Pathways to Teaching in Denver Public Schools

Denver Public Schools has partnered with several traditional and non-traditional teacher preparation programs to offer a wide variety of teacher pathways to help you find the best fit to become a successful teacher.

No matter which route you take, you can choose from several programs at local institutions that will prepare you to become a teacher.

What to Look For in a Teacher Preparation Program:

A quality teacher preparation program will integrate recent research, theory and best practices to meet the educational needs of school districts. It will also provide a curriculum that recognizes the:

• Multicultural composition of the population served.
• Centrality of standards-based education.
• Role of schools in society.
• Importance of existing knowledge about teaching and learning.
• Role of technology in instruction.

Which program is right for me?

• I do not have my Bachelors degree yet
• I have my Bachelors degree and want to get into the classroom immediately
• I am interested in a Masters degree program

I do not yet have my bachelors degree

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Regis University

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Denver

University of Northern Colorado

Western Governors University

For a complete list of Educator Preparation Programs visit the Colorado Department of Education 

I have my bachelor’s degree and want to get into the classroom immediately

MSU Denver Alternative Licensure Program

The Metropolitan State University of Denver Alternative Licensure Program is a challenging and rigorous program that includes professional coursework, seminars, observation, and in-class coaching, designed specifically to help someone learn to be a quality teacher. The program is designed for recent undergraduates or professionals, with a bachelor’s degree, interested in a career change. MSU Denver offers classes that are both face-to-face and online, instructors who are master teachers with teaching experience, and the opportunity to develop effective teaching techniques.  Each candidate also receives classroom observations and one-on-one coaching designed for them. Our programs include the Two-Year Licensure Program, the Alternative Licensure Program-Special Education, and a One-Year Alternative Licensure Program for teachers who have been teaching for over two years without a license.

University of Colorado Denver – ASPIRE to Teach

ASPIRE to Teach is a two year alternative licensure program for anyone with a Bachelor’s degree, including recent undergraduates or passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful career change. The program operates both online and face to face, including a fully online option for those living outside of the Denver metro area. Candidates belong to a Professional Learning Community and receive one on one support from an Alternative Licensure Instructor (ALIs) including video coaching and real-time, 1:1 coaching and mentoring.

For a complete list of Educator Preparation Programs visit the Colorado Department of Education 

I am interested in a masters program

MSU Denver Graduate Programs

The Metropolitan State University of Denver School of Education Master’s Program is a challenging and rigorous program that includes professional coursework, seminars, observation, and in-class coaching, designed specifically to help someone learn to be a quality teacher. The program is a two-year Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education or Special Education designed for recent undergraduates or professionals interested in a career change, who want to obtain a teaching license and earn a master’s degree. MSU Denver offers classes that are both face-to-face and online, instructors who are master teachers with teaching experience, and the opportunity to develop effective teaching techniques.  Each candidate also receives classroom observations and one-on-one coaching designed for them. Our master’s programs include the Alternative Licensure Program-Elementary Education Master of Arts in Teaching and the Alternative Licensure Program-Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching

University of Denver Teacher Education Program

The University of Denver Teacher Education Program (TEP) is a one year licensure and master’s program for recent college graduate or professionals of all ages interested in a career change. The programs provide an intensive, integrated professional preparation experience where participants are working alongside a mentor teacher in the classroom four days each week, receiving additional support from DU’s field supervisors. Candidates have the opportunity to qualify for the Urban Teacher Fellowship Scholarship.

Relay Graduate School Education

Relay Graduate School of Education is a two-year licensure program for professionals with at least a Bachelor’s degree. Guided by a Relay coach and school based mentor teacher, Relay Residents engage in extensive coursework both online and in person, while gaining hands on experience in the classroom 4 days each week. During the first year of the program Residents share a classroom with a mentor teacher, gradually increasing their teaching responsibilities before moving into a lead teaching role in year two.

Teach For America Launch Fellowship

Teach for America’s Launch Fellowship is a one-year leadership development program created in collaboration with Relay Graduate School of Education. Fellows develop a strong foundation in instructional practice through Relay, receive coaching from an experienced mentor teacher at their school, and gain a systems-level view of education through TFA. This unique opportunity provides a challenging, comprehensive pathway to leadership at the classroom level and beyond

The Public Education & Business Coalition Teacher Residency

The PEBC Teacher Residency is a one-year teaching apprenticeship program for recent college graduate or professionals interested in a career change. Four days a week, residents work alongside a mentor teacher in an elementary or secondary classroom, accompanied by a weekly seminar with a collaborative cohort of learners that continue to provide professional support throughout one’s teaching career. Participants also receive intensive, ongoing support from a Boettcher Field Manager.

For a complete list of Educator Preparation Programs visit the Colorado Department of Education 

The New Teacher Pathways & Development team is here to support you in making these important decisions as you embark on a career in Denver Public Schools. Please contact teacherpathways@dpsk12.org if you have questions or require additional assistance.

