Let’s talk teacher licensure at CSU

What is the teacher preparation licensure program at CSU?

If you are considering becoming a teacher in Colorado after college, CSU’s teacher preparation licensure program is worth looking into. You’ll be able to choose from different academic majors, and your teaching preparation coursework will be built in around your major. You’ll get lots of classroom time throughout your studies, and you’ll graduate ready to jump right into teaching in your own classroom.

Why is teacher preparation different here?

We do things a bit different here. Instead of majoring in teaching or education, we allow you to choose an academic path that truly interests you. There are different options to choose from depending on your academic interests as well as the grade ranges you want to eventually teach in. This way, you can specialize in your interest area and be even more prepared to teach that subject. Win-win. 

Here are the majors you can choose from to pursue a teaching license at CSU:

What grades can I teach after I graduate from the program?

Each area for teacher licensure allows you to teach in a specific grade range. The academic area you choose to focus in will serve to help you teach in that area, as well.

  • If you major in early childhood education, you’ll be licensed to teach ages 0-8 (pre-K – 3rd grade) with the option to add an elementary endorsement (K-6) to your teaching license after graduation.   
  • If you major in art, music, or languages, literatures, and cultures, you’ll be licensed to teach every grade from K-12.
  • If you major in agricultural education, communication studies, English, family and consumer sciences, history, mathematics, natural sciences, or ethnic studies, you’ll be licensed to teach grades 7-12.

What can I expect to do in the program at CSU?

You might have heard it before, but CSU is really good at this hands-on learning thing. That’s why you’ll participate in coursework that requires field experience in schools. Throughout your time in the program, you’ll get hundreds of hours of student teaching in real classrooms, mentorship from teachers, and opportunities to teach on your own in local schools. Our goal is prepare and empower you to reach your dreams of impacting the next generation of learners through teaching. 

Tips from CSU’s advisors in the Center for Educator Preparation

Try it out

Gain experience working with kids. This can include any variety of work in which you have experience interacting with kids. Try out coaching, tutoring, mentoring, youth group leader, nannying, etc. If you’re looking to further your work, try volunteering in a classroom or school.

Get involved now

See if your high school has opportunities to take classes (or join clubs) that allow you to explore teaching (e.g. Teacher Cadet, Pathways2Teaching, etc.). Once you get to CSU, be sure to set yourself up for academic success. We’re here to help if you need it.

Create your network

Talk to educators (teachers, administrators, etc.) in your life about teaching. Ask them about to share insights about the what they do, what they love about it. How did they set themselves up for success as educators? What advice do they have for an aspiring educator?

You can decide when you get here

If you aren’t sure yet, there are opportunities to explore teaching once you begin classes at CSU without having to commit to a major connected to teacher preparation. Consider taking EDUC 275 or EDUC 340 (open to any CSU student with 30+ credits) to see if teaching is for you.

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

Get in touch with teaching licensure advisors now to discuss your options in the program, get details, and prepare yourself for a career in education.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

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Prairie Smallwood

Prairie Smallwood is a writer and content creator for the Office of Admissions at Colorado State University. She is passionate about education and exploration, and knows that going to college can be both an adventure and an overwhelming experience. She aims to create content that helps students through that journey — the wonderful, the scary, and everything in between.

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