Become a Certified Teacher in Colorado

The CO-ALAS and Colorado Teachers of Tomorrow partnership offers a flexible, supportive, and classroom-focused pathway to teacher certification for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Approved by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), our program is designed to help candidates:

• Earn Certification Without a New Degree: Transition into education without the time or financial commitment of a traditional college program.
• Receive Specialized Local Guidance: Navigate complex CDE licensure requirements with support, from receiving your Statement of Assurance (SOA) to managing state requirements to obtain your Initial Teacher License.
• Learn On Your Own Terms: Complete your 250–350 clock hours of performance-based coursework entirely online around your personal schedule.
• Gain Real Classroom Experience: After obtaining your Alternative Teacher License, begin to work as teacher of record in a Colorado classroom, supported by 6 virtual Field-Based Experiences and 4 in-person supervisor observations.

By combining the proven, nationally respected preparation models of Teachers of Tomorrow with the local leadership and expertise of CO-ALAS, our program provides aspiring educators with a confident transition into teaching while directly addressing the real classroom needs of Colorado’s diverse school districts.

• Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet the minimum GPA requirement.
• Content Knowledge: You must demonstrate content-area knowledge for your chosen teaching track via a matching degree major, 24 specific semester hours of coursework, or a passing score on a state-approved content exam.
• Background Check: You must submit fingerprints and pass a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

• Phase 1 Launch: The program launches on August 3 with K-12 and Secondary education certification tracks.
• Phase 2 Expansion: Early Childhood Education (ECE), Elementary (EC-6), and Special Education Generalist (SPED) tracks are scheduled to launch in November 2026, pending final approval from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

No: You can apply and be accepted into the program before securing a job. To fully activate your state Alternative Route License and begin your clinical teaching year, you must secure full-time employment as a teacher of record in your approved content area and complete a Verification of Employment.

Yes: This program utilizes an alternative residency model. You will serve as a full-time, paid teacher of record in a Colorado school district, earning a standard district salary and full benefits while finishing your program online.

• Timeline: The program timeline varies based on the specific program pathway offered, and can range from 12-18 months, though it can be extended if necessary.
• Four Phases: Candidates move through four distinct phases: Application, Phase 1 (pre-service preparation), Phase 2 (clinical experience), and Completion/Licensure.

• Total Clock Hours: You will complete 250–350 clock hours of self-paced, performance-based online curriculum.
• Virtual Experiences: The training includes 6 virtual Field-Based Experiences (FBEs) designed to build foundational teaching skills before or during your early weeks in the classroom.

• Layered Support: You will receive wraparound services from program advisors, instructional coaches, and a dedicated field supervisor.
• Observations: A Field Supervisor will complete 4 Field Supervisor Observations of your classroom teaching to provide real-time coaching and feedback.

• Step 1: Once accepted and employed, you will obtain your Statement of Assurance (SOA) (recommended by CO-ALAS).
• Step 2: You use this SOA to apply to the CDE for your official Alternative Route License.
• Step 3: Upon completing all coursework, observations, and receiving positive program recommendations, you will be recommended for your Initial Colorado Teacher License.

All official program recommendations, certificates, and state Statements of Assurance are issued primarily under the authority of CO-ALAS, in direct compliance with CDE guidelines.