University of Colorado Denver NxtGEN Teacher Residency

The University of Colorado Denver NxtGEN Teacher Residency is an innovative partnership between the University of Colorado and Denver Public Schools (DPS) that prepares and supports the next generation of diverse and talented teachers. During the first three years, participants work as half-time paraprofessional interns while receiving support and coaching from the university and in the final year become full-time student teacher residents in a DPS classroom. For

Western Governors University

Western Governors University, offers full or part-time DPS paraprofessionals the opportunity to continue working in the classroom while completing their B.A. degree through online coursework. The program is ideal for a candidate that has some level of college credit, particularly those who have earned an Associate’s Degree.

The UNC Center for Urban Education

The UNC Center for Urban Education offers a four-year course of study that provides a well-rounded college education while preparing candidates for the classroom. Participants work and study simultaneously, spending mornings in a classroom teacher apprenticeship position while taking courses aligned to their major/licensure program in the afternoons.

Student Teaching in DPS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fw11gJmdL9zIKDlmmLMd73lgzZY7Rc4m-8bloPpS5Cw/edit?usp=sharing

I am enrolled in a teacher preparation program (traditional student teaching or residency program)

Welcome to Denver Public Schools! We are thrilled to have you complete your preservice teaching experience as part of Team DPS! Everything you need to becoming a part of a DPS school community is included here. Please reach out to teacherpathways@dpsk12.org with any questions.

If you have been selected by your teacher preparation program and have confirmed placement in Denver Public Schools, please begin your application and onboarding by following these steps.

1. Click here to complete and submit the Denver Public Schools Preservice Teacher application
2. Within 36 business hours, you will receive notification of the next steps:
   1. Schedule an appointment to complete onboarding, including DPS fingerprints, ID badge and school access card
   2. Invitation to attend a Preservice Teacher Orientation where you will learn about DPS expectations and processes  
   3. DPS systems access – DPS email, DPS Google, Infinite Campus
3. Complete the CDE Fingerprint guidelines
4. You are encouraged to apply to become a DPS Guest (Substitute) Teacher during your preservice teaching experience in DPS to support your mentor teacher and classroom students. Please complete the following steps to receive authorization.
   1. Complete and submit the DPS Daily Substitute/ Guest Teacher Application
   2. You must complete the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), the One-Year Substitute Authorization (or Three-Year Substitute
      1. Begin your One-Year Substitute Authorization by completing this One-Year Sub Verification Form and email it to Leticia_Levi@dpsk12.org as soon as possible for an approved signature
      2. Complete and submit this One-Year Substitute Authorization CDE Application to become certified by the state. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree you may apply for the Three-Year Substitute Authorization
      3. The CDE will also require fingerprints as part of the One-Year Substitute Authorization. For more information visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/fingerprints and schedule your appointment as soon as possible
5. Be on the lookout! Throughout the year DPS will email you links to surveys not only to learn about how you’re doing in your field experience, but also to get a pulse on how we are doing as a district in providing support and preparation to teachers in training. You will also receive information about hiring preparation and workshops as well as hiring job fair notifications!

I am enrolled in a teacher preparation program (traditional student teaching or residency program)

Welcome to Denver Public Schools! We are thrilled to have you complete your preservice teaching experience as part of Team DPS! Everything you need to becoming a part of a DPS school community is included here. Please reach out to teacherpathways@dpsk12.org with any questions.

If you have been selected by your teacher preparation program and have confirmed placement in Denver Public Schools, please begin your application and onboarding by following these steps.

1. Click here to complete and submit the Denver Public Schools Preservice Teacher application
2. Within 36 business hours, you will receive notification of the next steps:
   1. Schedule an appointment to complete onboarding, including DPS fingerprints, ID badge and school access card
   2. Invitation to attend a Preservice Teacher Orientation where you will learn about DPS expectations and processes  
   3. DPS systems access – DPS email, DPS Google, Infinite Campus
3. Complete the CDE Fingerprint guidelines
4. You are encouraged to apply to become a DPS Guest (Substitute) Teacher during your preservice teaching experience in DPS to support your mentor teacher and classroom students. Please complete the following steps to receive authorization.
   1. Complete and submit the DPS Daily Substitute/ Guest Teacher Application
   2. You must complete the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), the One-Year Substitute Authorization (or Three-Year Substitute
      1. Begin your One-Year Substitute Authorization by completing this One-Year Sub Verification Form and email it to Leticia_Levi@dpsk12.org as soon as possible for an approved signature
      2. Complete and submit this One-Year Substitute Authorization CDE Application to become certified by the state. If you have completed a bachelor’s degree you may apply for the Three-Year Substitute Authorization
      3. The CDE will also require fingerprints as part of the One-Year Substitute Authorization. For more information visit http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeprof/fingerprints and schedule your appointment as soon as possible
5. Be on the lookout! Throughout the year DPS will email you links to surveys not only to learn about how you’re doing in your field experience, but also to get a pulse on how we are doing as a district in providing support and preparation to teachers in training. You will also receive information about hiring preparation and workshops as well as hiring job fair notifications!