Preschool Teacher Requirements in Colorado

<h2 id="section---InformationOnBecomingAPreschoolTeacherInColorado">Information on Becoming a Preschool Teacher in Colorado</h2> <p>Preschool teachers typically work with young students who are under the age of five years old. These teachers are the first to help shape young minds. Before becoming a preschool teacher though, there are a number of requirements that are set by the state of Colorado that must be met. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> A Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, Certification/License</td></tr> <tr><td> Exams Required </td><td> PLACE, Praxis</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 1-3 Years</td></tr> <tr><td> Mean Salary for Preschool Teachers in Colorado (2018) </td><td> $33,140*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated National Job Growth (2016-2026) </td><td> Preschool - 10%*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---JobDescription">Job Description</h3> <p>Preschool teachers work with students to help them learn basic skills and knowledge that they will need as they advance to their next level of education. Some of the basic skills that preschool teachers are expected to cover include learning numbers, letters, shapes, and colors. Preschool teachers will also need to come up with appropriate activities and lessons for students, track their progress throughout the course of the class, and even maintain communication with parents and other faculty. For many students, preschool is the first introduction to a classroom setting, and so teachers will need to maintain an inviting and welcoming environment. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>For all those wishing to become preschool teachers in Colorado, the first step down the path to teaching is to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. As part of their education, students will need to complete at least 24 semester hours of course credit. Lastly, students will also need to complete a teacher preparation program at an approved college or university. Upon completion of these educational requirements, potential teachers will then be ready to take the exams necessary for them to earn their certification. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Before becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado, there are two tests that will need to be completed with a passing score. The first exam is the PLACE assessment, which is a test that was created specifically for the state of Colorado. Next, potential teachers will need to take a Praxis exam, which is administered online through the ETS, to demonstrate their proficiency in the area that they wish to teach in the future. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSNext">What's Next?</h3> <p>After completing the educational requirements and the tests listed above, teachers can then apply for their Initial Teacher License. Teachers will need to fill out the appropriate form through the Colorado Department of Education, pay the application fee, and provide all necessary supporting documentation. Some of the required documents include college transcripts and proof of exam scores. An application check list can be found on the Colorado Department of Education's website. </p> <h3 id="section---LicenseRenewal">License Renewal</h3> <p>In order to continuing teaching in the state of Colorado, teachers will need to renew their licenses. This must be done within the six months leading up to the expiration of the license that is currently held. An Initial Teacher License can only be renewed once, and for a second renewal a teacher will need to complete an induction program. The application fee for renewing a teacher's license is $90, and it must be paid at the time of application. All documents will need to be submitted electronically to the Colorado Department of Education, and some of the necessary documents are official transcripts and proof of employment history.</p>