Educator Pathway

Class location TBD for 2026-27,
Apprenticeship at a CCSD school

The Future Educator Pathway is the district’s largest apprenticeship program for students interested in becoming teachers or pursuing a related education career. This pathway gives students meaningful classroom experience, college coursework, and paid employment that can extend beyond graduation.

A multi-year opportunity:Students can participate for up to three years, with the option to continue for one or two years after high school graduation.

• Paid, on-the-job training:Participants are hired as paid district employees and work as para-educators (teacher aides) in elementary or middle schools during part of their school day, gaining hands-on experience supporting teachers and students.
• Relevant college coursework at no cost:Apprentices take up to 20 credits of education-focused college classes during the first two years of the program. Tuition is fully covered, and all courses apply toward a teacher education degree.

Skills Developed

Students build essential skills in classroom instruction, student support, and educational best practices. They learn to assist with lesson delivery, classroom management, and accommodations for diverse learners, while developing strong communication and collaboration skills with teachers and students. Professional habits such as reliability, confidentiality, and ethical practice are reinforced, along with familiarity using instructional technology and supporting student learning.

Classroom Teacher (K-12)
Average Salary $60K - $70K

Para Educator
Average Salary $40K - $50K

• Current sophomore or junior (apply in January to start the following school year)
• On track to graduate
• Want to become a teacher or a related career
• Ability to succeed in a hybrid course environment

Concurrent Enrollment: Community College of Aurora:
Practicum II (EDU 2088);
Intro to Education (EDU 2211);
Teach, Learn and Tech w/ AI (EDU 2611);
Interpersonal Communication (COM 1250)

Practicum II
This course provides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at an education facility and with the direct guidance of the instructor.

It explores what it really means to be an educator—not just by studying theory, but by reflecting on each student’s own experiences and engaging in hands-on, practical activities. They will begin developing their own philosophy of education while learning foundational teaching concepts like classroom management, lesson planning, student engagement, assessment, and inclusion.

EDU 2211:
Intro to Education
Focuses on the historical, social, political, philosophical, cultural, and economic forces that shape the United States public school system. This course includes current issues of education reform, technology as it relates to education, and considerations related to becoming a teacher in the state of Colorado. The course addresses the educational theory and practices from Early Childhood Education (ECE) through secondary education.

EDU 2611:
Teach, Learn and Tech w/AI
Explores integration of technology instruction into teaching practices used in preschool through postsecondary (P-21) educational settings for all curriculum areas of content. This course reviews a variety of technologies with an emphasis on increasing student learning and retention of knowledge. The course also explores combining technology with several instructional methodologies to promote professional teacher dispositions related to technology-rich teaching. Also includes an introduction to the grounded use of AI in the classroom.

COM 1250:
Interpersonal Communication
Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category.

Concurrent Enrollment: Community College of Aurora:
Integrated Science I w/ Lab (SCI 1055);

Integrated Science II w/ Lab (SCI 1056);

Fostering Belonging & Well-Being (EDU 1551)

Apprenticeship II
This course is for second year apprentices who are hired into a CCSD Apprenticeship during their junior or senior year. Cherry Creek School District works collaboratively with industry partners each year to bring in new apprenticeship opportunities in CTE Pathways. In addition to the onsite apprenticeship, students will be responsible for attending seminars and completing weekly online activities throughout the duration of their apprenticeship.

SCI 1055 Integrated Science I w/ Lab
Examines the nature of energy and matter, their interactions and changes, and the application of fundamental concepts to the study of our natural world. These concepts will be explored in hands-on laboratory experiments. This course…