How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Colorado 2025

Middle school teachers play a key role in helping students build academic skills and confidence during a time of rapid growth and change. To teach grades six through eight, you'll need to meet specific education and certification standards set by the state.

For more information abouthow to become a middle school teacher, this article focuses on Colorado's requirements, including licensure steps, subject-specific pathways, salary details, and financial support for future educators.

What Does a Middle School Teacher Do?

Middle school teachers help students develop subject knowledge, independent thinking, and social-emotional skills during a critical period of academic growth. In Colorado, these educators typically work with students in grades six through eight, creating engaging lessons and supporting student progress across various content areas.

To qualify for this role, individuals must meet specific middle school teacher educational requirements, including earning a bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved preparation program, and obtaining a Colorado teaching license.

Typical middle school teacher responsibilities include:

• creating lesson plans that align with Colorado Academic Standards
• teaching subjects like math, science, English, or social studies
• developing a classroom environment that supports learning and inclusivity
• assessing student work and adjusting instruction based on data
• managing classroom behavior and student engagement
• communicating with families and school staff about student needs
• participating in school-wide activities and ongoing professional development

How To Become a Middle School Teacher in Colorado

Colorado requires teachers to complete a series of academic and licensing steps before they can lead a middle school classroom. If you're researching the requirements to become a middle school teacher, the state follows a structured process that includes a bachelor's degree, educator preparation program, licensure exams, and background checks. Alternative pathways are also available for career changers or those who already hold a degree in another field.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree in a Relevant Field

The first step is to complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Most aspiring teachers major in education or a teachable content area such as mathematics, science, English, or history. The degree must include general education coursework and subject-specific classes aligned with the grade levels and subjects you intend to teach.

Your degree should also include completion of a Colorado-approved educator preparation program, which can be embedded in your undergraduate studies or completed afterward. These programs include coursework in pedagogy, curriculum design, and classroom management, along with required field experiences.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Educator Preparation Program

If not included in your bachelor's degree, you'll need to complete a separate state-approved educator preparation program. These programs are designed to prepare you for the unique challenges of teaching and include courses on instructional methods, equity in education, and supporting diverse learners.

In addition to coursework, you'll participate in student teaching or residency placements that provide real classroom experience under the guidance of a licensed educator. Successful completion of the program is required for licensure and ensures you're prepared for day-one teaching responsibilities.

Step 3: Pass Required Colorado Licensing Exams

To become licensed, you must pass the appropriate Colorado State Board of Education-approved exams. These usually include the Praxis or PLACE exams that assess your content knowledge and teaching skills. The exact exam depends on the subject and grade level you plan to teach.

You'll also need to demonstrate proficiency in English language skills and may be required to take additional performance assessments depending on your program. Exam results must be submitted to the Colorado Department of Education as part of your licensure application.

Step 4: Apply for a Colorado Initial Teaching License

Once you've completed your degree, preparation program, and required exams, you can apply for an Initial Teacher License through the Colorado Department of Education. This license is valid for three years and is required to begin teaching in public schools.

The application process includes submitting transcripts, test scores, proof of program completion, and fingerprint-based background check results. You must also create an account in the state's COOL (Colorado Online Licensing) system to complete and manage your application.

Step 5: Advance or Renew Your License

After teaching under your Initial License, you can apply for a Professional License once you meet renewal requirements. This includes completing ongoing professional development and obtaining verified teaching experience in Colorado schools.

A Professional License is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing state-approved training hours. Staying current with licensure ensures you can continue teaching and may open doors to advanced roles or endorsements in specialized subject areas.

Middle School Requirements By Subject

Colorado issues subject-specific licenses for teachers planning to work in middle or secondary schools. To qualify, you must complete a bachelor's degree, pass content exams, and finish a state-approved educator preparation program focused on your subject area. The following outlines how to meet certification requirements by subject.

How To Become a Middle School Math Teacher

To teach math in Colorado middle schools, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes significant coursework in mathematics, such as algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus. Your educator preparation program should focus on teaching strategies for grades six through twelve and include supervised fieldwork.

You must also pass the Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge exam or other state-approved assessment. Once your academic and testing requirements are complete, you can apply for a Secondary Mathematics (Grades 7-12) license, which qualifies you for most middle school math positions.

How To Become a Middle School Science Teacher

Aspiring middle school science teachers should complete a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. Your educator preparation program must also cover teaching methods for scientific inquiry and lab-based instruction at the middle or secondary level.

Colorado requires passage of a content exam, such as the Praxis General Science assessment, to demonstrate subject mastery. After fulfilling all education and testing requirements, you may apply for a license in science education for grades 7-12, making you eligible to teach middle school science.

How To Become a Middle School History Teacher

To teach history or social studies, you'll need a bachelor's degree that includes courses in U.S. history, world history, civics, geography, and economics. Your preparation program must provide training in instructional strategies for middle and high school learners and include clinical teaching experience.

You must pass a state-approved content exam in social studies, such as the Praxis Social Studies: Content Knowledge test. Upon meeting all requirements, you can apply for a Secondary Social Studies (Grades 7-12) license, allowing you to teach history at the middle school level.

How To Become a Middle School English Language Arts Teacher

Middle school English teachers in Colorado must earn a bachelor's degree that includes coursework in literature, composition, grammar, reading development, and language instruction. Your educator preparation program should include pedagogy for language arts and classroom experience with adolescents.

You'll need to pass the required English Language Arts content exam to demonstrate subject competency. Once all academic and testing standards are met, you can apply for a license in Secondary English Language Arts (Grades 7-12), qualifying you for middle school teaching positions.

