Teaching & Learning

About the Department

students in class

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.

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Program Accreditations

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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:

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:

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

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Are you curious about ways to pay for your education to become a teacher? The Colorado Center for Rural Education has resources for you.

Download Financial Resources PDF

Department Mission, Vision, & Goals

Vision & Mission Statement

We endeavor to be the foremost regional College of Education, fostering a just and inclusive global society.
We prepare teachers, leaders, and counselors who embrace equity, inquiry, and innovation.

The mission and goals of the College of Education and the Department of Teaching and Learning guide graduate students to not only develop and enhance the knowledge and skills expected in graduate study but also to provide a meaningful structure for supporting the essential elements of each program.

The model assumes that professional educators will serve as instructional leaders within their school lettings and that learning to teach is a developmental process. Teachers enhance their instructional leadership skills by increasing their professional knowledge base and reflecting on practice.

Goals

  • Ensure high-quality preparation of education and counseling professionals
  • Engage in research-based inquiry and practice
  • Provide continual professional growth opportunities
  • Infuse and enhance the use of technology
  • Embrace equity, diversity, and social justice
  • Collaborate with campus and community partners to effect change
  • Work across our college and university to optimize efficiency and effectiveness

Looking for Application Support?

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Considering a career in education? We've got you covered. Our partners at TEACH Colorado will help you get started with confidence. Sign up today for free access to:

  • 1-on-1 advising from experts
  • Monthly group advising webinars to help you take the next step.
  • Multilingual how-to guides.
  • Fee reimbursements, scholarships, and more!
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Exams & Licensing Information

Praxis Exam

Teaching and Leading in Colorado
The Praxis® tests help Colorado educators demonstrate their knowledge of content, pedagogy, and instructional skills for the classroom. These tests are important components of Colorado's licensure and certification process and include:

  • Praxis® Subject Assessments — tests that measure general and subject-specific content knowledge that you need for beginning teaching

CDE Educator Licensing

State of Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Licensing
CDE continuously improves Colorado’s education system to provide students with the future skills and essential knowledge needed for success in a globally competitive world.