Teach Now: Online Teacher Licensure Program

Principal Licensure
Program Overview

Western State College is offering an alternative online program leading to a principal endorsement. The program includes ten courses including an internship and capstone for a total of 28 credits which can be completed in one fiscal year. Candidates will complete coursework while they are involved with the duties associated with a principal or assistant principal position.

This program is designed for candidates who have either a full or part-time principal or assistant principal position in an accredited Colorado school. Part-time is defined as at least 50 percent of the candidate’s full-time contractual duties.

Admissions

In order to apply, the candidate must::

1. Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
2. Obtain a Principal Statement of Eligibility (SOE) from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). In order to accomplish this, candidates must complete a CDE Principal Alternative Licensure Application and transcript / life experience review. Eligible candidates will be categorized by CDE into one of the following:
   • ONE: Candidates hold a current Colorado teaching license and have at least three years of teaching experience; or
   • TWO: Candidates without a current Colorado license who have at least three years of experience in the classroom; or
   • THREE: Candidates with three years of successful managerial experience who have completed an alternative teacher licensure program. Visit the Teach Now website for information about alternative licensure for teachers.
3. Complete the Teach Now Principal Program Application
   • Candidates may request assessment of prior course work. A letter outlining academic work completed should be sent along with official transcripts and course descriptions to the Teach Now Co-Directors for review. The alternative principal licensure candidate will then be required to show “proficiency” as outlined by the Colorado Department of Education, for the standards required in the specific course for which they are requesting a course substitution.
4. Secure a full or part-time principal or assistant principal contract within an accredited school district.
5. Provide the WSC Teach Now staff will appropriate application documentation:
   • Official Transcript indicating undergraduate degree
   • A copy of the Statement of Eligibility from CDE
   • Teaching license (if categorized by CDE as ONE)
   • Documented three years’ experience (if categorized by CDE as TWO or THREE)

All candidates must attend an August Teach Now Principal Program Orientation during the summer on the Western State College campus.

Program Design and Support

While in the program, candidates will:

• Complete 28 Teach Now undergraduate college credits throughout the school year.
• Work with a mentor administrator with a valid Colorado principal license, documented evidence of effective school leadership, and the ability to model and counsel the alternative principal candidate.
• Receive support team assistance from school administrative mentor and the Teach Now Regional Coordinator.
• Before licensure, candidates will be required to take and pass the Principal PLACE test.

Cost of the Program

The cost of the program is $5,250 per semester. Fees remitted by the candidate cover the cost of delivering the training program, providing mentoring and school support, professional development, and twenty-eight college credits. Additional fees that candidates are responsible for include: Colorado Department of Education (CDE) application and transcript evaluation fees, lodging and travel costs (summer orientation in Gunnison), and textbooks associated with the program.

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