by Muriah Summer

Created on: October 03, 2010

If you're having trouble finding work in Colorado, or you need short-term employment, substitute teaching can be a good option. Substitute teaching pays better than most temporary or part-time work available in the current economy, and it can be more rewarding than most of those options as well. Unfortunately, the process is complicated and time consuming. You'll have to spend a little money to set up, and it's best to start the paperwork well in advance of when you need to start working if possible.

-Types of Substitute Licenses-

Colorado offers three levels of substitute teacher's license, depending on the applicant's education level. The 5-year substitute authorization is only issued to applicants who have a teaching license or certificate. The license can be expired if it is a Colorado license, but out-of-state licenses must be valid. The 5-year license is the most widely accepted and usually brings the highest pay.

The 3-year substitute authorization is issued to applicants who have at least a bachelor's degree. This license is accepted by most school districts, but usually commands slightly lower pay than the 5-year license.

The 1-year substitute authorization requires that the applicant have at least a high school diploma and verified experience working with children. In the current economy, most school districts have been able to fill their demand for substitutes with 3- and 5-year licensed applicants, and do not offer the 1-year license.

-How to Apply for a Substitute License-

The application can be found on the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) home page. First, create an account in the system. Choose the license that you are qualified for and fill out all of the required fields. The on line system is currently the only way to apply for a license, and it leads you through the process logically. It will ask for your name, address, social security number, employment history and education history, much like a standard job application.

Once you've filled out the on line application, you need to submit all of the required documents and pay the fees. You will need to get a background check, and instructions for getting it are included in the application process. You will need to go to a local law enforcement agency, such as a police department or sheriff's office, and be fingerprinted. There might be a fee for the fingerprinting service, in addition to CDE's processing fee. You'll send the completed fingerprint card to CDE with the fingerprint processing

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