Alternative Licensing Teacher-In-Residence (TIR) Program
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the salary for Alternative or TIR Teachers?
- Do Districts really hire Alternative and TIR program teacher candidates?
- What is the typical fee for these Programs?
- Who is a Designated Agency?
- What if a school district wants to hire me, but it does not have the funding for a full-time person? Can I be in these programs part-time?
- After I complete one of these programs, am I eligible to teach anywhere in Colo. or another state?
- If my application is returned stating that I need to take additional coursework, do I need to notify CDE regarding the courses I will be taking?
- What if a school district wants to hire me but it is not on the list of approved Designated Agencies?
- If I have a current substitute license, do I need to resubmit my fingerprints to CDE?
- When should I apply to the school districts?
- Can I be endorsed in more than one area?
- What if I am unsure about my endorsement?
- May I apply to CDE before the assessment exam?
- What is the definition of a “regionally accredited institution of higher education”?
- What if I have a degree, such as Psychology, that does not match the listed endorsement areas?
- When I submit my application, may I include supplemental materials to verify competencies?
- Can I use transcripts out of the sealed envelope or that state “Issued To Student”?
- Do these programs include placement?
- If I was fingerprinted in my school district, do I still need to send fingerprints to CBI?
- If I need to take additional college courses, can I apply for teaching positions?
- Is a Statement of Eligibility a license?
- What does the content assessment exam cover?
- Can I apply to the program if I do not live or did not attend college in Colorado?
- 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?
- Can I apply to both the Alternative Program and the Teacher In Residence Program?
(Click Here for General Information)
1. What is the salary for Alternative or TIR Teachers?
If you are employed as an Alternative or TIR Teacher, you will be paid by the employing district as an entry-level teacher in that district. Some of the programs allow the expenses for training and mentoring to be deducted monthly. Salaries vary among school districts. Contact the schools or districts for this information.
2. Do Districts really hire Alternative and TIR program teacher candidates?
Yes. In the 2003-2004 school year, the number of those who participated in the Alternative Licensing programs was 450 Alternative teachers, and 506 more teachers in the Teacher In Residence program. For the 2004-2005 school year, the number was 383 Alternative teachers and 411 Teachers In Residence.
3. What is the typical fee for these Programs?
The fee charged to the Alternative or TIR Teacher will vary depending on the Designated Agency. It generally ranges from $2,000 to $8,000. CDE does not set or keep this fee information. You can obtain it from the Designated Agency.
4. Who is a Designated Agency?
Designated Agencies are school districts, charter or private schools, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), institutions of higher education, or a combination of these groups. A list of Designated Agencies that operates a state-approved program can be found on this website.
5. What if a school district wants to hire me, but it does not have the funding for a full-time person? Can I be in these programs part-time?
No. These programs require full-time employment.
6. After I complete one of these programs, am I eligible to teach anywhere in Colo. or another state?
Yes. You can teach anywhere in Colorado, but your Colorado License entitles you to teach in Colorado only. The transferability of the license to another state is subject to the rules of that state. If you are going to relocate, please contact that state’s Dept. of Education.
7. If my application is returned stating that I need to take additional coursework, do I need to notify CDE regarding the courses I will be taking?
No. Your coursework can be taken at any regionally accredited college or community college. Please forward the official transcript showing completion of the required coursework to the Department, with a copy of your evaluation form. Please do not send unaccompanied transcripts or have a college send them, and please do not mark on the transcripts. Transcripts for multiple courses should be sent together.
8. What if a school district wants to hire me but it is not on the list of approved Designated Agencies?
Districts or private schools that do not currently operate the Alternative or TIR programs can contact other existing programs to see if they can extend an “umbrella” program to cover the school or district.
9. If I have a current substitute license, do I need to resubmit my fingerprints to CDE?
You do not need to resubmit your fingerprint card and fingerprint processing fee. You do need to resubmit your official transcripts, a fee and an Oath and Consent form.
