Partnership expands access to teacher preparation while helping address Colorado’s ongoing educator shortage
Key Takeaways
- CO-ALAS and Teachers of Tomorrow are launching a new alternative pathway to teacher certification in Colorado.
- Candidates can teach, earn a full salary, and complete online coursework while working toward full licensure.
- CO-ALAS serves as the approved program entity, helping ground the pathway in local relationships, leadership development, and educator diversity.
- The program will begin accepting applications in August 2026 at teachersoftomorrow.org/colorado.
DENVER, Colo. — August 3, 2026 — The Colorado Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS), in partnership with Teachers of Tomorrow, today announced the launch of a new alternative teacher preparation pathway designed to help aspiring educators earn certification in Colorado while strengthening the state’s educator workforce.
The program is designed for qualified candidates with a bachelor’s degree who want to become licensed teachers in Colorado. Candidates receive support with eligibility, enrollment, and the Colorado Department of Education application process. Through the alternative license pathway, candidates can secure a teaching position, earn a full teaching salary, and complete online coursework while teaching in the classroom. Teachers of Tomorrow provides coaching and program support throughout the year.
According to the Colorado Department of Education’s Educator Shortage Survey, open teaching positions declined from 7,704 in 2024–25 to 6,447 in 2025–26, but districts still filled 27.8% of open teaching positions using shortage mechanisms rather than traditionally licensed educators. Colorado schools also reported 271.5 unfilled teaching positions statewide, with continued need in areas such as Special Education, Elementary Education, Mathematics, Science, English Language Arts, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.
The launch also reflects growing interest across Colorado in practical, work-based routes into teaching that allow aspiring educators to gain classroom experience while continuing to earn income. CO-ALAS serves as the approved program entity in Colorado, helping ensure the pathway is grounded in local relationships, leadership development, and a commitment to expanding educator diversity.
“At CO‑ALAS, we believe that when we open doors for aspiring educators, we strengthen entire communities,” said Dr. Diana Roybal, CO-ALAS Director of Programs. “This partnership with Teachers of Tomorrow creates a practical, supported pathway for talented, committed individuals to step into our classrooms and begin making a difference right away.”
“Colorado needs practical pathways that help more aspiring teachers enter the classroom prepared and supported,” said Dr. Heath Morrison, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow and former superintendent. “We are proud to partner with CO-ALAS to help candidates begin teaching, build confidence, and work toward full licensure.”
The program will begin accepting applications in August 2026. Prospective educators and school districts can visit the Colorado program webpage for details and enrollment updates: teachersoftomorrow.org/colorado.
About CO-ALAS
The Colorado Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CO-ALAS) is a professional education association dedicated to supporting aspiring and current Latino and Latina administrators and educational leaders through professional learning, networking, leadership development, advocacy, and mentorship. CO-ALAS works to increase the number of highly effective educational leaders while promoting equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all students across Colorado. Learn more at https://www.co-alas.org/.
About Teachers of Tomorrow
Teachers of Tomorrow is the nation’s largest teacher preparation program, offering flexible, affordable, online training pathways for aspiring educators. Since 2005, Teachers of Tomorrow has certified more than 90,000 teachers nationwide and awarded over $500,000 in scholarships. The organization is part of The Rise Fund portfolio, a global impact investment fund focused on driving positive social and environmental change. Learn more at www.teachersoftomorrow.org.
