Bachelor of Arts in Education
Start in the classroom
We believe the best way to learn how to teach is to be in the classroom from day one. Bachelor of Arts in Education students are placed in partnering school districts at the onset of the program, where they learn alongside mentor teachers.
Why this matters
Unlike many programs where classroom exposure begins late in the process, CMC students gain hands-on experience throughout all four years, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in their teaching careers from day one.
Prepare to teach where you’re needed most
Recognized for its innovative approach to teacher preparation, this degree is designed to prepare career-ready graduates to make an immediate impact in classrooms. Developed in collaboration with industry partners, CMC's program was recently honored for its registered teacher apprenticeship program.
Earn while you learn: teacher apprenticeship
CMC’s teacher apprenticeship program provides practical, hands-on career training in real classrooms. Students earn compensation and valuable experience while completing their coursework, making this program both affordable and impactful.
Embedded culturally and linguistically diverse education
You will learn cutting-edge research and innovative teaching strategies, with a strong emphasis on preparation in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education. Students develop inclusive teaching strategies to create exceptional learning environments for every student.
Support that gets you across the finish line
Braided funding initiatives can cover the full cost of your degree. Through grants, stipends, and scholarships, including funding specifically for rural Colorado educators, CMC can help you graduate debt-free. Advisors are available to help you maximize financial aid and navigate the best funding options for your journey.
Endorsements and dual licensure pathways
Expand your qualifications with specialized endorsements, including:
- CLD Education Endorsement
- CLD Bilingual Education Specialist Endorsement
- Early Childhood Education Endorsement
- Mentor Teacher Endorsement
- Special Education Generalist Endorsement
Ask about alternative certification for elementary and secondary pathways to customize your academic adventure further.
Why choose CMC?
CMC’s teacher education program stands out due to its partnerships with leading industry organizations and its commitment to developing highly trained, locally committed educators. These partnerships make the program not only innovative but also responsive to the needs of Colorado’s schools.
With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and financial accessibility, CMC is leading the way in teacher preparation, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to inspire, lead, and make a difference in the classroom.
Request Program Information
The Education (BA) is offered at:
- Breckenridge: Mostly in-person
- Dillon: Mostly Virtual
- Glenwood Springs: In-person & virtual
- Leadville: Mostly Virtual
- Rifle: In-person & virtual
- Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs: In-person & virtual
- Steamboat Springs: Mostly Virtual
- Vail Valley at Edwards: In-person & virtual
Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.
Upon completing the Education (BA) program, CMC students will be able to:
- Quality Standard I: Teachers demonstrate mastery of and pedagogical expertise in the content they teach.
- Quality Standard II: Teachers establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students.
- Quality Standard III: Teachers plan and deliver effective instruction and create an environment that facilitates learning for their students.
- Quality Standard IV: Teachers demonstrate professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership.
In this world of change, children require excellent teachers for a truly excellent education. The Bachelor of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education provides a unique program that directly serves the needs of the diverse students and schools in our rural mountain communities.
Teacher candidates in our program can expect some distinct advantages:
Extensive Field Experience and Mentoring
Local school leaders explain that prospective teachers must be in the schools early and often, learn from master teachers and thoroughly integrate theory with practice. Our program builds confidence and skills through hundreds of hours of rigorous field assignments beginning in the first year, and provides ongoing mentoring from skilled educators.
'Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education' Endorsement (CLD)
As our communities reflect increasing diversity, the CMC program requires training to prepare candidates for Colorado's Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education endorsement. Teachers will build their inclusive teaching strategies to provide an exceptional education to all students.
Teachers Wanted: Local Graduates Preferred!
Local school districts want to develop and hire local Bachelor of Arts in Education graduates.
Colorado Mountain College's Bachelor of Arts in Education degree was developed with input from school leaders throughout the rural mountain communities in Colorado. These school districts, along with many others in Colorado, import teachers trained in other states who frequently leave after a short term. School leaders want to increase the quality and continuity of their schools. So they are looking for teachers who are committed to living in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.
From local educators who are guiding development and continuing improvement of this program
“We want to grow our own teachers. We want to develop our young people and paraprofessionals who will stay with us.”
Regional Demand for Teachers
Great locally trained teachers are needed! Regional school districts report a steady need to hire new elementary teachers each year. Elementary teachers represent 40-50% of all new teachers hired throughout the CMC district.
United States Employment Trends
| Employment Sector | 2012 | 2022 | Percent Change | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers | 1,361,200 | 1,529,100 | +12% | 46,740 |
Colorado Employment Trends
| Employment Sector | 2012 | 2022 | Percent Change | Projected Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teachers | 23,190 | 27,880 | +20% | 980 |
Data Source: US Department of Labor
Resources for the Aspiring Teacher
Education Associations
Educator Licensing
Regional Employment Opportunities
Our Bachelor of Arts in Education is approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, Colorado Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
Beginning classes are part of CMC’s Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Teacher Education and may be used for the statewide transfer agreement in elementary education. (See our catalog for requirements.)
Download the CMC Teacher Candidate and Mentor Handbook
Related Degrees
Bachelor
Associate - Emphasis
Certificate
Education: Elementary Education Alternative Certification
Education: Secondary Education Alternative Certification
Education: Foundations in Inclusive and Responsive Teaching (FIRST) Certificate