Now is the perfect time to help where it’s needed most.  Too many classrooms across the country have teachers who are unprepared to meet the needs of students.  Denver needs teachers who can commit to the families and communities we serve. www.teachindenver.com

DPS recognizes the significance that great teachers have on students’ development and works hard to offer a variety of pathways into the classroom for those looking to join the teaching profession.  Please review the program descriptions below to see if you have what it takes to be a Denver teacher, determine which program best fits your needs, and make a career out of making futures.

 

Denver Teacher Residency  (www.denverteacherresidency.org)

1 year apprenticeship, 1 year for licensure & Master’s degree
Intended for non-licensed candidates who possess a Bachelor’s degree but do not have teaching experience, the highly-selective DTR program offers an alternative route into a teaching position through a strategic combination of clinical classroom experience in urban, high-needs DPS schools. The program features a year-long apprenticeship alongside a skilled DPS Lead Teacher, master's level coursework at the University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education, and a curriculum designed specifically by and for DPS, in exchange for a 5-year commitment working in DPS high-needs schools.  Upon completion of the 5-year commitment, program participants are reimbursed the full cost of tuition for the master’s degree.

The following programs are for individuals who possess a Bachelor’s degree but do not hold a teacher’s license and have no previous teaching experience.  They allow candidates to immediately teach full-time, earning salary and benefits, while completing coursework to become fully licensed over two years.  While eligibility requirements differ for each program, candidates should be prepared to pass the PLACE or Praxis II teaching exam in their subject area in order to qualify.  Please review www.teachindenver.com for more details.

 

Denver Teaching Fellows (www.denverteachingfellows.org)
This competitive program recruits, selects, and trains career changers and recent graduates to close the achievement gap by becoming effective teachers in Denver’s highest need schools.  Denver Teaching Fellows provides candidates with a DPS-specific, 6-week summer training prior to teaching.  It is intended for Math, Special Education and Bilingual Elementary Education (other subjects determined yearly).  Candidates must apply and be accepted prior to finding employment with DPS.

Teach for America (www.teachforamerica.org)
A highly regarded national program aimed primarily at recent college graduates that have the desire to teach where they are most in need, Teach for America provides candidates with a 6-week summer training focused on raising student achievement prior to teaching.  Candidates must apply and be accepted prior to finding employment with DPS (please note that candidates may be placed across the country).

Alternative Licensure Program (formerly Teachers in Residence or TiR) DOWNLOAD PDF
This option is available only for individuals who are seeking to teach a subject in high need: Early Childhood Education (PreK), Bilingual or Montessori Elementary Education, Mathematics (grades 6-12), Science (grades 6-12), or Spanish (6-12).  DPS helps to coordinate enrollment of hires into this program through the Metro State College of Denver.  Candidates must secure a teaching position with DPS prior to applying to the program.

CASEL (Colorado Accelerated Special Education Licensure)
Same as Alternative Licensure Program (above) but specifically for Special Education.

 

**Individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree and do not hold a teacher’s license but DO have previous teaching experience may be eligible for an accelerated, 1 year version of the Alternative Licensure Program or CASEL program.