Alternative Teacher Certification Programs in Colorado
In 2009, the Colorado Department of Education made several changes to its approved alternative certification pathways. The department now divides such programs into one-year and two-year programs. In one-year programs, the candidate is the teacher of record for that school year. In two-year programs, the candidate spends the first year working with a mentor and the second year as the teacher of record.
Regardless of which option you choose, the CDE requires that you be employed full-time by a Colorado school district before you can begin an alternative preparation program.
Candidates start by filing an application for an Alternative Teacher License. This requires a bachelor’s degree or above, demonstrated content proficiency and a clear background check. On approval, candidates are issued a statement of eligibility and may seek teaching positions. The Alternative Teacher License is available in a variety of K-12 endorsement areas and through numerous cooperative agencies.
One two-year program to consider is the Denver Public Schools’ Two-Year Alternative Licensure Program/CASEL for candidates seeking special education certification. DPS runs this program in partnership with the Metropolitan State College of Denver. It isn’t the only state-approved two-year program, but it is the one DPS prefers to work with in most cases. The CDE has reported special education as a critical shortage area for 2011-2012, so teaching positions in that area in particular should be plentiful.
A one-year alternative licensure program is available through the Mountain Board of Cooperative Educational Services in Leadville. Mountain BOCES works with 10 school districts and the Colorado Mountain College to deliver services such as alternative licensure. Candidates in the program complete a 225-hour training plan in order to receive a recommendation for regular licensure. Candidates also are evaluated twice during their first year of teaching.
Top Online Schools for Teachers In Colorado
For residents in Colorado who are interested in advancing their teaching
aspirations, there are multiple means to do so. The state board can offer
guidance towards that objective and scholastic information as well.
Grand Canyon University Online
If you’re looking at Grand Canyon University, their online programs do
contain courses on teaching education and have proven to be some of
the more popular classes.
University of Colorado at Denver
The curriculum geared towards education at the University of Colorado
at Denver are steeped in ties to the surrounding community and have
been so for over twenty years. There are also multiple programs for
all levels from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates.
Walden University Online
Walden University boasts an online program with education as a focus.
You may also be interested in their virtual mentoring program to gain
further insight from those already established in the field as part of
your studies.
University of Northern Colorado
Gaining teaching certification at the University of Northern Colorado
is a possibility. Their online curriculum features graduate degrees in
education which are the most sought after by 17 percent of their
incoming students.
