Overview & Pathways
St. Vrain Valley School District’s Alternative Licensure Pathway to Special Education Program (ALPSE) is a two-year cohort-model program designed for individuals who are seeking their initial or added endorsement licensure as a Special Education Generalist (Ages 5-21).
During year one, educators develop an in-depth understanding of IDEA regulations, special education processes and best instructional practices. Special education alternative licensure educators receive intensive and individualized coaching support that is highly responsive to their needs as novice teachers.
In year two, the program fosters the continued growth of developing teachers by providing in-depth training on IDEA regulations, special education procedures, and essential classroom practices. This includes a deeper exploration of curriculum and pedagogy across literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional learning
There are four pathways that are available to candidates interested in earning their Special Education Generalist (Ages 5-21) licensure through the ALPSE program:
- Initial License – SVVSD Employee or Out of District Participant
- Added Endorsement – SVVSD Employee or Out of District Participant
Requirements
To be eligible, potential candidates must have a four-year Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution and a current teaching position in either special education or general education.
The St. Vrain Advantage
- Dedicated instructional coaching to support learning
- Practical application of classroom learning
- Support with instructional strategies and procedural guidance
- Cohort model encourages shared learning amongst educators
- Access to St. Vrain’s instructional resources, curricula, programs and technology
FAQ
Q: Can I participate in the alternative licensure program if I do not have a special education teaching position in St. Vrain Valley Schools?
A: Yes. The ALPSE program is open to individuals who hold a teaching position in St. Vrain Valley Schools or those who work in another Colorado school district, BOCES or charter school.
Q: How long is the program?
A: Two years.
Q: What are the commitments?
Commitments vary depending on which pathway you take. For Initial and Added Endorsement SVVSD employees, the cohort meets in-person 3-4 times monthly during the first year. For initial licensure candidates, the cohort also meets the June before the start of year one to review course expectations, support with licensing requirements, and develop the foundation for the beginning of the school year. During year two, the cohort meets in-person once monthly. Requirements for this pathway include class participation, book studies, and independent work.
For Initial and Added Endorsement out of district participants, the cohort will meet virtually 3-4 times monthly during the first year. Initial licensure out of district candidates will be invited to join the SVVSD cohort for the June meetings. During year two, the cohort will meet virtually once monthly. Requirements for this pathway include class participation, book studies, and independent work.
Participants on all pathways will receive dedicated instructional coaching throughout the two-year program in order to support learning.
Q: What are Praxis exams and when do I take them?
A: The Praxis exam is a content area exam accepted for meeting content competency requirements for certain Colorado endorsements. The Praxis exam is a requirement for licensure in the state of Colorado. Before a candidate is granted an alternative license by CDE, the candidate must pass the 5901 Praxis series. An added endorsement candidate who will be working in a general education position will not need to take the Praxis exams prior to program start.
Q: Can this program be used to add an endorsement in special education?
A: Yes. This program offers a pathway for an added endorsement as a Special Education Generalist (Ages 5-21) for those currently licensed in another area.
Q: How do I get started?
A: If interested, reach out to an Instructional Program Consultant listed below. Our team is happy to speak with interested candidates and provide additional information. Program consultants will support interested candidates through each step of the process.
Contact information
Erin Quakenbush, Instructional Program Consultant – [email protected]
Jasmine McGarr, Instructional Program Consultant – [email protected]
Nathalie Tuhari-Katz, Assistant Director of Special Education – [email protected]