Become a Licensed 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.

For acceptance into the program, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited institution accepted by the Colorado Department of Education and meet the minimum GPA requirement.
• Demonstrate English Proficiency
• Complete dispositions screener

Additionally, the following is needed to qualify for an Alternative Teacher License:

• 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.
• Note: If candidate does not meet content requirements through the listed options, they may also demonstrate content knowledge through multiple measures, which allows for consideration of college coursework of B- or better and other portfolio artifacts. Candidates can submit course syllabi, candidate created artifacts (lesson plans, etc.) to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for evaluation. If the CDE approves, candidate submits their approval letter to the EPP.
• Early Childhood, Elementary and Special Education candidates must meet the requirement through the exam or through a successful multiple measures submission. 
• 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).

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: Apply for your Alternative Route License (ARL). 

• Don’t forget to submit your fingerprints prior to applying for your Alternative Route License (ARL). Note – you must submit fingerprints prior to applying; however, you must submit an application within 30 days of their fingerprint submission to avoid having to submit another set.  
• Submit all additional licensure requirements, including proof of content knowledge mastery through official transcripts, exams, or a multiple measures submission. 
• Obtain a teaching position and submit a fully executed Statement of Assurance (SOA), signed by your Educator Preparation Program and your school/district. 
  

Step 2: Upon completing all coursework, observations, receiving positive program recommendations, and meeting any remaining program and licensure requirements, including your Program Verification Form, you will be eligible to apply for your Initial Teacher License. 

CO-ALAS is your approved Educator Preparation Program who signs your Statement of Assurance and your Program Verification Form. Colorado Department of Education reviews your application and issues your Initial Teacher License once all requirements have been verified.