Launch Your Career at Community College

Many community college students have part-time or full-time jobs, as well as family responsibilities.

Colorado Community Colleges offer flexible class schedules, with daytime, evening or weekend class options. Colleges often offer multiple sections of the same class, so you can find a class time that works for you. 

Save money when you start your teacher prep at community college. You can cut down on living costs, since you do not have to stay in a college or university dormitory. You can even continue to live at home if you have a community college nearby! 

Your savings can go toward future tuition or living costs, so you can reduce or even eliminate student loans. (Remember that tuition will be different at each community college and depends on where you live in Colorado.)

If you want to earn a bachelor’s degree (or higher) and a Colorado teaching license, the Bridge to Bachelor’s program is a great place to start.

Bridge to Bachelor’s is a program for new, first-time college students attending any school in the Colorado Community College System. This program guarantees admission to a participating college or university when you complete your associate’s degree.

Any Associate of Art or Associate of Science degree program is eligible.

To learn more, visit the Bridge to Bachelor’s page, and check out our tips for transferring (see below).

Career and Technical Education programs provide relevant, rigorous education and help ensure a thriving Colorado. Schools districts across the state are looking for teacher candidates who have experience in a variety of fields, such as agriculture, health science, and skilled trades.

Is a CTE authorization right for me?

If you have work experience in a specialized field like agriculture, business, health sciences or a skilled trade, a CTE authorization may be right for you. 

You can earn a CTE authorization in:

• Agriculture, natural resources and energy
• Business, marketing and public administration
• Health science, criminal justice and public safety
• Hospitality, human services and education
• Skilled trades and technical sciences
• STEM, arts, design and information technology

Learn more about each authorization option here.

Where can I work with a CTE authorization?

Instead of pursuing candidates with a Colorado teaching license, many school districts (often in rural areas) hire a qualified candidate with a CTE authorization through their local community college. 

What do I need to get my CTE authorization? The CTE pathway lets you share their skills with students, without pursuing a teaching license.

You can learn more about pursuing your CTE authorization here.

Click here for a checklist of what you’ll need for your CTE authorization.

Colorado Community Colleges let you earn a certificate to teach early childhood education in community settings, such as family childcare or faith-based environments.

If you’d like to pursue a license in early childhood education to teach in a public-school setting, please consider the Bridge to Bachelor’s pathway. 

Totally confused? Not to worry! You can sign up for a call with our early childhood expert coach, Kim, here.

TREP Program

The Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) Program will allow you to start taking college courses while you’re still in high school. After graduating, you’ll be able to continue taking courses for two years, tuition free. 

Not only can this program save you tons of money, but you’ll be able to fast-track your teaching license and a bachelor’s degree (oftentimes without spending an entire four years in college). Click here to find out more about the TREP, and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

Generation Teach Summer Teaching Fellowship

If you’re a high school, community college or undergraduate student, you can get a high-quality summer teaching experience through the Generation Teach Summer Teaching Fellowship.

In this program, you’re the teacher. You’ll receive two weeks of training, followed by five to six weeks of teaching your own class of 8 to 12 students. 

You’ll get practical teaching experience, receive daily coaching and support and earn a scholarship and an AmeriCorps Education Award. 

Learn more here.