Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for Alternative Teachers?
What is the typical fee for these programs?
What is a Designated Agency?
What if a school district wants to hire me, but does not have the funding for a full-time person? Can I participate in a program if I am only teaching part-time?
When should I apply to the school districts?
Can I be endorsed in more than one area?
What if I have a degree, such as in Psychology, that does not match any of the listed endorsement areas?
When I submit my application, may I include supplemental materials to verify competencies?
Do these programs include placement?
Is a Statement of Eligibility a license?
Do I need to send or include transcripts from each college or university attended?
What is the difference between the PLACE exam and the PRAXIS II Exam?

1. What is the salary for Alternative Teachers?

If you are employed as an Alternative Teacher, you will be paid by the employing district. Some of the programs allow the expenses of being trained and mentored to be deducted monthly. Salaries vary among school districts. Contact the schools or districts that you are interested in for this information.

2. What is the typical fee for these programs?

The fee charged to the Alternative Candidate will vary depending on the Designated Agency. CDE does not set or keep program fee information. Information about program costs may be obtained from the Designated Agency.

3. What is a Designated Agency?

Designated Agencies include school districts, charter or private schools, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, or a combination of these groups.

4. What if a school district wants to hire me, but does not have the funding for a full-time person? Can I participate in a program if I am only teaching part-time?

No. These programs require full-time employment.

5. When should I apply to the school districts?

This will depend on the district. The Statement of Eligibility (SOE) is required for employment and may be required for application to various districts. The SOE is valid for three years and can be renewed once. Applicants must meet current standards at the time of renewal.

6. May I be endorsed in more than one area?

No. You will be endorsed in one content area only. An endorsement may be added to your license at a later date, after you have completed your initial program.

7. What if I have a degree, such as in psychology, that does not match any of the listed endorsement areas?

Please apply to the program and select the content area in which you wish to be endorsed. If you are deficient in any coursework, CDE will notify you by mail.

8. When I submit my application, may I include supplemental materials to verify competencies?

Yes. You may submit a copy of course descriptions, or provide information that directly pertains to your content area. These materials will not be returned. Please do not include the entire course catalog to document your course descriptions, resumes, letters of recommendation or teacher evaluations with your packet.

9. Do these programs include placement?

No. Alternative candidates are required to seek their own employment, similar to those who have completed regular preparation for licensure. CDE has a job website at www.teachincolorado.org. You may also want to check with individual districts for their job openings.

10. Is a Statement of Eligibility a license?

No. The Statement of Eligibility (SOE) is used to indicate to a Designated Agency that you meet the state requirements to enter the program. It is not a license.

11. Do I need to send or include transcripts from each college or university attended?

Yes. Transfer credits are often listed in bulk, without details for the courses included. The evaluators match your educational background to state requirements for the endorsement area. If you do not include all transcripts, your evaluation could be delayed.

12. What is the difference between the PLACE exam and the PRAXIS II Exam?

They are both are content area assessment tests. PLACE was designed and developed for Colorado. PRAXIS II is a nationwide test. Recently, Colorado started accepting PRAXIS II, in 5 content areas: Elementary Education (Test 10014 or 5014), English (Test 10041), Mathematics (Test 10061), Science (Test 10435) and Social Studies (Test 10081). Please check that the test for which you are registering is approved by the state of Colorado and that the test number is correct.