10. When should I apply to the school districts?
For Alternative agencies: After you have received a Statement of Eligibility, you should apply. The Statement of Eligibility is valid for three years and can be renewed once, but applicants must meet current licensing requirements at the time of renewal. For Teacher In Residence agencies: Start by applying for a position with the school districts after speaking with the Designated Agency. TIR candidates do not start with CDE.
11. Can I be endorsed in more than one area?
No. You will be endorsed in one content area only. An endorsement can be added to your license at a later date, after you have completed the initial program.
12. What if I am unsure about my endorsement?
You need to select the area you are excited about teaching. The Designated Agency will let you know if you meet the requirements. Generally, you need a major or 30+ semester hours in your endorsement area, however these courses must correspond to areas specified in the Colorado State Standards. These endorsements are listed above.
13. May I apply to CDE before the assessment exam?
Yes. CDE recommends that candidates be evaluated prior to taking the assessment test to ensure that the candidate has the knowledge necessary to pass.
14. What is the definition of a “regionally accredited institution of higher education”?
Colleges or universities, which are accredited by one of several “recognized accrediting bodies” would meet this requirement. Please contact the college or university to determine if it was accredited during the period you attended, If there is any question. These institutions do not have to be located in Colorado.
15. What if I have a degree, such as Psychology, that does not match the listed endorsement areas?
You should apply to the program and select the content area you wish to be endorsed. If you are deficient any coursework, CDE will notify you by mail.
16. When I submit my application, may I include supplemental materials to verify competencies?
Yes. You may submit resumes, course descriptions, life experiences or information that pertains to your content area. These materials will not be returned. Please do not include the entire course catalog to document your course descriptions, letters of recommendation or teacher evaluations with your packet.
17. Can I use transcripts out of the sealed envelope or that state “Issued To Student”?
Yes. CDE will accept either as long as they are official transcripts from the institution. No Xerox copies of transcripts or foreign evaluations can be accepted.
18. Do these programs include placement?
No. Alternative and TIR candidates are required to seek their own positions, similar to those who have completed the collegiate route to licensure. One location to look for a position is to check on the Internet at www.teachincolorado.org. You may also check with individual districts for positions.
19. If I was fingerprinted in my school district, do I still need to send fingerprints to CDE?
Yes. You need to submit a CDE fingerprint card, unused by another agency, with the fee, directly to the Colo. Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
20. If I need to take additional college courses, can I apply for teaching positions?
No. You must take the required classes to meet the State’s requirements for your selected content area first. After you have completed the course(s), return an official transcript to CDE, with a copy of your evaluation. You must then pass the content assessment exam and receive your SOE before job-hunting.
21. Is a Statement of Eligibility a license?
No. The Statement of Eligibility is used to indicate to a Designated Agency that you meet the State’s requirements to enter the program. It is not a license.
22. What does the content assessment exam cover?
The content assessment exam is given to determine if you have the knowledge in the endorsement area you have selected to teach. Please refer to these websites: www.place.nesinc.com and www.ets.org/praxis for any questions about the exams.
23. Can I apply to the program if I do not live or did not attend college in Colorado?
Yes.
24. 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 are matching your educational background to State requirements for the endorsement area. If you do not include all transcripts, your evaluation could be delayed.
25. What is the difference between the PLACE exam and the PRAXIS II Exam?
Both are content area assessment tests. PLACE is designed for Colorado. PRAXIS II is a nationwide test. Recently, Colorado started accepting PRAXIS II, so only certain exams have been approved for their content at this point: Elementary Education (Test 10014), English (Test 10041), Mathematics (Test 10061), Science (Test 10435) and Social Studies (Test 10081). Please check that the test you are signing up for is approved by the State of Colorado and is the correct test number.
26. Can I apply to both the Alternative Program and the Teacher In Residence Program?
Yes, but to do so you will need to complete two separate application packets and pay the fee for each program. This does allow you the most opportunities for a position, as you would be able to apply to nearly every school district in Colorado.
27. Will you review my transcripts prior to a formal application to see if I am qualified?
CDE is unable to review transcripts without formal application due to volume and to be fair to those whose applications are already pending.
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