My Colorado Journey
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Education

Elementary, Middle, or High School Teacher

Teach students academic, social, and other formative skills in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies, in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty. Promote physical, mental, and social development.

Annual openings

2,235

Median wage

$63,410

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is required.

Growth 2026–2032

+7%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university is required.

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Credential detail

An initial Teacher license is required. This requires completion of an approved Teacher preparation program and demonstration of content-area knowledge as signified by an endorsement. If you have a Bachelor’s degree, but have not completed a Teacher preparation program, there are alternative paths to obtaining a license. Please see the Alternative Teacher, Adjunct Instructor, Emergency, and Interim sections of this website for more details.

Experience detail

No previous work experience is required. Completion of a student teaching/practicum/internship is required to obtain an initial Teacher license.

Employer competency information

  • ● Instruction - Know and demonstrate knowledge of the content being taught, making the instruction and content relevant to students while fostering a positive learning environment and adjusting instructional approaches as needed ● Communication - Be perceptive and responsive listeners, able to communicate with students in a variety of ways; help students to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively ● Teamwork - Working collaboratively with other educators, the students, and the families to achieve learning outcomes ● Reading - Able to develop reading skills in students while also utilizing these skills to facilitate their own lifelong learning ● Psychology - Engage students with different learning styles and abilities by using a variety of models of inclusive and effective practices
Endorsements connect a teacher to the grades and subjects that they can teach. For instance, there is a separate endorsement for elementary education.
These jobs exist across elementary, middle school, and high school settings. Education, credentials, skills, openings, and salary information is similar across each of these settings. As of 2019, it was hardest for school districts to fill jobs teaching math and science.
TEACH Colorado guides you into the profession of teaching, providing customized guidance, and allows you to create a career roadmap, get one-on-one expert advice, follow a how-to guide for getting licensed, access teacher prep program application checklists, and claim fee reimbursements toward application and testing expenses. Start your journey today by talking to a TEACH Colorado coach.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenYes
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Education
  • Teaching

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
  2. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
  3. Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
  4. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
  5. Read books to entire classes or small groups.
  6. Observe and evaluate students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
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