Colorado State University

Students focus on core university coursework, required credits, and have the option to take foundational education coursework.

Students begin taking education courses in order to start building their foundational teaching practices and philosophies. All courses are designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in K-12 classrooms and expose them to various teaching styles and populations of diverse students and English Language Learners.

Students build on their foundations in education, specifically exploring different instruction methods to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom. Field experiences continue to be the foundation of the education courses.

Students will learn how to align their curriculum with state standards and build understanding in how to utilize assessments to inspire student growth. The culminating experience of the program is a full-time student teaching experience with a mentor teacher. Students will graduate from the program with over 800 hours of in-class field experience and equipped to succeed.

Our teacher education program is established on the Professional Development Schools model – we partner with local school districts to give future teachers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in P-12 schools with students from the beginning of the program. You’ll learn by doing, and from professional teachers who are actively working in the field. Each semester of education coursework includes field experience in a school-based classroom, giving students up to 200 practicum hours prior to a culminating 600 hour student teaching experience. When you finish the program, you’ll leave with both sound academic preparation and strong practical experience, ready to start your own career as a professional teacher.

As a land grant institution, Colorado State University is committed to serving all communities across the state. Our educator preparation program is designed with a focus on preparing equity-minded educators to work with diverse learners and building toolkits in the area of equity-centered teaching. We focus on designing instruction to support culturally and linguistically diverse students, understanding intersectionality, and differentiating instruction to support students with individualized learning needs. Our faculty engage in professional development relative to diverse populations and examine curriculum to ensure continuous improvement. Teacher candidates will graduate prepared to meet the state’s English Learner standards.

Teacher candidates at Colorado State University gain classroom experience throughout the program. They are thoughtfully matched with practicing teachers who serve as mentors in the field. During their student teaching experience, teacher candidates are paired with a university faculty member, as well as with a university coach, who support their development in technical knowledge, teaching skill, and professional dispositions. The coaching framework follows a model to support the candidate’s development and is similar to what all Colorado licensed teachers experience. Teacher candidates receive training in mindfulness and social-emotional aspects for sustainability in a challenging field.

The teacher preparation program is modeled after a professional development school of thought that informs the program’s practice of partnering with local schools and districts. While Colorado State University places future teachers in work settings, the program is researching the impact of co-teaching and is working to diversify the teacher workforce.