Stages of the Educator Preparation Program for Initial Licensure

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These stages provide for sequential development of research based knowledge about student learning and instructional practice. The program of preparation for initial licensure begins with an introduction to teaching and education in a series of prerequisite courses in education. Coursework taken after admission to the program provides a research-based foundation that is both theoretical and practical, for student teaching.

Student teaching is a one-semester, full-time practicum in the classroom.

Stage I: Admission to Initial Licensure Programs

Submit a completed admission application and accompanying documents to the School of Education. The documents include:

Belief statement
Evidence of prior work with children
Two recommendation forms
Signed degree/licensure plan completed with the Undergraduate Teacher Education Advisor

Applications are accepted once during the spring and fall semesters.

Academic Requirements and Prerequisites for Admission

Current enrollment, in good standing, at Adams State University
Complete 30 hours of undergraduate coursework from an accredited college or university prior to the semester of application to program
Cumulative and semester GPA of 2.75 or better Completion of the pre-requisite courses listed in the degree sections with a grade of C or better (note: C- is below the requirement)
Completion of the following pre-requisite courses with a grade of C or better (note: C- is below the requirement):
ED 200 (30 hours of field experience required)
ED 220 (10 hours of field experience required)
ED 230 (elementary licensure only)
PSYC 204 (elementary licensure only)
ENG 101
ENG 102
MATH 104

Additional Prerequisites

Submission of completed Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check form
Possession of an Adams State University Department of Teacher Education identification card
Evidence (signed attendance) of participation in Professional and Ethical Behavior Orientation and acceptance of Professional Conduct Agreement for Field Experience Lab Students

Stage II: Continuation (Teacher Education Field Experience)

Once admitted to the program, the student must maintain semester and cumulative GPAs of 2.75. Students are placed in K-12 classrooms throughout the initial licensure program for a total of 800 field experience hours, as required by the State of Colorado. Field placement hours are a requirement of specific courses in the initial licensure program and include assignments that correspond to the courses.

Field hours must be completed during enrollment in required courses. All placements are in regular K-12 classrooms in Colorado public schools during the regular school day. Students are advised to plan their personal schedules in order to be available during school hours. All field placements, including student teaching, are made by the Field Services Office.

All contacts with the K-12 schools are made by the Field Services Office. Students may not initiate their own placement contacts or arrangements. Violation of these guidelines is grounds for suspension or dismissal from the program. Placements are made in a variety of settings and involve the professional judgment of the Field Services Office. Students should anticipate the need to make their own arrangements for transportation to field placements sites. Students will not be placed in schools that they have attended or in which relatives work or are in attendance. This information must be disclosed by the candidate.

Stage III: Student Teaching

Student teaching is the final phase in the preparation for initial licensure. Student teaching is a full-time, one-semester assignment in a K-12 classroom. Under the supervision of a mentor teacher, student teachers assume responsibility for instructional planning and student learning. They must also review and modify practice based upon evidence-based theories and strategies in order to insure learning success for all students. In the semester prior to student teaching, candidates complete a written application and provide supporting documents for placement. Placement areas are limited to the San Luis Valley. Placements outside the San Luis Valley are by permission only from the Student Review Committee.

Student Teaching Requirements

Be admitted and in good standing in an ASU initial licensure program
Maintain a 2.75 semester and cumulative GPA
Pass the appropriate PRAXIS II content exam by the seventh week of the fall or spring semester prior to student teaching. (The student is responsible for all fees and costs.)
Have a current signed degree/licensure plan on file in the undergraduate office
Complete all program coursework with a C or better. Additional information can be found in the departmental Handbook for Student Teaching and Field Experience.

Stage IV: Recommendation for Licensure

Upon completing all program requirements, the candidate may be recommended by the Department of Teacher Education to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for initial licensure. These requirements include, but are not limited to: all program coursework, proficiencies, field hours, student teaching, a 2.75 cumulative GPA, and graduation.

Application forms for initial licensure are at the Colorado Department of Education Web site. The candidate submits the CDE form and Verification of Completion of Approved Educator Preparation Program to the undergraduate office in the Department of Teacher Education. After the appropriate records are reviewed, the verification form is signed by the Licensure Officer and emailed to the applicant. The candidate is responsible for all fees and costs.