Field Trip:

Aspiring educators explore pathways at Pikes Peak recruitment event

Aspiring educators filled the Widefield Recreation Center recently for the Become a Teacher in the Pikes Peak Region event – a teacher recruitment fair designed to help people enter the teaching profession.

About 84 people from El Paso County and surrounding areas, including paraprofessionals, substitutes, veterans, career changers and high schoolers attended the Feb. 24 event to explore how to become a licensed teacher. The event was co-sponsored by TEACH Colorado and CDE and hosted by Widefield School District. Members of CDE’s Educator Talent division were available to explain everything from traditional pathways to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree plus licensure to alternative routes as well as financial supports that are available.

Educator preparation programs included Adams State University, Colorado Christian University, University Colorado Boulder, University Colorado Denver, Pikes Peak State College, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, University of Northern Colorado and Western Colorado University were on hand. Representatives from local school districts provided information about their workforce needs.