How to Apply to Be a Substitute Teacher in Colorado
Colorado substitute teacher how to apply. Apply Through: Colorado Department of Education and districts. Credential Required: Substitute Authorization.
Colorado Department of Education and districts
Apply Through
Substitute Authorization
Credential Required
$55
Background Check Cost
2-4 weeks
Processing Time
Denver Public Schools
Largest District
Colorado: How to Apply
Colorado Requirements Snapshot
Legal minimums. Real success comes from exceeding them with classroom skills.
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.
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.
Practical skills training only. Actual substitute teaching authorization, certification, permits, and credentials are issued exclusively by Colorado state and district government authorities — never by any training provider.
Succeed as a Substitute in Colorado
Practical skills training that helps you stand out once you have met the government's authorization requirements. We do not issue credentials or guarantees.
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 does not issue substitute teaching authorization, credentials, or employment. All decisions rest solely with state education authorities, provincial ministries, and local school districts.