COLORADO
STATE RESOURCES

Completion of an approved program for the preparation of special education generalists from a regionally accredited college or university or 24 semester hours as identified on the Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) added endorsement worksheet

Applicants for their first Colorado teacher license with an Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary or Special Education Generalist endorsement must demonstrate content knowledge via any of the following:

• Passing the approved PRAXIS exam(s)

• Having a B- or higher in coursework aligned to endorsement standards, as outlined on these worksheets

• A portfolio review of evidence, as outlined on these worksheets

• A combination of any of the above

For Special Education Generalists (ages 5-21), a passing score on each content exam below is required:

• PRAXIS 5355 (145) 5354 (151) accepted until 08.31.2029. 

• PRAXIS 5901 series (as outlined below; may be waived with a valid Colorado teacher license/elementary endorsement)  

  • Science 5905 (159) - 5005 and 7005 also accepted (same exam, different number) 

  • Social Studies 5904 (155) - 5004 and 7004 also accepted (same exam, different number) 

  • Mathematics 5903 (157) - 5003 and 7003 also accepted (same exam, different number) 

• PRAXIS 5205 (159) 

The candidate will apply for licensure using the Colorado Online Licensing website (COOL), which is managed by the Colorado Department of Education.  

Candidates must have the following qualifications:

• An earned bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university;

• Completion of an approved teacher preparation program (traditional or alternative), including student teaching; and

• Demonstration of content competency for the requested content area(s)

Once you have submitted your application, you must submit your fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and have a current background check. You can review the requirements from the Colorado Department of Education. 

The alternative teacher pathway allows districts to hire individuals to serve as teachers while completing the necessary teacher preparation based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards. Alternative teacher preparation programs vary in length from one to two years (though special education generalist candidates may take a third year, if necessary). While serving as teachers, alternative candidates immediately put what they learn into practice.

To qualify, each candidate must:

• Hold a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college/university;

• Be enrolled in an approved Colorado alternative teacher program; and

• Complete and submit an ALTERNATIVE TEACHER application to request a Colorado Alternative Teacher License or an Interim Authorization issued specifically for alternative teacher preparation.

Applicants seeking their first Colorado teacher license may demonstrate content knowledge in several ways. These options, referred to as Multiple Measures of Content Competency, are in addition to those specified in the "Endorsement Requirements" section.  

Colorado's Department of Education also outlines the path for out-of-state teacher candidates.

A searchable list of Special Education Approved Programs can be found here. Please ensure that your selected endorsement area is selected in the Program Dropdown.  

• TeachCO.org offers free advising calls with licensure coaches to help answer your questions about choosing a program and to share insight into life in the classroom. 

• Council for Exceptional Children Colorado 

• ASPIRE to Teach through the University of Colorado Denver is the largest alternative teacher preparation program in Colorado. 

• Colorado CEC offers several scholarships. 

• Colorado Department of Education outlines various financial opportunities for aspiring education and in-service educators. Since Colorado offers the Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) as an added endorsement, these opportunities apply for those wishing to teach in the field of Special Education as a Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21). Additional opportunities for Special Services (speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc.) especially in rural areas are also included.  

• There are opportunities to earn college credit in high school. You may need to pay, but you may be eligible for reimbursement. You can find more information here.

• The College Opportunity Fund provides a per-credit-hour stipend. Eligibility and Participating Colleges criteria apply and may be subject to change. COF Colorado information can be found here.