Answers to Frequently Asked Questions Curious About Teacher Licensure at CSU?
In the video below, two of our Key Advisers answer some FAQs about our teacher preparation program, including:
- Can I graduate in four years?
- What is the program like?
- How can I prepare for the program?
Audio Described Version of Teaching Licensure at Colorado State University (best viewed in Chrome)
Answer Your Calling
You have a dream, a calling: you want to be a teacher. Whether you were playing “school” with your stuffed animals as a kid, or were inspired by someone who taught you, we want to help you achieve your dream.
Choose Your Content Area
Below are the approved content areas for undergraduate teacher licensure, each linked to its curriculum in the CSU Catalog, and organized according to which ages/grades are covered by the teaching license.
Early Childhood Education with Licensure
Our Early Childhood Education Major with Teacher Licensure program will give you a strong foundation in educational practices to prepare you in a variety of roles, including:
- Infant/Toddler Specialist
- Preschool through 2nd/3rd Grade Teacher
- Option to add an Elementary Education endorsement to your initial Early Childhood Education license
The Early Childhood Education Major is offered through the Department of Human and Development and Family Studies. Learn more about the major on their website.
Explore Early Childhood Education with Teacher Licensure Courses.
Interested in taking additional elementary education content exams? Review the Colorado Department of Education’s website for more information.
Grades K-12
Become a Teacher Undergraduate Teacher Licensure in Colorado
The State of Colorado requires that you earn a degree in a subject matter, or content area, and successfully complete a professional teacher education preparation program. You’ll also need to pass a state-approved licensing exam before you begin your student teaching semester.
At Colorado State University, you can choose from 17 content areas with approved majors that include teacher licensure. These majors have specially designed curriculum, giving you a strong foundation in your content area while building your skills as an educator at the same time. You’ll stay on track to graduate with your four-year degree and prepare to be a teacher, without adding extra semesters.
Currently, CSU does not offer a teaching endorsement specifically for general elementary education (grades K-6). However, in conjunction with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, we do offer an Early Childhood Education degree that includes teacher licensure for pre-kindergarten through third grade (ages 0-8).
A Basic Overview What You'll Experience in Our Program
Professional Development Schools Model
Our teacher licensure program is a Professional Development School model. In partnership with local school districts, we deliver licensure coursework both on-campus at CSU and in local PK-12 schools. You’ll learn from CSU faculty and PK-12 educator partners.
Before Applying to the Program
Before applying to our teacher education program, you’ll choose a bachelor’s degree to pursue – there are 17 content areas approved for educator licensing. Once you reach sophomore standing, you’ll start adding education courses to your schedule. Don’t worry – our program is designed to incorporate the licensure coursework with your degree program, without additional time tacked on to your undergraduate experience.
The first course in the program is a field experience course. You’ll be matched with a partner school in a local school district, and work in a PK-12 classroom each week for the duration of the semester. By the end of the semester, you’ll have around 30 hours of in-classroom experience under your belt. As you finish the course, you’ll decide whether teaching is right for you. If so, you’ll apply to the teacher preparation program.
During the Program
As a teacher candidate, you’ll spend time in a different PK-12 classroom each semester. You’ll lead small groups of students, work with the cooperating classroom teacher on lesson plans, learn to lesson plan by yourself, and even teach a class or two (while the cooperating teacher supervises). By the time you graduate, you’ll be strongly prepared for Colorado’s licensing exams – and ready to make a difference in your own classroom.