Re: Denver Newbie Seeks Help and Guidance

Posted by Becky on 12/23/06

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Dave,

I am currently working my way through the Alternative
Licensing program, and I have been at this for a year and a
half now. I originally set out with the idea of becoming a
science teacher as I have a BS. I applied to the program,
and received the information stating that I was short three
courses, so I took the classes and now I'm waiting on my
test score from the Praxis II. The problem has become that
I decided that I needed more experience working with kids,
so I took a para position within the Poudre School District
(Ft. Collins), and it is in Special Education. I now wonder
if maybe that isn't the direction I should go. Anyway...I
am concerned that I will not find a job with an Alt.
License. If this doesn't work I will try to go through an
accelerated teacher certification program through either CSU
or UNC. Good luck with it, and realize that it is going to
be easier in a shortage area rather than in a subject area
that there are plenty of qualified applicants. There is a
shortage of teachers though in Colorado, so good luck to
you!!


On 12/17/06, Dave wrote:
> My wife and I just moved to Denver a few months ago and
> I'm trying to learn how to navigate the CDE/DPS
> bureaucratic maze.
>
> I want to become a long-term career teacher, but I want to
> get it right this time and get into an Alternative License
> or Teacher in Residence program. The way these programs
> are explained by the CDE/DPS websites are confusing and
> contradictory. I was told by a DPS lady that English is
> not a "high needs" subject (since I have a B.A. in English
> and a journalism background), but Social Studies and
> Special Education are "high needs."
>
> So if I want to get into the Alt. License program I have
> to teach either Social Studies or Special Education (as a
> Generalist I guess). If I have to take extra classes, than
> I have to take them before entering into the program while
> still working full-time. If I want to enter into the
> Teacher in Residence program, I have to first secure a job
> offer in one of the "high needs" areas and the take tests
> or courses while teaching -which sounds more realistic.
>
> My questions are: Is what I have been told correct or
> close to the truth? Do I have to complete all required
> course work BEFORE entering into the TiR program, as it is
> explained with the Alt. Licening one? If this is the case,
> I can see why there is such a need for teachers - if you
> don't have the courses you need you're essentially barred
> from teaching until you get the courses, which in some
> cases can take a year or longer, which by then you have a
> different job and forget about it. Doesn't it make more
> sense to just have a mentor and learn on the job while you
> take courses you need nights and during the summers?
> Logically, this should be what's being done and perhaps I
> misunderstand what I'm being told.
>
> I have a B.A. in English, approximately ten years'
> experience as a journalist and commercial copywriter, and
> have some prior teaching experience subbing.
>
> If anyone can please shed more light on these questions
> and concerns I'd appreciate it immensely.
>
> Thank you.
>
> David
> 4795209@gmail.com

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Denver Newbie Seeks Help and Guidance, 12/17/06, by Dave.
• Re: Denver Newbie Seeks Help and Guidance, 12/23/06, by Becky.