D51 Elevate; Alternative Licensure Program

Summary

At D51 Elevate, we recognize that traditional licensure pathways don't work for everyone. That's why we offer an alternative route—one that's flexible, accessible, and designed to support individuals from varied backgrounds in pursuing their passion for teaching. Through a blend of coursework, hands‑on experience, and reflective practice, participants gain the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed to thrive as licensed educators.

D51 Elevate is more than a licensure program—it's a supportive community of learners committed to growth and collaboration. Together, we're shaping the future of education by empowering educators to make a difference every day.

• Allowing individuals with expertise in specific fields to transition into teaching roles
• Diversify the teaching staff
• Meet specialized needs like math, science, and special education
• Offer professional development through teaching experiences
• Promote retention and career advancement within the teaching profession

Two‑year program structured as a gradual release model. Professional learning is based on the Colorado Teacher Quality Standards to support the academic, social, and emotional needs of students and respond to the needs of all groups of students. The learning centers on D51's Teaching and Learning Framework competencies:
Learner‑Centered Environments, Design for Learning, Monitoring Learning, and Professional Engagement.

• Year 1 – Fundamental teaching skills:
  Asynchronous online learning;
  Science of Reading CDE requirements for SpEd candidates; observation days; once‑a‑month new teacher meetings in person
• Year 2 – Responsive;
  Asynchronous online learning;
  English Language Learner CDE requirement;
  Science of Reading CDE requirements for SpEd candidates; once‑a‑quarter meetings in person
  • In both years, candidates are supported by skilled mentors through various activities, including instructional practices, professional learning sessions, and reflective cycles.
• Completing this program allows candidates to:
  • Apply for their initial teacher's license from the Colorado Department of Education
  • Add a Special Education endorsement to a professional teaching license

Based on the Special Education Core and Generalists standards, the learning will center around three key learning areas:
Law and the IEP, Assessment and Design, and Collaboration and Communication. These categories will be interwoven and revisited throughout the two‑year program, creating a spiral learning approach to ensure that each is addressed on multiple occasions and to allow depth of learning over the two years.

D51 Elevate offers the following endorsement areas.

• Secondary/K-12 Endorsements:
  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Drama Theater Arts
  • Health
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Visual Art
  • World Languages
  • Middle School Mathematics
• Secondary Endorsements (Grades 6-12):
  • Agriculture & Renewable Natural Resources
  • Business/Marketing
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Secondary Mathematics
  • Science
  • Technology Education (Industrial Arts)
• Special Education Generalist (ages 5-21):
  • Moderate Needs

• Hold a completed Bachelor's degree
• Secure a teaching position within D51
• Willing to obtain 24 credit hours in the subject/content you will be teaching, or attempt the Praxis exam in that content area

• For the 2026-27 school year, eligible participants will utilize the Colorado Department of Education's Educator Recruitment and Retention Grant funding to cover the program cost, materials, professional development, and required courses
• Hours toward licensure are earned in agreement with CDE
• Learn more about the CDE ERR Grant:

Teachers enrolled in our alternative licensure program will be immersed in our district's mission, vision, and values. Instead of completing a separate program outside our district, they will be onboarded as contributing and successful members of our school community from day one.

Apply Online

A submitted application to the D51 Elevate program does not guarantee acceptance into the program. If you have any questions, please contact carter.ness or melanie.balleweg for more information.