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Make a Difference as an Educator

Educators make a difference every day in the lives of PK-12 students.

As a special center within the School of Education, we prepare and equip future teachers and principals seeking careers as licensed educators.

Student teacher helps two middle school students with paper

Learn How to Become an Educator

Just beginning your undergraduate education? Already hold a bachelor’s degree? Thinking about pursuing a master’s degree?

We have options for you.

  • 96% find employment related to their major
  • $100,000+ in scholarships awarded annually to STEM education students (funded by CSU College of Natural Sciences)
  • 72 of Colorado’s school districts hire our graduates

Free Support from TEACH Colorado

Our partner, TEACH Colorado, is a program that provides free support to anyone who’s thinking about becoming a teacher. When you sign up, you get free perks such as:

  • 1-to-1 coaching
  • Up to $100 back in fees reimbursement toward expenses related to applying to our program (including testing and background checks)
  • A chance to win a regional $1,000 scholarship

Fee Reimbursement

To capitalize on the application fee reimbursement, you just have to create a TEACH Colorado account before you apply to CSU. Once you’ve subscribed to TEACH Colorado and applied to CSU, you can submit your application fee reimbursement and apply for the TEACH Colorado scholarship.

Teacher Licensure Combine Your Passion and Academic Interests

Become a Licensed Teacher

You’ll complete content coursework in the subject you’re planning to teach, along with education coursework. You have the option to complete education coursework as an undergraduate, post-bachelor, or graduate student as part of your program of study.

Our goal is to prepare and empower you to impact the next generation of learners through teaching. Each semester, you’ll gain fieldwork experience in PK-12 schools. You’ll lead groups of students, collaborate and learn from mentor teachers, and even have the opportunity to teach a class on your own.

Student teacher answers questions in middle school classroom

Build Partnerships

Our teacher education program is established on the Professional Development Schools model. We partner with local school districts, giving you the opportunity to gain experience with PK-12 students from the beginning of the program. You’ll learn by doing, and from professional teachers actively working in the field.

You’ll finish the program with both sound academic preparation and strong practical experience, ready to start your career as a professional teacher.

Student teacher conducts middle school band students
  • Make an impact on the next generation
  • 800+ hours of PK-12 classroom experience
  • Work with kids to build their skills and knowledge

Principal Licensure Develop Your Educational Leadership

PK-12 Leadership Skills

Build the foundation in pedagogy and effective theories of leadership you’ll need to direct education programs.

Person who appears to identify as female lectures group of students at tables

Supportive Network of Peers and Mentors

You’ll develop a network of peers and mentors to support your journey through the program and beyond.

Person who appears to identify as a white male mentors student who appears to identify as female

Four Pillars, One Model Professional Development School Model

Our educator preparation program is a Professional Development School model. Similar to other practicing professions, such as the field of medicine, we offer an opportunity to learn while doing. As a teaching hospital prepares medical students with clinical practice, our Professional Development School model prepares future educators through real-world experience. In our program, you’ll start that experience at the very beginning of the program.

Built on four pillars, the Professional Development School model will:

  • Prepare you as an educator
  • Develop you as a faculty member
  • Help you to improve the practice of teaching through inquiry
  • Encourage greater student engagement

Teacher Licensure

Co-teaching puts you in the classroom, alongside a master teacher, early in our program. You’ll log 800 or more hours of classroom experience, working with students and receiving guidance from mentors. Locations for classroom instruction and internship placement vary within Fort Collins and Loveland in Northern Colorado.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize in an endorsement area based on the ages you want to teach – early childhood education (birth through age 8) or secondary education (through grade 12).

student teacher and child

Professional Development School Model Five Standards

Professional Development Schools have five defining characteristics, standards that form the framework of our educator preparation program.

Learning Community

The unique environment created in a PDS partnership that supports both future teacher and PK-12 student learning.

Accountability and Quality Assurance

The responsibility of a PDS partnership to uphold professional standards for teaching and learning.

Collaboration

The development and implementation of a unique university/school community, which shares responsibility across institutional boundaries.

Equity and Diversity

The responsibility of a PDS partnership to prepare future teachers to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Structures, Resources, and Roles

The infrastructure that a PDS partnership uses and/or creates to support its work.

Meet Our Faculty and Staff

Our faculty is made up of professional teachers, principals, administrators, and more – instructors who know what you need to know to be successful.

Faculty members engage in research related to PK-12 teaching and leadership, along with other topics relating to education. They continuously seek opportunities to connect theory and practice.

Dr. Ann Sebald lectures a group of students

Program Highlights Learn More About Our Program

Learn the ins and outs of applying for a license, submitting appropriate paperwork, and exams.

We are accredited at the state and national level ensuring teacher education programs meet standards and expectations at all levels.

Making an Impact Center for Educator Preparation News