Education Degree Programs in Colorado

Colleges across Colorado offer education programs that prepare students for licensure to teach in middle and secondary schools. These programs include content-area coursework, clinical experiences, and support for meeting the state's certification requirements.

1. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a Bachelor of Arts in secondary education with licensure pathways for teaching grades seven to 12. Students choose a content area, such as English, mathematics, science, or social studies, and complete both subject-specific coursework and teacher preparation requirements.

The program includes classroom management, instructional design, and adolescent learning theory, along with extensive field experiences in local schools. Graduates meet the Colorado Department of Education requirements for initial licensure in their chosen subject area.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,936 (in-state); $29,700 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. University of Northern Colorado

Focused on hands-on learning and subject-area depth, the University of Northern Colorado offers bachelor's degrees that lead to secondary teaching licensure for grades seven to 12. Students select a major in a teachable field paired with education coursework and licensure preparation.

Programs emphasize real-world experience through progressive field placements and a final student teaching semester. Coursework explores effective teaching practices, adolescent learning, and classroom leadership. Graduates are prepared to apply for Colorado licensure in their chosen subject.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,822 (in-state); $28,370 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. Adams State University

Adams State University combines subject-specific training with practical teaching preparation through its Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. Licensure options are available in fields like English, history, math, and science, with coursework aligned to the Colorado Department of Education's requirements for teaching grades seven to 12.

Education classes cover planning, instruction, and classroom culture, while content-area studies ensure deep subject knowledge. Students gradually build teaching experience through guided fieldwork and complete a full semester of student teaching before graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $9,744 (in-state); $18,696 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. Colorado State University-Pueblo

Colorado State University (CSU)-Pueblo offers a Bachelor of Science in middle school math, specifically designed for those planning to teach mathematics in grades six to eight. This focused program blends advanced math coursework with teaching methods tailored to early adolescents, preparing students for both subject mastery and effective instruction.

The curriculum includes professional education classes, supervised field experiences, and a final semester of student teaching. CSU-Pueblo's School of Education also offers additional pathways for students interested in secondary education licensure across other subjects, ensuring flexibility for future middle and high school educators.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,325.50 (in-state); $19,125 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado (CU) Denver offers multiple pathways for aspiring middle school math teachers, including a Bachelor of Arts in education and human development with a concentration in middle school math. This undergraduate program combines math content knowledge with coursework in adolescent development, instructional strategies, and culturally responsive teaching.

For those who already hold a degree, CU Denver also offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a focus on middle school mathematics, as well as a standalone middle school math endorsement for licensed educators. Each pathway includes field-based experiences and leads to eligibility for Colorado licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $ (in-state); $ (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Middle School Teacher Salary in Colorado

The average middle school teacher salary in Colorado is $63,330 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure represents the mean annual wage for teachers working in grades six through eight across the state. Salaries vary depending on location, experience, and school district funding.

Teachers in urban areas like Denver and Boulder often earn more than those in rural parts of the state. Colorado's average is close to the national mean of $62,970, making it a competitive state for new and experienced middle school educators.

Job Outlook for Middle School Teachers in Colorado

Nationally, employment for middle school teachers is projected to decline by 1% between 2023 and 2033. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates around 41,400 job openings each year due to retirements and individuals leaving the profession. In Colorado, ongoing teacher shortages and population growth may offset national trends, creating stable demand, especially in rural areas or high-need subject areas like math and science. Prospective teachers who are flexible in grade level and location may have greater job opportunities.

Financial Aid for Middle School Teacher Programs

Colorado students pursuing a teaching degree have access to a variety of financial aid options. You can begin by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Many online colleges that accept financial aid also allow Colorado residents to apply these funds toward their tuition.

In addition to federal aid, the Colorado Department of Higher Education offers financial support through the TEACH Colorado initiative, which helps prospective educators access scholarships, stipends, and licensure support. Students may also qualify for state-based grant programs or loan forgiveness if they commit to teaching in high-need schools or subject areas.

FAQs About Becoming a Middle School Teacher in Colorado

If you're planning to teach middle school in Colorado, it's important to understand the steps, timelines, and possible financial supports available. These common questions provide helpful insight into different pathways and what you might expect during the certification process.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Middle School Teacher in Colorado?

It usually takes four to five years to become a licensed middle school teacher in Colorado through a traditional pathway. This includes earning a bachelor's degree, completing a state-approved educator preparation program, and passing the required content and pedagogy exams. Additional time may be needed for student teaching or clinical experience.

Can You Become a Teacher in Colorado Without a Teaching Degree?

Yes, Colorado offers alternative licensure options for individuals who hold a non-education bachelor's degree. These programs allow you to begin teaching while completing required coursework and mentorship. They are ideal for career changers and can lead to licensure in high-need subjects such as math, science, or special education.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Teacher?

The fastest route is through an alternative licensure program approved by the state. These programs allow eligible candidates to teach under supervision while completing certification requirements on the job. Most programs take one to two years and are designed for individuals with bachelor's degrees in non-teaching fields.

How Can I Become a Teacher in Colorado for Free?

You may be eligible for state and federal grants, scholarships, or loan forgiveness programs that significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Colorado also offers financial incentives through programs like TEACH Colorado for candidates who commit to teaching in underserved schools or shortage areas such as STEM or bilingual education.

Can You Start Teaching With an Associate Degree?

No, an associate degree does not meet Colorado's certification requirements for public school teachers. However, it can serve as the first step toward a teaching career by allowing you to transfer into a four-year education program that leads to licensure and a bachelor's degree.

Explore Teaching Degrees in Colorado

Learn.org features accredited education programs across Colorado that can help you earn your teaching license. Browse degree options to find the right path for your goals as a future middle school teacher.