Introduction to ALP
The Colorado General Assembly recognized that many school districts faced a shortage of teachers and often struggle to find qualified persons to teach their students. As a result The General Assembly passed legislation that permits persons with experience in areas other than public school teaching to teach under the State regulations for Alternative Licensure Programs. Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro State) initiated an Alternative Licensure Program (ALP) in August, 2000 and currently offers three programs that lead to teacher licensure. ALP candidates are both a full time teachers and students. ALP candidates attend classes one night a week at Metro State and learn how to be an effective teacher. At the end of the program, ALP candidates will receive an Initial License for teaching in Colorado, provided they have met the State regulations for the Initial License.
The One Year Alternative Licensure Program (ALP 1) is a one year program for candidates teaching regular education and have at least one year of previous contractual teaching experience. During the year, the ALP 1 candidate is both a full time teacher and student. Candidates in the ALP 1 program may be hired by member school districts, non member school districts, charter schools and private schools.
The Two Year Alternative Licensure Program (ALP 2) is a two year program designed for candidates teaching regular education with no previous teaching experience, or who don't qualify for the ALP 1 program. In the first year, the ALP 2 candidate is both a full time teacher and a student. In the second year, the ALP candidate is a full time teacher and receives coaching to complete the requirements for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). Candidates in the ALP 2 program may only be hired by member school districts.
The Colorado Accelerated Special Education (CASEL) Program is a two year program designed for candidates teaching special education. For two years, the CASEL candidate is both a full time teacher and a student. Candidates in the CASEL program may only be hired by member school districts.