to become a teacher in Colorado varies depending on whether you pursue a bachelor's in education or hold a bachelor's in another subject and choose alternative licensure.
Notable Colorado Schools and Districts
Denver Public Schools
One of the biggest school districts in the state, DPS serves students in the city and county of Denver, Colorado's most populous city. DPS operates more than 200 traditional, charter, and magnet schools.
Cherry Creek Schools
CCSD serves more than 55,000 students who regularly score above state averages on standardized tests. More than 79% of the district's faculty hold advanced degrees. The district offers student teaching opportunities, internships, and job fairs where teachers can find out about open positions.
Boulder Valley School District
One of the top Front Range school districts, BVSD boasts a graduation rate of 91.3%, about 10% higher than the state's average. The district includes 56 schools and covers more than 500 square miles. On BVSD's website, prospective teachers can find information about open positions, job fairs, and employee benefits.
Colorado Teacher Salaries
The average Colorado teacher salary — $53,301 — is $8,429 less than the national average for public elementary and secondary teachers. Teacher assistants in Colorado make about $3,000 more than the national average.
Teachers in Colorado can earn more by gaining professional experience and earning higher degrees. Educators with a bachelor's degree just starting out earn an average of $41,180, while a teacher with a master's degree and comparable experience makes $49,450 on average. Other factors like school district also affect compensation.
The tables below compare salaries of education professionals in Colorado to the national average for those occupations. The data also explores average salaries for Colorado teachers by degree and years of experience.
Colorado Teacher Salaries
Colorado Trends in Education
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Colorado features a variety of distance education teaching programs at different degree levels. However, education students earning otherwise online degrees must still complete in-person student teaching hours.
Professional Teaching Organizations in Colorado
Colorado Education AssociationThe largest teacher's union in Colorado, CEA represents more than 38,000 teachers, education support professionals, and retired educators. Members benefit from the group's advocacy efforts, advice, and resources.
Professional Association of Colorado EducatorsA state chapter of the Association of American Educators, PACE is a statewide professional organization of educators. Members get access to scholarships and grants, newsletters, legal protection, and a discount program.
Colorado Association of Science TeachersCAST supports science education and science educators in Colorado. The organization offers professional development and networking opportunities, classroom mini-grants, awards, and an individual membership to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
Colorado Department of EducationNew teachers can find a wealth of resources through the Colorado ED, including educator preparation, licensing information, a jobs database, and academic standards.
Related Reading
Teaching Programs in Colorado
Only you can decide which teaching program is right for you. The following list is a good starting point for your research on some of the best teaching programs in Colorado. All schools on this list are regionally accredited.