Colorado Department of Education opens applications for financial aid to aspiring educators

Yazmin Navarro, Vice-chair | Colorado Department of Education

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has opened applications for the 2025-26 Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) program. This initiative offers up to $10,000 in financial assistance to aspiring educators for covering educator preparation program fees. The ERR program targets individuals pursuing teaching careers in shortage areas who commit to serving in those positions for at least three years. Eligible applicants must be teachers or paraprofessionals enrolled in a state-approved educator preparation program.

Applications are now open and will close on September 30, 2025. Prospective applicants are advised to coordinate with their respective educator preparation programs when applying.

"This program helps ease the financial burden for aspiring educators and opens the door for more people to bring their talent into Colorado classrooms," said Education Commissioner Susana Córdova. "More than 2,000 future teachers have already benefited from this support, and we look forward to reaching even more in the year ahead."

The ERR program was established through Senate Bill 21-185 and aims to address ongoing educator shortages across the state, including special education, early childhood education, secondary math and science, and rural communities.

Chief Talent Officer Dr. Margarita Tovar highlighted the urgency of addressing teacher shortages: "Like many states, Colorado is facing teacher shortages, especially in our rural communities. Programs like ERR show what’s possible when we invest in people and their potential. Every student deserves a great teacher, and every aspiring educator deserves a pathway that supports their journey. These kinds of efforts don’t just fill classrooms. They help strengthen the future of our communities."

Feedback from ERR grant recipients indicates positive outcomes: 88% remain in Colorado public school classrooms a year or more after receiving assistance; nearly half report they would not have become teachers without it; and 94% say financial support positively impacted their careers.

Last year's demand for the program nearly doubled available funding levels. Applications for the upcoming school year are expected to fill quickly upon opening on July 1st. Eligibility details and application materials can be found on CDE's website; interested parties may contact EdTalent@cde.state.co.us for further information.

The CDE aims to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff thrive by improving student outcomes across Colorado's school districts.