The Colorado Department of Education

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Alternative Teacher Programs

On July 1, 2009, new legislation made several changes to alternative programs.  There are one-year and two-year alternative programs.  In one-year programs the candidate is the teacher of record for that year.  Two year programs often include a first year working with a mentor teacher and the second year as teacher of record.  Special Education Generalist candidates are not required to be the teacher of record.

Program Requirements

Currently, the application for an Alternative Teacher License requires that the applicant:

  1. Has received a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Has not completed an approved educator preparation program with student teaching.
  3. Has demonstrated content proficiency by:
    1. Having completed the 24 semester hours of content required with a minimum GPA of 2.6 for the endorsement as described on the alternative evaluation worksheets and verified by a transcript review, or
    2. Having passed the Colorado State Board of Education-approved content exam for the endorsement being sought
  4. Has cleared a background check based upon review of CBI/FBI background check and self disclosure on the application.
  5. If you have completed an alternative route to licensure in another state, you must submit official signed documentation from the State Board of Education in that state. The documentation must outline the requirements you had to meet for licensure and that you met those requirements and were eligible for licensure in that state.

After Application Approval

On approval, the candidate is issued a Statement of Eligibility and may then:

  • Seek employment as an alternative teacher and
  • Begin an alternative preparation program once employed

Candidates must be employed full-time and teach a minimum of 51 percent in the approved content area.  Candidates in Special Education Generalist programs are allowed up to three years for program completion.

Frequently Asked Questions
Endorsement areas available for alternative teachers
Designated Agencies
Statement of Eligibility renewal and program extension




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