Program: Alternative Licensure Program (ALP) - University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Mar 31, 2025

2023-2024 Catalog

The ALP at UCCS is a designated agency approved by the Colorado State Board of Education to provide a two-year program for candidates seeking licensure in one of these areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies or World Language.

We work with self-motivated, committed, resourceful candidates who can readily assume teaching roles in public school classrooms. Ideal ALP applicants are paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, career changers, retired military, OR others who have the background and potential for successfully completing this rigorous, fast-paced program. Those seeking only licensure can complete the program with ten courses. Those seeking an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction need to complete only two additional courses within three semesters of completing the ALP.

Faculty

Curtis Turner - M.A. Program Coordinator, Senior Instructor
Joan Jahelka - M.A. Social Studies Mentor, Instructor
Carol Wheeler - M.A. Science Mentor, Instructor
Pam Chavez - M.A. Math Mentor, Instructor
Claudette Murtha - M.A. World Languages Mentor, Instructor
Dan DeCelles - Ph.D. ELA Mentor, Instructor

Applications and Admissions Requirements

Please visit the College of Education website for admissions information.

Course Requirements (33 Credit Hours)

Foundations of Licensure

May be taken during fall or spring semesters; students must complete them before their Alternative Teacher license expires.

Foundations of Licensure Summer Only

Students should take these courses prior to securing a teaching position.

Alternative License Year: Fall Courses

Students must take these courses during the first semester of their “Alternative License” year.

CURR 5491 - Secondary English Methods

CURR 5492 - Secondary Math Methods

CURR 5493 - Secondary Science Methods

CURR 5494 - Secondary Social Studies Methods

CURR 5495 - World Languages Methods

CURR 5496 - Computer Science Methods

CURR 5018 - Alternative Teacher Seminar in Secondary Education I

Alternative License Year: Spring Courses

Students must take these courses during the second semester of their “Alternative License” year.

Please note: It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that all program requirements and licensure procedures are completed appropriately. All participants in the ALP must maintain a 3.0 GPA and receive no grade lower than a B- in any class. Because the program entails working as the teacher of record in a school, there are no opportunities for Incompletes in Alternative License year courses.

Licensure Plus MA in Curriculum and Instruction

Licensure plus MA in Curriculum and Instruction requires an additional 6 credits for a total of 39 credit hours. The MA in Curriculum and Instruction includes the coursework for ALP (listed above) and the following additional courses, taken within three semesters of completing ALP.