Teacher Education

Courses toward Becoming a Highly Qualified Teacher

Confidently check the "yes" box on your teaching application next to highly qualified teacher! According to the U.S. Department of Education, a highly qualified teacher must: 1) have a bachelor's degree, 2) earn full state certification or licensure, and 3) prove that they know each subject they teach. In Colorado, requirement three is called Subject Matter Competency.

For teachers working to show Subject Matter Competency in elementary education, they must accomplish one of the following:

• Pass a Colorado elementary content test (e.g., PLACE, PRAXIS II)
• Pass an approved elementary content test in another state
• Pass an elementary assessment for National Board Certification
• Pass the elementary HOUSSE* provision (if eligible)

For teachers working to show Subject Matter Competency in secondary education, they must accomplish one of the following:

• Earn an endorsement in assigned field
• Hold a degree in assigned field
• Pass a Colorado content test in assigned field (e.g., PLACE, PRAXIS II)
• Earn 24-semester hours in assigned field
• Earn National Board Certification in assigned field
• Pass a secondary multi-subject HOUSSE* provision (if eligible)

CSU offers credit and noncredit courses to get you on your way to becoming a highly qualified secondary education teacher. Learn more about coursework options available at CSU by visiting Added Endorsement Courses.

To learn more about becoming a highly qualified teacher in Colorado, visit the Colorado Department of Education Highly Qualified Teacher page.