Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Colorado
Estimated timeline: 1-2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
The alternative teacher pathway allows districts to hire candidates with specific content knowledge and who hold an undergraduate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education to teach while completing the necessary teacher training based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards.
- 6
Alternative teacher preparation programs vary in length from 1 year to 2 years (though special education generalist candidates may take a third year, if necessary).
- 7
Only once alternative preparation has been completed and the individual has advanced from an alternative to an initial license may other endorsements be added.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,500 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#19 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to State Department of Education~Educator Licensing~Colorado StateBoard of Education and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $63,500, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $63,000. Colorado ranks #19 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$63,500Hourly estimate
$30.531% above national median
Difference: +$500
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#19 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $63,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-2 years |
| Wyoming | $63,520 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $61,140 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $59,060 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $49,030 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $66,490 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $49,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $58,920 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Agency website unverified
State Department of Education • Educator Licensing • Colorado StateBoard of Education
201 E Colfax Ave Room 105, Denver, CO, 80203
Phone: 3038666600
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,390 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $79,760 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $73,690 | Degree required | 3-7 years |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,620 | Degree required | 1-2 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Colorado?
Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Colorado?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Colorado is $63,500. Salaries range from $48,490 (10th percentile) to $93,980 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Colorado earn 1% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $63,500.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 4,050 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Colorado from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Colorado?
The licensing agency is State Department of Education / Educator Licensing / Colorado StateBoard of Education. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.