Colorado · Career guide
How to become a Substitute Teacher in Colorado
Substitute teachers fill in for absent classroom teachers on a daily, weekly, or long-term basis. The role has the lowest barrier to entry of any teaching position in most states — many require only a high-school diploma + background check + state-issued substitute permit. Pay is typically per-diem ($110-$200/day depending on the state and district), making it a flexible path into the profession.
No substitute teaching positions are open in Colorado right now — set up an alert and we'll notify you when new postings are scraped.
Certification path in Colorado
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Colorado typically requires:
- PLACE (Program for Licensing Assessments for Colorado Educators) or Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your licensure area
- Colorado READ Act assessment literacy requirement — Reading instruction competency for K–3 endorsement
Substitute permits are state-issued and have minimal educational requirements. Long-term substitutes (30+ days in one assignment) sometimes need additional approval.
- Apply for your initial license through Colorado Department of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Colorado Department of Education →
- Job-search in Colorado. We'll track substitute teaching openings as districts post them; set up an alert to be notified immediately when new positions go live.
Alternative pathways in Colorado
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Colorado offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Alternative Educator License (AEL): For those with relevant expertise hired by a district
- Transition to Teaching: For paraprofessionals and career changers
- Teach For America (active in Denver and rural Colorado)
- Career and Technical Education licenses
Colorado salary context
Average teacher salary in Colorado: $57,753/year (rank #33 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $36,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Colorado salary guide for the breakdown.