One Year Alternative Licensure Program (ALP 1)

ALP 1 is a dynamic, rigorous, and responsive program that includes professional coursework, seminars, observation, and in class coaching, designed specifically "...to license candidates who have instructional experience." Please Note: Only candidates teaching regular education may qualify for ALP 1. Special Education teachers must enroll in ALP SED or ALP SED MAT .

Introduction to ALP 1:

The Metropolitan State University of Denver started a One Year Alternative Licensure Program (ALP1) to assist persons with instructional experience in general education to become certified to teach in the State of Colorado. In addition to the Two Year Alternative Licensure Program (ALP 2), the One Year Alternative Licensure Program will provide another pathway to licensure, and it will also serve many school districts that face a shortage of teachers and often struggle to find qualified persons to teach their students.

This program is based on the Colorado Performance Based Standards for Teachers, and is tailor-made to each candidate, through the development of an Individualized Training Plan, crafted by an analysis of each candidate's admission portfolio and participation in the initial training module.

As a designated agency, Metropolitan State Univeristy of Denver (MSU Denver) will serve candidates who are hired as teachers by participating districts, charter schools or accredited private schools. ALP 1 is designed to be completed in one school year, during which each candidate will work as both a full time teacher and a student, working with students during the day and attending Metro State classes in pedagogy and licensure requirements each week.

This program is for those with at least two years of contractual teaching experience in the same grade level and content as the current teaching position and SOE. ALP 1 integrates the individual candidate's previous teaching experience and demonstrated proficiencies of the Colorado Performance Based Standards for Teachers into the program. ALP 1 candidates receive classroom instruction, individualized coaching and support to fulfill the requirements for licensure. Upon successful completion of ALP 1, participating candidates will be recommended by MSU Denver to the Colorado Department of Education for a Colorado Initial Teacher License, provided that all requirements have been met.

 

ALP Goals:

  To expedite acquisition of a teacher's license for candidate's with instructional experience
  To help school districts provide students with quality instruction
  To focus on the art and pedagogy of effective teaching and student learning
  To provide a high quality, alternative pathway into teaching
  To improve teacher retention

 

ALP 1 Requirements

1
 Obtain a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). 
2
 Obtain a teaching contract with a Denver-area school district, charter school or accredited private school.
3.
 Verify two or more years of contractual teaching experience in the same content area and grade level as SOE through appropriate contract documentation and letters of recommendation stating the applicant's past performance as a teacher. *Please note: Neither substitute teaching, nor paraprofessional experience count towards the teaching experience.
4. Demonstrate proficiency on at least 1/2 of the Colorado Performance Based Standards for Teachers.

One Year Alternative Licensure Program Details

  • Expedited acquisition of license
  • Acknowledgment and recognition of related job experience and its value to the field of education
  • Job-specific training
  • Rigorous, individualized course of study focused on pedagogy, subject matter, classroom management, and child development
  • Performance-based Metro State program and curriculum
  • Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and feedback of individual and group performance allowing for adjustment and improvement in teaching and program management

Tuition and Grading:

2012-2013 tuition is $5,100.00 + approximately $600 in fees*. MSU Denver ALP students are eligible to apply for financial aid. Through agreements with many school districts, tuition costs may be payroll deducted monthly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     *fees may vary

MSU Denver's Alternative Licensure Program does not charge out-of-state tuition, so the tuition rate will be the same regardless of residency status.  

ALP 1 candidates will earn 10 credits during the fall semester and 15 credits during the spring semester, for a total of 25 credits.

Credit for licensure will be awarded at the end of the program. Criteria for grades include regular attendance, completion of all class assignments, participation, and demonstrated proficiency on the Performance-Based benchmarks from Colorado Standards for Teachers. Full participation is required for credit to be awarded. The Advisory Council will recommend successful candidates to Metro State for Professional Teacher Licensure from CDE.

Curriculum:

MSU Denver course curriculum content covers strands important to the development of an effective teacher. They include:

  • Classroom discipline
  • Classroom management
  • Short and long range planning
  • Unit and lesson planning and implementation
  • Comprehensive assessment
  • Educational Theory
  • Current issues in education