Alternative Licensure Program D51

Grow Your Own Alternative Licensure Program 2026-27 (CURRENT D51 STAFF ONLY) -  Position Details

• Position Type:
  Support Staff - Other / Grow your Own
• Date Posted: 7/6/2026
• Date Available:
  
  2026-27 School Year

D51 Grow Your Own

D51's Grow Your Own program is designed to cultivate the talents of eligible Support Staff and Substitutes who are vested in our community and interested in becoming teachers. D51 will be providing $5,000 financial assistance to take part in an Alternative Licensure / TEE program.

This program is aimed to help address teacher shortages and promote a culture in D51 that is inclusive and supportive of District 51 students.

All eligible Support Staff that meet the criteria are encouraged to apply for assistance.

There will be priority given for applicants who submit an application prior to August of the new school year who meet the below criteria:

• Those obtaining licensure for hard to fill positions
  • Special Education
  • Mathematics/Science
  • Career/Technical
  • World Languages

• Have been employed with the district for a minimum of 90 contact days of the most previous school year
• Hold a Bachelor's Degree
• Not be on an improvement plan
• Be offered a certified teaching position in D51

• Hold a Bachelor's Degree, and 3 or 5 year sub license
• Substitute 90 sub assignments during the previous school year
• Have been an active substitute for at least one school year

• Meet the minimum requirements of the alternative licensure program ()
  • Hold a Bachelor's degree
  • Choose an endorsement area (e.g., Elementary education, Mathematics) and demonstrate competence
    • For Elementary or Sped, you must pass
    • For Secondary, your degree must be in the content area OR you must hold 24 semester hours (approved by CDE) or pass an appropriate content test
  • Submit an application for alternative license prior to employment to be vetted by CDE for content requirements and be approved showing an "alternative license pending employment/program" status. This is active for one year.
  • Apply for and be offered a position and agreement
    • Teaching position must match the endorsement area that the person has been approved for by CDE
    • An Agreement with a state-approved designated agency that offers an approved alternative teacher prep program
  • Notify CDE of position by submitting the requisite documentation through their eLicensing account to include
    • Completed Statement of Assurance (signed by District)
    • Copy of contract to obtain Alt License

Being approved for an Alternative Teaching License is not a guarantee of being selected to receive the $5000 assistance.

Those enrolled in the D51 Elevate program are not eligible to receive these funds.

Apply Online

If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact

• Carter Ness @  or extension 11131
• Katy Beckel @  or extension 11114