In its inaugural year, seven teachers are taking advantage of St. Vrain Valley School District’s new Alternative Licensure Pathway to Special Education (ALPSE) teaching program.
This two-year program is designed for individuals who are seeking their initial licensure as a Special Education Generalist (5-21). Candidates need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and must have secured a special education teaching position in St. Vrain Valley Schools in order to participate in this program.
Alternative education licensure has always been available in Colorado, but now aspiring special education teachers can apply directly to SVVSD instead of enrolling in a university while working to obtain their license.
According to Nathalie Tuhari-Katz, assistant director of special education, there are many benefits to obtaining the alternative teaching licensure in special education from St. Vrain. “By allowing individuals to learn in the context of our systems in SVVSD, we offer them two dedicated instructional coaches to support learning, along with practical application of classroom learning. We do this within a cohort model, which encourages shared learning among educators. This is a unique benefit that isn’t available through all programs. Educators also have access to our in-house technology, curriculum, and other instructional resources.”
During the first year of the program, alternative licensure educators will participate in 175 hours of dedicated professional learning that is provided through a cohort model. Educators participate in a class taught by two program consultants where participants develop an in-depth understanding of IDEA regulations, special education processes, and best instructional practices.
In their second year, special education alternative licensure educators receive 93 hours of dedicated professional development and continued support from a coach on an as-needed basis. The educators participate in an evening class taught by program consultants.
While SVVSD has a high special education teacher retention rate, this program helps the district prepare for future growth. “It’s an intensive program with practical application, and alternative licensure educators will be well prepared upon program completion,” Tuhari-Katz said.