With a national teacher shortage, Douglas County School District (DCSD) is taking the lead in providing an opportunity for those currently working in DCSD to obtain their teaching license. Through DCSD’s Alternative Licensure Program, those in certified teaching positions can earn a teaching license in any role as a K-12 teacher. Certified staff members have a Bachelor’s degree and are working towards their teaching license through this unique program.
“We’re thrilled to be growing our own teachers,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Thompson. “We want to retain our valuable employees and help them grow professionally. And now we’re providing a pathway for them to earn their teaching license for free!”
The cost of earning a teaching license can range between $5,000 - $15,000, depending on the institution. DCSD pays for the program and license and requires a two-year teaching commitment in return. Teachers are already working in classrooms and honing their skills while learning and earning their license ‘on the job.’
With approval from the Colorado Department of Education, the first class of DCSD’s Alternative Licensure Program is underway with 33 staff members. They started the program in August 2023 and will graduate in May 2025. The group has assigned mentors to help them throughout the program. After school, they attend two classes monthly at DCSD’s Legacy Campus. The learning will continue over the summer with online assignments.
The response was even more than DCSD anticipated.
“We knew it would be popular, but we didn’t expect to reach capacity for the first year. We’re starting a second cohort in July,” said DCSD Learning Services Officer Matt Reynolds.
Those enrolled in the alternative licensure program have bachelor's degrees and are currently in the classroom teaching subjects such as English, math, music, physical education, art, and business. Many joined the DCSD family from other careers.
Recently, the State Board of Education approved the addition of the Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21) to DCSD’s alternative Teacher Preparation Program. This program is for staff who already have a college degree and are interested in becoming a special education teacher. The program will be available during the 2024-2025 school year.
After the students completed the fall semester, they sent notes of thanks to the alternative licensure program leaders. Here is a small sampling of the comments:
“Thank you, DCSD HR Team! The support you have given us new teachers has been unmatched. I feel prepared, supported, and cared for each day I walk into school! This program has helped me find my true passion and I’m grateful for that. Thank you for everything you do for all of us.” – Ryan Murray, Physical Education Teacher, Clear Sky Elementary School
“What a gift you have given me! The incredible opportunity to be among the first class in this wonderful alternative licensure program has been gift enough. Tonight we received a bag full of goodies from all of you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. What a blessing this district is to its students and its educators!” – Gina Luber, Secondary Speech Teacher, Rocky Heights Middle School
“I am exhausted, but I have never been so thankful to wake up and go to work! I originally went to school to be an art teacher, however, life took me in other directions and 20 years later here I am! Without that time away and doing those day jobs that did not really mean anything to me, and without the wonderful support of the DCSD Alternative Licensure Program, I would be afraid. Getting to teach every day might have gotten lost on me! Thank you for everything you do to support teachers!” – Kami Mathisen, Elementary Art Teacher, Eldorado Elementary
“Thank you for the time and energy that you’ve put into the Alternative Licensure Program. I appreciate all the ways you have made it helpful, applicable, and especially free!” – Becca Anderson, Elementary Music Teacher, Franktown Elementary
“Thank you for all the support. We feel truly fortunate to be in this program. You are very amazing and you have made this easy for us. Keep helping the teachers who are very passionate about their profession!” – Prema Viswanathan, Art Teacher, Rock Canyon High School