Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifications do I need to become a teacher and enter an Alternative Licensure Program?

You must obtain a Statement of Eligibility (SOE ) from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and be hired as a full time teacher in the same content as the SOE.

To obtain a SOE, you must pass a CBI background check and complete the ALT: Statement of Eligibility 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:

Secondary and ECE teachers: if you are missing any of the required 24 semester hours of college credit in the primary subject, or if you are unsure if your credits will count, you should take the PLACE or Praxis II exam in the content area you would like to teach.

2. How can I get a hired as a teacher without a teaching license?
If a school district cannot find a highly qualified licensed teacher, the district has the option to hire a highly qualified individual who does not have a teaching license, but does have a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) and that individual enters into and completes an Alternative Licensure Program within the specified number of years.

3. How do I obtain a contract to teach with one of the school districts?
Apply online to each individual school district. ALP has a direct link to each school district's web site. In addition, you may apply to any Metro Denver school district, charter school or accredited private school. Most school districts know when they receive a resume/application from someone who does not have a teacher's license, that this person is a possible candidate for the Alternative Licensure Program.

Candidates may attend district and State wide Teacher Fairs held in the fall and spring. Each school district's teacher fairs are announced on the school districts web site. The interested candidates can indicate on their cover letter or resume that they are interested in the Alternative Licensure Program to obtain a teaching license.

Please Note: The ALP office does not know the hiring needs of each school district.

4. Can I be hired as a part time teacher and enter ALP?
No, the CDE requires full time employment.

5. When do ALP teachers usually get hired?
School districts will list openings each spring, as the end of the current school year is ending and they have received notice of openings.

School districts will interview and hire qualified individuals who hold a teaching license. If the district cannot find qualified licensed teachers, they will begin to interview potential ALP candidates. The interested individual can indicate on his/her cover letter or resume that they are interested in the Alternative Licensure Program to obtain a teaching license.

ALP candidates are usually hired in May through August. MSU Denver ALP can accept individuals hired up until late September.

6. How long is an Alternative Teaching License valid?
ALP 1 candidates hold an “authorization to teach” license that is valid for 1 year. ALP 2 candidates hold an “authorization to teach” license that is valid for 2 years. ALP SED candidates hold an “authorization to teach” license that is valid for 3 years.

7. What type of teaching license will I get once I complete the program?
At the end of each program, candidates who successfully complete the program will receive an Initial Colorado Teaching License.

8. What is an induction program?
Individuals who have received an initial license need to complete an induction program to obtain a professional license. Induction programs are run by each district, not MSU Denver. All questions regarding induction programs must be directed to the school district.

9. Can I transfer courses that I have already taken in another teacher preparation program?
ALP is a unique teacher preparation program that weaves coursework with the experience of teaching in the classroom. The program is structured to present information and skills when the candidate can apply them to his/her classroom. Because of this unique design, coursework from previous teacher preparation programs are not transferred into ALP.

10. When does the program start?
ALP starts in mid July with Summer Sessions. The Summer Sessions prepare the ALP candidate for the first few weeks of school. The ALP 1 & ALP 2 candidates meet on Monday evenings and the ALP SED candidates meet on Tuesday evenings, during the school year. The ALP 1, ALP 2, and ALP SED evening classes start mid-August.

11. Do I have to attend the Summer Session?
Yes, it is a required part of the program. If you are hired after the summer sessions have ended, you will be required to make-up the missed work.

12. How do I apply to the Metro State Alternative Licensure Program?
Once you are hired as a teacher, you need to contact the ALP office at 303-721-1313 for registration information. DO NOT APPLY TO MSU Denver ONLINE.

Once Metro State receives the ALP candidate's enrollment information, the candidate will be notified by Metro State’s ALP staff to the next step in the process.

13. How long does it take to complete the MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program?
Both the ALP 2 and ALP SED programs are two years in length.

ALP 1 is one year in length.

The general education program candidates (ALP 1 & ALP 2) attend classes on Monday nights during the first year. ALP 2 candidates receive classroom coaching during the second year.

The special education program candidates (ALP SED) attend classes on Tuesday nights during both years.

14. What is the tuition for ALP?
(Prices noted are for Fall 2012)
Regular education is $5,100* for the first year. The second year is $2,100.00.

Special education (licensure only) is $4,725* each year for two years.

Special education MAT (licensure + graduate courses) is $6,615* each year for two years.

*Additional fees apply

15. What options do I have to pay for my tuition?
You may pay:

  1. In full by the tuition and fee deadline.
  2. Via payroll deductions, if your district/school is willing to payroll deduct.
    • Student who choose payroll deductions will be required to pay all fees personally. Fees will not be payroll deducted.
    • Students who choose this option will pay additional monthly service charges.
  3. With the three payment plan. This option is not available to 2nd year ALP 2 students.
    • Students who choose this option will pay additional monthly service charges.
  4. With financial aid. This option is not available to 2nd year ALP 2 students.

16. Can I apply for financial aid?
Yes. You must submit a Financial Aid application first.

If your tuition and fees are not paid in full by the deadline, you will still be required to either pay for your tuition up front, participate in the payroll deduction plan or pay with the 3 payment plan. If you are awarded and accept any financial aid you will be issued a refund from Metro State College of Denver for any overpayment.