Department of Teaching & Learning
Teaching & Learning
The Department of Teaching & Learning
The UCCS College of Education's Department of Teaching and Learning offers programs designed to prepare educators to embrace principles of equity, model and promote inquiry, and implement innovative practices to engage students and help them realize their full potential.
About the Department
The Department of Teaching & Learning supports current and aspiring teachers pursuing licenses, endorsements, certificates, and graduate-level education.
To learn more about the department's faculty, including their expertise, research interests, and current courses, visit the Department Directory page.
Undergraduate Programs
Inclusive Elementary Education, BA
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Inclusive Elementary Education program prepares students to utilize universal design, technology, and innovative methods to support the success of all students.
Inclusive Early Childhood Education, BA
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Inclusive Early Childhood Education (IECE) program offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring educators who wish to specialize in inclusive early childhood education.
Inclusive Early Childhood Leadership, BI
In this unique program Bachelor of Innovation (BI) program, students collaborate with other innovative and creative thinkers as well as master interdisciplinary problem-solving and team building. Develop your skills as a visionary entrepreneur and organizational manager while becoming a highly effective inclusive early childhood professional.
Undergraduate Certificates
The Elementary or Secondary Initial License Certificate Programs lead to a recommendation for an initial teaching license from the State of Colorado. These programs are available to both current undergraduate students within the UCCS College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (LAS) and candidates who have already earned a baccalaureate degree.
- Elementary Initial Licensure
The undergraduate Elementary Initial License Certificate program allows students to meet licensure requirements in elementary education (grades K-6). This program includes a one-year intensive combination of methods courses and fieldwork known as the Professional Year.
- Secondary Initial Licensure
The undergraduate Secondary Initial License Certificate allows students to meet licensure requirements in secondary education (grades 7-12). The program includes an intensive combination of methods courses and extensive fieldwork required throughout the duration of the program.
Graduate Programs
Curriculum & Instruction, MA
The Master of Arts (MA) in Curriculum & Instruction program prepares graduate students to become skilled educators through innovative, ethical, and research-based methods.
Concentrations Options:
- Gifted & Talented Education
- Instructional Technology
Special Education, MA
The MA in Special Education program at UCCS prioritizes innovative and inclusive education with high expectations for all students in general education. The program emphasizes universal design principles to ensure academic accessibility, focusing on recognizing student strengths and understanding diverse learning styles.
Concentration Options:
- Inclusive Early Childhood Education
- Special Education Initial Licensure
- Special Education Added Endorsement
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), MA
The Master of Arts (MA) program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and aspiring educators who have English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms. This program equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance their support for these students. Whether you work with individual students, small groups, or entire classes of ELLs, this program will be invaluable for you.
Graduate Certificates, Endorsements, & Licensure Programs
Alternative Licensure Program (ALP)
The Alternative Licensure Program (ALP) at UCCS is a "designated agency" approved by the Colorado State Board of Education to provide a one-year program for candidates seeking licensure in one of the following areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages or Computer Science.
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement
The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement program (24 credit hours) is designed especially for monolingual English-speaking teachers, paraprofessionals, and pre-service teachers who have English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms.
Gifted & Talented (PK-12) Certificate & Endorsement
The Gifted and Talented Certificate and Endorsement Program enables educators to strengthen their instructional practices through advanced coursework in a specialized area.
Inclusive Early Childhood Education Certificate (Licensure & Endorsement)
Instructional Technology Certificate
Special Education Initial Licensure Certificate
Special Education Added Endorsement Certificate
Teaching ESL/EFL Certificate
The TESL/TEFL Certificate program provides students with a strong foundation and the necessary knowledge to work effectively with English Language Learners (ELLs).
Teaching Mathematics Certificate (Middle School Mathematics Endorsement)
Western Regional Graduate Program
Western Interstate Commission for High Education (WICHE)
The Department of Teaching & Learning at UCCS is recognized by WICHE through their Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP). This program allows anyone from the 15 states in the Western region of the USA to receive special tuition rates. To learn more about the program, please visit the WICHE website.
Colorado Center for Rural Education
Are you curious about ways to pay for your education to become a teacher? The Colorado Center for Rural Education has resources for you.
TEACH Colorado
TEACH Colorado offers free tools and resources to make applying to our program - and becoming a classroom teacher - easier!
Create an account today and immediately access:
- An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
- $100 fee reimbursement towards any of our application and testing expenses.
- 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
- How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing, and finances.
- A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.