Shape the next generation through teaching, counseling, and educational leadership. Colorado needs dedicated educators across all levels.
Median Salary
$64,834
Statewide industry median
10-Year Growth
+14%
Statewide projection
Pathway Roles
13
Pathway roles
Required Education
Bachelor's
Education/Teaching
Explore Colorado Education
Colorado schools actively need teachers, and the state has built alternative pathways so you can earn while you learn and finish your degree.
Here, students and career changers can build classrooms and lead learning across these pathways:
FIRST IN STATE
Teacher degree apprenticeship approved
Colorado launched its first teacher degree apprenticeship, letting educators earn a salary while completing certification and a bachelor's degree.
ELEMENTARY TEACHER MEDIAN
$63,250
Colorado's representative median annual wage for elementary teachers, from the state OEWS occupational wage data.
EDUCATOR SHORTAGE
Unfilled positions ongoing
Colorado continues to track educator shortages statewide, creating immediate demand for both classroom teachers and support staff.
ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS
Multiple licensure routes
Colorado's Department of Education explicitly supports alternative teacher licensure in addition to traditional university programs.
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Colorado's approved teacher degree apprenticeship pairs earning salary with mentoring from experienced teachers and completing a bachelor's degree. CareerWise partners and Colorado Mountain College are already part of the model in participating school districts.
CTE STARTS HERE
Colorado's CTE includes Education and Training, Teacher Cadet, Para-Professional Educator and Early Childhood Education offerings—giving you a head start before college.
NOT JUST CLASSROOM
Paraprofessional, early-childhood assistant, after-school educator, classroom support specialist, counselor, and school administrator tracks all exist. Not everyone teaches 30 middle-schoolers.
CAREER CHANGER FRIENDLY
Public speaking, patience, youth development, coaching, bilingual communication and content expertise are huge. Career switchers often enter through paraprofessional or alternative licensure routes without starting over completely.
EXPLORE FIRST
Attend teacher-apprenticeship information sessions, visit district hiring events, volunteer in classrooms, explore CSU Spur education programs for youth, and observe real teaching before committing.
CLEAR CERTIFICATION LADDERS
CDE's official search tool shows every approved traditional and alternative program in the state, making it easy to find the path that fits your timeline and learning style.
Career paths · where you fit in
Military, retail leadership, coaching, customer service and technical backgrounds all bring useful skills into education—communication, patience, organization and youth development are learned, not mystical.
Essential resources for your educational journey
Compare college costs, graduation rates & outcomes
Find registered earn-while-you-learn programs
Individual Career & Academic Planning tools
Discover careers that match your interests
