Colorado Substitute Teacher Requirements
Official Colorado minimums (last reviewed February 8, 2026). Authorization comes only from government authorities. The real competitive edge: practical classroom skills that get you called back repeatedly.
4
Required Items
2
Optional/Recommended
$140
Daily Rate (avg)
Colorado Requirements
These are the current published minimums. Skills that exceed them are what move you to the top of district call lists.
Required
Education Requirements
Colorado does not have a single statewide education requirement for substitute teachers. Requirements are set at the district level and vary significantly. Some districts require a bachelor's degree, while others accept candidates with a high school diploma or a minimum of 60 college credit hours. Applicants should check with the specific district for its education standards.
Background Check
All substitute teachers in Colorado must pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check, including both a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and FBI check. This is a statewide requirement regardless of the district. The background check must be completed and cleared before the substitute can be placed in a classroom.
Age Requirements
Substitute teachers in Colorado must be at least 18 years of age. Individual school districts may set higher minimum age requirements at their discretion.
Application Process
Because Colorado does not issue a state-level substitute teaching license, applicants apply directly to individual school districts. Each district manages its own substitute teacher pool and application process. Many larger Colorado districts use online application portals or partner with substitute staffing agencies such as Kelly Education or Swing Education.
Recommended / Optional
Substitute Teaching Permit/License
Colorado does not issue a state-level substitute teaching license or permit. Authorization to substitute teach is granted entirely at the district level. However, candidates who hold a valid Colorado educator license are generally eligible to substitute in any district without additional permitting.
Training/Orientation
Many Colorado school districts require substitute teachers to complete an orientation or training program before receiving classroom assignments. Topics commonly covered include classroom management, district-specific policies, emergency and safety procedures, and student data privacy. Some districts offer both in-person and online training options.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Education - Educator Licensing page.
After Authorization: How to Actually Get Called More in Colorado
Complete the official government process
Satisfy Colorado's published education, background check, and application requirements. These are issued only by state and district authorities.
Install fast authority signals
Students decide in the first 90 seconds whether to cooperate. Master the specific voice, posture, and routine moves that establish calm control immediately.
Build a portable engagement toolkit
Have 5-6 repeatable tactics ready for any grade band. Subs who keep learning happening (not just managed) get requested for long-term and repeat assignments.
Earn a reputation that travels
Leave every classroom better + one precise note. In Colorado, your documented reliability becomes your strongest job security.
The Real Picture in Colorado
$140
Avg Daily Rate
$35,000
Annual (regular subs)
Bachelor's degree
Education Floor
Yes
License Required?
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
This is skills-based professional development training only. It does not constitute state certification, a teaching license, or a guarantee of employment or assignments. All substitute teaching authorization and certification is issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district authorities.
Skills-based professional development only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials in Colorado are issued exclusively by state, provincial, and district government authorities — never by Substitute Teacher Training or any private provider.
Meet the Colorado Rules — Then Stand Out with Skills
Our courses focus on the exact classroom tactics that turn authorized substitutes into the ones schools request again and again. All authorization and credentials come exclusively from state and district authorities.
Substitute Teacher Training provides practical skills development and resources to help substitute teachers perform more effectively in the classroom. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by government/state/provincial/district education authorities. Decisions about hiring, pay rates, assignments, and any required credentials are made solely by schools, districts, and state education authorities. Completion of our courses results in a Certificate of Completion for professional development purposes only. We do not issue, approve, or guarantee any form of certification or employment.
Substitute Teacher Training provides no authorization, certification, or employment guarantees. All hiring, pay, and credential decisions rest solely with schools, districts, and state education authorities.