Colorado is growing its own new teachers, making it easier and more affordable to land a teaching job here.
With teaching openings increasing at an estimated 3.3 percent and teacher assistant posts expected up 3.9 percent through 2016, they are among the 25 fastest-growing occupations in the seven-county Denver metro area. Preschool teachers have a 30-percent projected growth rate in Colorado in that period.
Among the largest employment sectors in the Denver area, all educational services are projected to add 29 percent more jobs, from 86,485 positions to 111,829 from 2006 to 2016, according to the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment.
Some of these jobs will go to career changers who have a college degree, but who need teacher training, licensing and experience. They can gain all of it through some area programs.
• Through year-long classroom teaching residency, mentoring and research-based course work, the *Boettcher Teachers Program* provides an affordable way for college graduates, career changers and those with teaching licenses to become teachers in and for high-need public schools.
The program is a partnership of the Boettcher Foundation, Public Education & Business Coalition, University of Denver Morgridge College of Education, Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Mapleton Public Schools.
To apply, visit http://www.boettcherteachers.org/application-process_how.aspx. The deadline for applications is Jan. 11.
• *The Denver Public Schools Denver Teacher Residency* is a similar program for college graduates. Among other requirements, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, did not complete an approved educator preparation program and passed a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
It is perfect for people who don’t have a teaching background, said Juan Pablo Parodi, residency program recruitment and operations manager. “It suits those who may be looking to switch careers or who have recently found themselves out of work, but who have a bachelor’s degree in any field, or, for the upcoming year, are currently finishing a bachelor’s degree and will complete it by June of 2010.”
Designed to be completed in five years, applicants leave with a DPS teaching job, a teaching license in elementary education and a master’s of arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education. They also take home a check reimbursing them for their tuition.
“For the 2009 residency, we’ve hired 27 people,” said Parodi, “and we plan on increasing that number to 50 for 2010.”
The program progresses as follows:
Year 1 (Residency) – Placement in a DPS high-needs elementary school with four to eight fellow residents.
*Learn and teach with a DPS lead teacher* who acts as a mentor and adviser to the resident. Prepare participants to receive an elementary endorsement in either linguistically diverse education or special education. Participate in a learning community focused on improving student learning; understanding and applying instructional theory; and promoting professional growth. Participate in M.A. coursework. A teaching license is awarded to teacher candidates upon successful completion of residency in year one of the program and ongoing demonstration of competency.
Year Two – *Hired as a full-time teacher* within a DPS high-needs school, with a competitive salary. Mentoring and support are provided throughout first year in classroom. Complete M.A. degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver. Ongoing exchange of ideas and practice with DTR participants.
Years Three to Five – *Continue as DPS teacher in a high-needs school*. Ongoing access to professional development and support resources provided to DPS teachers. Partial tuition reimbursement.
*Support along the way*
Program supports include – $10,000 stipend during residency year and access to health care benefits. Access to financial aid advice through the university. Partial tuition reimbursement upon fulfillment of five-year commitment to program and DPS (includes residency year). Teaching position at a DPS high-needs school upon successful completion of residency in year one with ongoing demonstration of competency. Access to resources to develop and improve teaching skills.
The deadline for applicants is March 19. For more information about the Denver Public Schools Denver Teacher Residency program, visit www.denverteacherresidency.org.
_Sam DeLeo is a writer and designer in The Denver Post Creative Services Department._
