CO-ALAS

After earning your Alternative Teacher License, you'll begin teaching while completing flexible online coursework. As a teacher of record, you'll gain hands-on experience every day, receive coaching and feedback through field-based experiences and observations, and develop the skills needed to succeed in today's classrooms. By the end of the year, you'll be on your way to be eligible to apply for your Initial Teacher License.

From the beginning of the program, candidates gain authentic classroom experience while working toward licensure. After obtaining an Alternative Teacher License, participants serve as the teacher of record in a Colorado classroom, allowing them to immediately apply what they learn. You will complete six virtual field-based experiences and receive four in-person supervisor observations that provide meaningful feedback, practical guidance, and opportunities for continued growth throughout the program.

Colorado schools serve students from a wide variety of cultural, linguistic, geographic and academic backgrounds. The CO-ALAS Alternative Certification Program prepares you to meet the needs of learners from all backgrounds through standards-aligned coursework, performance-based training and real classroom practice. You will learn strategies to support student success across different learning needs while developing the skills necessary to teach effectively in both urban and rural Colorado communities.

Teacher development is supported through ongoing coaching, structured feedback and dedicated candidate support. You will receive guidance throughout enrollment, licensing and classroom implementation. While teaching, you will also benefit from supervisor observations, field-based experiences and individualized support designed to help you strengthen instructional practice and successfully navigate the path to your Initial Teacher License.

CO-ALAS and Teachers of Tomorrow work together to provide an educator preparation experience that aligns with Colorado standards and workforce needs. The program was developed to help address statewide teacher shortages while maintaining high expectations for future teacher readiness and effectiveness. Through collaboration with school districts, ongoing candidate support, performance-based coursework, and field experiences tied directly to classroom practice, the program continuously focuses on preparing educators who are equipped for success in Colorado schools.