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Launch Your Career at Community College

The Colorado Community College System can help you start your educator journey.

Teaching careers can start at community college.

Community colleges open doors for future teachers. Community college education can be a pathway unto itself, or a building block to a bachelor’s degree.

With Colorado Community Colleges, you can work toward an associate’s degree, which offers courses you’ll need to transfer to a college or university teacher preparation and licensure. You can learn more about the agreements between Colorado Community Colleges and partner institutions here.

If you have career experience in a specialized field, such as hospitality, agriculture or a skilled trade, you can pursue your Career & Technical Education authorization. This lets you teach high-need, specialty subjects without a traditional bachelor's degree.

The Colorado Community College System also offers future teachers an early childhood education certificate, allowing you to teach young children in a community setting.

 

Why community college?

Colorado’s community colleges offer convenient, affordable options to launch your teaching career.

Berenice Gonzalez, a Colorado Community College student, smiles next to a fence

"I saved money by attending community college first. I have been able to pay for most of my education through financial aid and work-study, and I am grateful for that. I am also glad I could take courses I need at a four-year university, for a fraction of the price."

Berenice Gonzalez, Colorado Community College Student

Explore options in Colorado

Discover future possibilities, both with and without a bachelor’s degree.

Maya Barboa-Ojinaga, a CCCS student, is smiling

"Community college has allowed me to have smaller classroom sizes and better conversations with my professors and classmates. Community college has also shown me that becoming a teacher opens endless possibilities."

Maya Barboa-Ojinaga, Colorado Community College Student

Bridge to Bachelor's: What to know about transferring

If you pursue the Bridge to Bachelor’s pathway, you can start planning your transfer ahead of time. Keep these tips in mind for a smooth transition.

Your Guaranteed Pathway to a Bachelor's + Licensure in Colorado

 
Danielle Irwin, a CCCS student, smiles

"Community college has helped me get closer to my goal of becoming an educator. The courses have given me necessary skills and knowledge that will help me along the way."

Danielle Irwin, Colorado Community College Student

Get hands-on experience.

Check out these opportunities to experience life as a teacher, gain practical skills and even earn college credit.