The Teacher Education Licensure Program (TELP) leads to initial licensure in elementary teaching or in secondary teaching in the fields of English, foreign language (Spanish), mathematics, science, or social studies.
Students who wish to enter the TELP should request information from the COE office or from the Education Advisor in the Student Success Center during the freshman year, if possible. Undergraduate students planning on either elementary or secondary education licensure must complete an undergraduate degree in the College of LAS as well as the TELP requirements. Students with undergraduate degrees from an accredited institution must meet similar requirements.
Students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree may apply to the TELP, either to the undergraduate post-baccalaureate programs or students seeking an MA in Curriculum and Instruction may use 9 specified credits of the TELP core classes (TED 500, TED 552, TED 580) toward the MA degree.
Before applying to enter the program, students must attend a group-advising meeting for a full explanation of the nature of the program and the admission process.
TELP Program Description
Central features of the TELP are the integration of education courses with field experiences. The program requires students to have experiences with diverse populations and in diverse settings. In addition to the requirements for an undergraduate bachelor’s degree, TELP students complete education studies and an entry level application packet during the 3rd semester of their junior year.
The professional year preparation portion of the program is full-time (fall and spring), consisting of 27 credit hours. Students participate in the professional year as a cohort group; they begin the professional year with two courses in the summer, continuing in the fall, and completing the program the following spring semester. The 35-38 credit-hour professional year requirement consists of course work (foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum, and methods) and field experiences (observations, co-teaching, and student teaching) that take place in Professional Development Schools (PDS).
TELP Students complete field experiences and student teaching in an assigned Professional Development School (PDS); these are regular elementary, middle, or high schools that are selected to work in partnership with the University to prepare teachers for licensure. Each PDS supports the development of student teachers through co-teaching, research and inquiry, and professional development for in-service teachers.
All courses taken for completion of TELP and licensure must be completed with a grade of B- or better, and the stated level of achievement must be met on all levels of performance demonstration assessments.
TELP Admission Requirements
Admission to the TELP is a selective process. Students are admitted twice a year, in November and April.
TELP Required Tests
PRAXIS II or PLACE Content Test must be taken no later than the June test date prior to beginning TELP.
Additional testing requirements may need to be met. It is essential to keep in contact with the COE and the Student Success Center to learn what these requirements may be. Test dates are available in the COE.
TELP Transfer Credit
A maximum of 9 credit hours of education credit may be transferred to the TELP. The TELP Director will determine transfer of education credit.
Undergraduate TELP Admission
The undergraduate TELP program has an admission process beyond the admission requirements of the university. Interested students should attend an undergraduate group advising session before applying. Dates for these sessions may be obtained from the COE or from the Student Success Center.
Initial entry into TELP occurs after students have:
- Completed TED 301, Early Diverse School Experience Practicum (including a background check with the Colorado Department of Education)
- Received B- or better in all TELP courses
- Received a B- or better in MATH 301 and MATH 302 and a B- or better in ENGL 131 (Elementary Option only)
- Selected an appropriate major for content and level
- Attended an advising session with the College of Education Advisor at the Student Success Center
- A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better
- Completed or are currently enrolled in TED 300/500: Contemporary American Education or CURR 4800/5800: School, Society, and Diversity
- Completed a Preparation Plan listing course work still needed to complete the undergraduate degree content and prerequisite courses. Included in this plan is a timeline of dates and a list of the Teacher Education core courses still needing to be completed.
After the College of Education Advisor at the Student Success Center has determined that all criteria have been met for initial entry into the TELP, the information process will be sent to the Director of TELP, and the student will recieve a formal acceptance letter. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to see a COE faculty advisor for TELP.
After initial acceptance into TELP, students continue to complete the requirements for their baccalaureate degrees from LAS while completing the remaining content requirements for licensure and core classes. During the fall or spring prior to the final year, students apply for the Professional Year.
Prerequisites for the Professional Year
- Additional experience with children and youth
- Successful completion with a B- or better in all remaining core classes (TED 452 and SPED 3001)
- GPA of 2.5 or better in all college coursework
Application Process for the Professional Year
Application Deadlines: October 1 with November acceptance and February 1 with April acceptance.
Application includes the following:
- Completed application form
- Three sets of official transcripts
- Career Goals Statement (describing motivation, interest, decision to enter the field of education, and personal qualities and qualifications)
- Five letters of recommendation (three from TED 301 and two more)
- Interview with the COE team
Professional Year
The Professional Year has a set sequence of required courses over three semesters, from June to May: 27 credit hours for secondary education and 31 credit hours for elementary education.
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