What is the Alternative Teacher Pathway?

You can begin teaching while completing teacher preparation based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards.

There are two possible credentials: Alternative Teacher License (if content knowledge is shown) or Interim Authorization (if not yet shown).

Most programs last 1–2 years. Special education generalist candidates may need up to a third year.

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Credentials Available

Option 1: Alternative Teacher License

For candidates who have
already shown content knowledge in the subject they will teach

You can qualify by meeting one of the following:

A degree in the content area.
24 semester hours of coursework in the content area (verified on an official transcript).
A passing score on a Colorado-approved Praxis exam.

Special rules:

Early childhood, early childhood special education, elementary, and special education generalist candidates must meet the requirement through the exam or through an “adequate evidence” notice based on their multiple measures submission.

Option 2: Interim Authorization

For candidates who have
not yet demonstrated content knowledge

Requirements:

Hold a teaching position.
Be enrolled in an approved Colorado alternative program.
Demonstrate content knowledge during program participation.

Additional notes:

Alternative licenses and interim authorizations are issued in one content area only.
Alternative licenses last the length of the program.
Interim authorizations last 1 year only (renewable if needed for a 2-year program).

Step By Step: How to Apply

This process is different from other credentials. Review carefully:

If Applying for an Alternative Teacher License:

You must complete, at minimum, steps 1, 2 and 3 before you submit your application to begin the alternative pathway. It is not necessary to fully meet the other requirements for an alternative license in order to apply.
Once you have obtained a teaching position and enrolled in a Colorado alternative program, you may upload documents required for step 4 to your application within 60 days of the date of notification of qualification.

If Applying for an Interim Authorization:

You must complete steps 1 - 4before you submit your application to begin the alternative pathway.

Step 1. Complete a Degree

Step 2: Complete a Background Check

Pass CBI and FBI criminal history background checks

As part of the background check, you must submit your fingerprints to CBI. (CBI will work directly with the FBI to obtain a national criminal history report.)
You must submit fingerprints prior to applying; however, be sure to submit an application within 30 days of your fingerprint submission to avoid having to submit another set. (CDE only may retain a background check for 30 days in the absence of a qualifying application.)

View fingerprint submission requirements

Step 3: Choose an Endorsement Area

Determine the content area you are qualified to teach:

Choose an allowable endorsement area.
Those seeking an alternative teacher license may demonstrate content knowledge for entry into a Colorado-approved alternative preparation program as follows:
- Elementary or special education generalist candidates: a passing score on the Colorado State Board of Education-approved elementary content exam or an "adequate evidence" response to their multiple measures submission.
- Early childhood or early childhood special education candidates: a passing score on the Colorado State Board of Education-approved early childhood education content exam or an "adequate evidence" notification in response to their multiple measures submission.
- Candidates for K-12, middle school math (6-8) or secondary (7-12) endorsements:
  - A bachelor's degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution in the endorsement area ; OR
  - 24 semester hours of college/university-level coursework in the endorsement area, as outlined on the content evaluation worksheets and verified by the department against official transcripts; OR
  - A passing score on the Colorado State Board of Education-approved assessment for the endorsement.

Those seeking an interim authorization will have to fulfill content knowledge requirements (as outlined immediately above) during their participation in the alternative program.

Step 4: Secure a Teaching Position and Enroll in a Prep Program

You must obtain:

A classroom teaching position that matches the endorsement area you selected in step 3
An agreement with a Colorado-approved designated agency for alternative teacher preparation program
A statement of assurance (SOA) completed and signed by you, your district/employer and your designated agency

Note to Alternative teacher license candidates only: Even if you have not yet completed this step, you can still submit an application to get started on the alternative pathway. (Please see the Apply section below for details.)

Find teaching positions in Colorado
List of approved alternative teacher prep programs (select "alternative" in the dropdown menu under "type")
Download the Statement of Assurance (SOA) form (PDF)

Application Process

Once you have completed the steps required for the credential you are applying for:

1. View the checklist:

View the alternative teacher application checklist

2. Complete and submit an ALTERNATIVE TEACHER application through your COOL account (via the link at the bottom of the checklist).

What happens next?

We will evaluate your application to confirm you meet the content requirements for your endorsement area.
You’ll receive a notification in your COOL account and by email if any information is missing.
You will have 60 days from the first notification to upload missing documents and complete your credential.