Mesa County Valley School District 51

About

Mesa County School District 51 (known as D51 for short) is committed to providing high-quality educational experiences for new teachers. As a designated agency, D51’s goal is to integrate the program’s supports and training with a purposeful licensing initiative, creating a sustainable, personalized and district-aligned experience for every participant.

School District
Grand Junction

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Financial Aid Office

This program has been amazing, and the amount of support I have received this year has been phenomenal. I am so grateful for the chance to be part of this program and that I have had the opportunity to work with so many knowledgeable individuals in this field. I couldn't have asked for a better program to become a teacher through! This is a very complex field that requires a multidisciplinary skillset, and the amount of support and resources I have been connected with through ELEVATE has been great.

Rebekah Thompson, Middle School Special Education Generalist

The end of the (first) year has made me reflect a lot on things that I will continue doing, as well as things that I will try to improve on and do differently next year. I'm also looking forward to how much less stressful the start of a new school year will be compared to this year. I know how my school's systems work, I know and have good relationships with a lot of the staff, and I feel confident that I can apply a lot of what I learned through both ELEVATE and my own experiences this year.

Nikolas Ramunno, Middle School Math

Rebekah Thompson, Middle School Special Education Generalist

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Mesa County Valley School District 51

Licensure/Alternative Licensure only

D51 Elevate: Alternate Teacher Licensing Program

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Pre-Test Required
No

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Program

Program Info

Through Mesa County School District 51’s alternative licensure program, you’ll be fully immersed in the district’s mission, vision and values from the start, helping you contribute as an effective member of the school community immediately. To enroll, you must first apply, interview and be offered a certified teaching position specifically in this school district.

Over the two-year program, you’ll engage in professional learning activities designed to help you master academic standards and support the social and emotional needs of all students. The curriculum follows D51’s Teaching and Learning Framework, focusing on creating learner-centered classrooms, designing effective learning experiences, monitoring student progress and fostering professional engagement.

The program uses a gradual release model, emphasizing fundamental teaching skills in your first year and inclusive practices in your second. You’ll receive guidance from experienced mentors through professional learning sessions and reflective cycles. These mentors are dedicated to supporting your growth, building your confidence and helping you succeed throughout the program.

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Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Mesa County Valley School District 51 have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Mesa County Valley School District 51 to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

Up to $10,000

Educator Recruitment and Retention Program

Get up to $10,000 in one-time funding for your educator prep program when you commit to teach three years in a Colorado public school shortage area.

You must: be enrolled in a Colorado-approved teacher prep program or CTE program and meet at least one of these:

Bachelor’s or higher and secured a teaching job in a shortage area
Currently employed as a paraprofessional in a school district, charter school or BOCES
Secured a teaching job as a CTE instructor in a rural or small rural district meeting state requirements

To learn more and apply, visit the Colorado Department of Education's website.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources, Business and Marketing, English Language Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies & Technology Education 6-12
Computer Science, Drama, Dance and Theatre Arts, Health, Music, Physical Education, Visual Arts & World Languages K-12
Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21)

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Mesa County Valley School District 51's website to learn more and apply.