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How to Become a Teacher in Colorado
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Johney Maron
Johney Maron is a part time author with an interest in education. Colorado Christian University offers an Alternative Teacher Certification for those with a bachelor’s degree, a teaching position, and need a teaching license in either early childhood, elementary, secondary or special education. Check out CCU for information on their degree programs and how they can help further your education. 
By Johney Maron
Published on June 9, 2010
 
Becoming a teacher is no easy task. While every job has its own set of requirements and difficulties, teachers seem to have more than their share of challenges.
How to Become a Teacher in Colorado

Becoming a teacher is no easy task. While every job has its own set of requirements and difficulties, teachers seem to have more than their share of challenges. Working with children, navigating complex procedures, and passing a litany of tests can be overwhelming. The end result, however, is rewarding.

Step 1:  Gain the Right Credentials

The first step to become a teacher in Colorado is to get qualified educationally. In order to become a teacher, applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. An education bachelor’s degree is not necessary, nor is student teaching experience while in college.

Step 2:  Apply with the Alternative Teacher Preparation Program

The alternative teacher licensing program is designed to provide aspiring teachers with a full-time teaching position and to give them the benefit of working under a veteran teacher. During this phase, candidates will learn the skills necessary for teaching and gain the proper certifications. Once this program has been successfully completed, candidates can then apply for a more permanent Initial Colorado Teacher’s License.

In order to begin the process of applying for the Alternative Teacher Preparation, the candidate must first pass a PRAXIS II examination (or PLACE® exam), administered through the State Board of Education. Once the examination is successfully completed, the candidate will submit his or her application, cover letter, resume, and educational transcripts to apply for the position. A mandatory criminal background check and fingerprint card is also required at this level of application. At the end of this process, the successful candidate will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. The Certificate of Eligibility is the certification necessary to apply for an Alternative Teacher position.

Step 3:  Fulfill a full-time alternative teacher position.                                                                  

Once an applicant has reached the level of Alternative Teacher, he or she can apply for a teaching position at any school that serves as an agency for the Alternative Teacher Licensing Program. Alternative teachers will receive full-time employment and compensation in a teaching capacity. After completing the full-time teaching position, which usually takes a year, the Designated Agency (or host school) will fill out the correct paperwork to request the Initial License to become a teacher.

Step 4:  Secure the job and work as a teacher.

At this point, you have become a teacher. When a designated agency, usually the school at which you completed your Alternative Teacher program, turns in your paperwork, it is an indication that you are an official teacher. The Initial License is good for three years, at which point licensing must be renewed.