Elementary Education Degrees in Colorado
Once children reach elementary school, the process of learning and preparing for adult life begins in earnest. Not only do students learn academic subjects, they build the foundational skills of problem solving, critical thinking, and socializing.
The teachers a child has throughout elementary school can make a lifelong impact on his or her life. If you’re truly passionate about the field of education, earning a degree in elementary education may be the next step for you.
Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Colorado
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders, social workers, legislators, creators, and parents. They need evidence-based, personalized education to reach their potential.
Learn more about top elementary education programs in Colorado with the list of schools below.
If you have been waiting for the ideal time to become a teacher in Colorado, this may be the chance. In recent years, the pool of teaching graduates in Colorado has decreased substantially (Chalk Beat, 2016). As a result, smaller school districts often struggle to hire and retain the teachers needed to keep schools running efficiently. Your teaching degree could put you in a position to help in areas where the teaching shortage is severe.
There are many universities and colleges in Colorado that can build on your love of teaching to help you become a licensed educator.
Get more information on earning a degree in elementary education by contacting schools near you.
Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Colorado
Depending on how much previous education you have, you may be able to pursue a variety of teacher certifications in Colorado. For many students, the most obvious option is a Bachelor’s degree. This four-year degree requires at least 120 credits, although each school may require additional credits beyond that. Several programs do require between 130 and 140 credits.
Classroom experience is a key component of this degree, showing you how different teaching techniques and theories play out at each grade level. By working with different teachers at each school, you can start to build a professional network. This may be extremely beneficial for your career down the line.
The other main option is Master’s in elementary education programs. These programs last two years. They’re typically intended for working teachers, but some programs do accept students with Bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
Elementary education online degree programs can make it more convenient for you to get the training you need. At the Bachelor’s level, you may still spend much of your time in local classrooms, even if you complete your theory coursework online. Since Master’s programs target working teachers, these are likely to have online study options.
Elementary Education Coursework
- Mathematics for All Students
- Foundations for English Language Arts
- Integrated Science Instruction
- Assessment of Learning
- Developing Science Concepts with Elementary Students
- Methods of Literacy Instruction
- Integrating Arts into the Curriculum
Throughout your education degree, you should make progress toward specific learning outcomes. Each school sets their own learning outcomes, but many programs focus on an extensive knowledge of teaching research, an ability to apply problem solving principles to classroom situations, strong communication skills, and a willingness to integrate new research into your practice.
Upon graduating, you can take the next step to your own classroom. You must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Education. They administer PLACE assessments, which test your knowledge of academic subjects and teaching techniques.
Explore different options for earning a degree in elementary education.
Use the list of schools below to contact Colorado programs.
Working as an Elementary Educator in Colorado
Of course, your main focus in your teaching career is your students. However, you must also work well with parents, administrators, and other teachers. That’s one of the main reasons that the Colorado Education Association exists. Consider joining as a new teacher to get discounts on teaching supplies, enjoy advocacy on a legislative level, and learn from experienced teachers.
The teaching shortage in Colorado has become much more severe in recent years. By 2024, O*Net expects job openings for Colorado elementary school teachers to increase 24% (O*Net, 2016). Salaries vary slightly between school districts, but in general, your income potential may increase as you gain more experience in this industry. The mean income for a Colorado elementary school teacher is $50,330 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
This is the time to make a decision that can change your future and help you give back to your community.
Compare degree options below to figure out how you can reach your career goals.
