The Colorado Department of Education is now accepting applications for the 2025-26 Educator Recruitment and Retention program, which offers up to $10,000 in financial assistance to future teachers. With applications expected to fill up fast, aspiring educators are encouraged to apply early.
Colorado continues to face persistent teacher shortages—particularly in rural areas and on the Western Slope. Ahead of the 2024-25 school year, nearly 600 positions remained vacant, with many others filled by long-term substitutes, retirees, or alternative candidates. Three schools even lacked principals.
To address the crisis, the state launched the recruitment program in 2022 through Senate Bill 21-285. It helps cover the cost of educator preparation programs, especially for those planning to teach in high-need areas such as:
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Special education
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Early childhood education
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Secondary math and science
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Rural districts
In return, recipients must commit to working in these roles for at least three years.
So far, over 2,000 future teachers have received support from the program. The initiative boasts an 88% retention rate after one year, and nearly half of recipients say they wouldn’t have become teachers without it.
The legislature allocates $5 million annually, but last year, demand nearly doubled the funding available.
Applications are open until September 30, 2025. Interested candidates should apply soon before funds run out.
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