Explore alternative paths to teaching

You must obtain an alternative teacher license from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and be hired as a full-time teacher in the same content as the alternative license.

To obtain an alternative license, you must pass a and complete the application. The CDE will check your transcripts to ensure you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and meet the following basic requirements:

  • Elementary teachers must have passed the PRAXIS II exam in elementary education.
  • Special education teachers must have passed the PRAXIS II exam in elementary education.
  • Secondary teachers must have either the required in the primary subject they teach, or have passed the PRAXIS II exam in the content area they teach.
  • ECE teachers must have either the required in the primary subject they teach, or have passed the ECE PRAXIS II exam. Additionally, the Colorado Department of Human Services requires ECE teachers to “have two (2) three-semester hour early childhood education college courses with one course being either introduction to early childhood education or guidance strategies, and at least six (6) months (910 hours) of satisfactory experience.” The MSU Denver ALP program does not provide these classes. They may be taken through any of the local community colleges online and on campus.

Secondary and ECE teachers: if you are missing any of the required in the primary subject, or if you are unsure if your credits will count, you should take the PRAXIS II exam in the content area you would like to teach. However, foreign language teachers wanting an endorsement for teaching Chinese may only use the PRAXIS II or NES exam.

School districts will list openings each spring and interview and hire qualified individuals who hold a teaching license. If the district cannot find qualified licensed teachers, they will begin to interview ALP candidates. ALP candidates are usually hired in May through August.

For a nominal fee, you can apply for a . The state also offers a virtual and free course to help prepare you for success. There are also additional stipends available for substitute teachers in rural parts of the state. Each district pays a different amount each day but it’s typically between $100-200 a day.

There are different pathways to obtain alternative teacher certification in Colorado depending on your educational background and what subject and grade levels you want to teach. Typically alternative certification programs are designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject, but did not previously complete a teacher preparation program.

Explore one and two-year alternative teaching programs through a . Utilize the search filters to find a program that aligns with your educational background and your educational goals.

Consider a in topics like business, natural resources, engineering, health sciences and human services. This pathway may be appealing to you if you have a degree in a , have career experience and are interested in teaching at the high school level (grades 9-12).

may apply for a waiver from licensure laws so that they are able to employ teachers without a current Colorado license. A charter school in Colorado is a public school that is tuition-free and open to all students.

Charter schools will look different in each state. We recommend starting with the Department of Education in the state you’re interested in learning more about to learn more and find a directory of charter schools.