Alternative Licensing Programs
Applicant Information
What Do I Do First To Apply For The Alternative Program?
1. Send fingerprints and the fingerprinting fee to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (if you do not have them currently on file with CDE).
2. Submit a complete application packet to the Colorado Department of Education with all required materials and the fee. The endorsement area must be selected from the available list and stated on the application. You may select one endorsement area in which to be evaluated. Incomplete packets must be returned to you and will delay processing, so please include all items on the check-list.
3. Your application is evaluated through transcript review to determine if you meet endorsement requirements. Evaluations can take up to 8 weeks.
4. CDE’s evaluation will be mailed to you. If there is a deficiency, you must complete required coursework prior to entering the program. Attach a copy of the original evaluation when supplying documents or sending transcripts to CDE. Candidates needing more than one course should send all transcripts at one time.
5. Sign up for and pass the content area assessment test. CDE accepts test results from the PLACE assessment and accepts results from the PRAXIS II exam in some endorsement areas. The test results will automatically be sent to CDE.
6. Once coursework is completed and the content assessment exam is passed, a Statement of Eligibility(SOE) is issued via mail and is accompanied by a list of Designated Agencies. The position(s) for which you are eligible to be employed will be indicated on the SOE. The SOE allows you to seek employment and indicates to Designated Agencies that you are eligible to participate in the program. It is not a license.
Alternative teachers are not guaranteed employment. When you receive your SOE, you must compete with other Alternative teacher candidates, as well as fully-licensed teachers for employment. After you have your SOE, you may contact any schools or districts within the Designated Agencies to inquire about employment opportunities. Upon being employed, you will receive an Alternative Teacher License. The major portion of your teaching assignment while in the program must be in your approved endorsement area and at the appropriate level, if applicable. You are officially in the Alternative Licensing Program when you have completed your paperwork with the Designated Agency's and received your Alternative License.
Following successful completion of your program, the Designated Agency will submit the necessary CDE forms for your three-year Initial License. (You do not send in your own License application.)
(Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions)
Application Request
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