TEACH Colorado is building a diverse teacher pipeline

Editor’s note: The following article was submitted by TEAH Colorado

Great teachers empower, educate, and inspire students. They create the conditions that lift up communities. And great teachers are always in demand.

TEACH Colorado is a multi-sector effort dedicated to recruiting educators. As part of a dynamic professional workforce, teachers help shape lives and strengthen communities. We are committed to lifting up teachers’ voices and promoting anti-racism in our education system by recruiting a diverse and passionate next generation of teachers. To do this, we partner with educator preparation programs, school districts, and nonprofits to provide resources that inspire potential teachers to take the next step.

If you, a family member, or someone you know is looking for a career that uses passion and creativity to make the world a more equitable place, there’s a school and community in Colorado that needs empowering teachers.

How TEACH Colorado amplifies the voices teachers of color

When teachers reflect the racial and cultural diversity of their students, all students’ lives improve—from increased graduation rates to greater career aspirations and higher incomes. Teachers help ensure that every student has a voice and a future that matters. And TEACH Colorado is dedicated to elevating the voices of educators of color, like Fabricio Velez and Dr. Precious Symonette.

TEACH Colorado knows that students across the state need more diverse teachers, and that teachers of color can improve the education of all students. For more information, you can also Explore TEACH Colorado’s Be the Change resource hub as a place to get facts, hear from experts, and find resources. 

Resources to help future teachers find their way

Like other high-skilled professions, Colorado teachers need to meet professional requirements. TEACH Colorado helps future teachers learn about life in the classroom, decide if it’s a good fit, and take the next step to earn a license. Get all the background necessary to evaluate teaching as a profession; easy-to-understand guides to earning a license; and advice on choosing a program and paying for it.  

Future teachers will find additional, free customized guidance for your unique background, regardless of whether you have a background in education. Whether you are interested in pursuing an early childhood certificate, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree with a teaching license, or an alternative teaching license, TEACH Colorado wants to help. We know the road to teaching isn’t always straight, so we made road signs:

• 1-on-1 coaching to help choose the right teaching program.
• Scholarships and money back on application fees to help pay for teacher training.
• In-depth profiles on Colorado’s teaching programs.
• Information on the alternative licensure pathway (if you have a bachelor’s degree, you can get a job teaching and go through a prep program during your first year in the classroom!).

Curious about TEACH Colorado? Want to learn more about your path to the classroom and our free support? Sign up today!