Colorado Alternative Teacher Certification
As an incentive to attract more qualified professionals to the field of teaching, Colorado offers an alternative teacher certification referred to as the Alternative Teacher Licensing Program.
Eligibility Requirements for the Alternative Teacher Program
In order to be eligible for this program, one must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution and be willing to work full time as a teacher while simultaneously receiving mentoring and education from “Designated Agencies” in order to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to teach effectively. Applicants must also clear a background check and demonstrate proficiency of the content area for the endorsement area being sought.
Initial Teaching Period
During this initial teaching period, candidates will receive support and professional development from a team of experienced teachers. This combination of education, real teaching experience, and peer mentoring will enable the candidate to become knowledgeable, comfortable, and effective in the classroom environment.
Colorado Alternative Teacher Program
One and two-year alternative teaching programs are available to qualified candidates. In a one-year program, the prospective teacher begins teaching in the classroom immediately whereas the two-year program involves a first-year mentoring program prior to actual classroom teaching. In both programs, the eligible candidate can apply for an Initial Colorado Teacher’s License after completing the alternative program successfully. This does not guarantee the candidate a job at the school in which the program was completed, however; it will be up to the individual to seek and secure employment upon receiving a valid Colorado teaching certificate.
Additional Resources for Colorado Alternative Teacher Certification
The following resources provide additional information on becoming a teacher in Colorado through an alternative route.
Alternative Teacher Programs Colorado Department of Education
Schools with Programs for Alternate Certification in Colorado
Because the alternative certification process is complex, we have researched and provided specific school programs below for individuals who have a bachelors degree outside of education and want to become a teacher. We recommend you: Request information from one or more of these specific programs
(Other master’s programs not listed below are intended for teachers who are trying to get deeper into their profession.)
Popular Programs:
- M.A. in Education/Elementary Teacher Education
- M.A. in Education/Secondary Teacher Education
- M.A. in Education/Early Childhood Ed.
- M.A. in Education/Administration and Supervision
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- M.S. in Education - Mathematics and Science (Grades K-8)
- M.S. in Education
- M.S.Ed - Mathematics (Grades K-6)
- M.S.Ed - Elementary Reading and Mathematics (Grades K-6)
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- Master's-Education
- Graduate Certificate-Management of Education Corporation/Corporate Training Divisions
- Graduate Certificate-Education Leadership
- Graduate Certificate-Curriculum Leadership
Popular Programs:
- MS in Education (for Existing Teachers Grades K-12)
- MA in Teaching (for Aspiring Teachers Grades 5-12)
Popular Programs:
- M.A. Teaching (K-8)
- M.A. Teaching - Mathematics (5-9 or 5-12)
- M.A. Mathematics Education (K-6, 5-9, or 5-12)
- M.A. Teaching - Science (5-9 or 5-12)
- And more...
Popular Programs:
- MEd in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
- MEd in Secondary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment: Teacher Licensure
- MEd in Elementary Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
- And more...
Page edited by Charles Sipe.
