Alternative Licensure Program
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
May 2016
Volume 5 Issue 5
CONTACTS
Beth Cutter
ALP Coordinator
719-255-4184
ecutter@uccs.edu
Student Resource Office
Advising appointments, application
questions, signatures on forms
719-255-4996
education@uccs.edu
CDE Educator Licensing Office
Alternative Teacher Licenses
(303) 866-6628
educator.licensing@cde.state.co.us
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
This is the season when candidates
in the ALP “pre-employment pipeline”
begin to notify us that they have
obtained teaching positions for the
upcoming school year. Congratulations
to Jonathan Trujillo, who will be
teaching science at Mountain Ridge
Middle School, to Sabrina Hurwitz, who
will be at Thomas MacLaren, and to
Christopher Menefee, who has been
hired at Monument Academy.
As candidates update us on their
employment status, they are also
gracious about reporting on the
interview questions they recall being
asked. As you prepare for your own
interviews, devote thought and
research ahead of time so you can
answer questions like this:
INSTRUCTION & ASSESSMENT:
(What modes of assessment will you
use in your classroom? How do you
handle differentiation?)
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT: (How
do you build relationships with students?
How do you motivate them?)
TECHNOLOGY: (What does the term
“21st Century Skills” mean to you, and
what are some examples of how you
would infuse 21st Century Skills into your
instruction?)
PERSONAL: (What are you reading right
now? Tell us about a time in your life
when you had to overcome adversity.
How will we benefit from having you as
a part of our staff?)
What is Behind a Well-Managed Classroom?
Even effective veteran teachers acknowledge the challenge of
reaching disengaged or poorly behaved students. For new teachers, however,
the thought of simultaneously delivering engaging instruction and facilitating
appropriate behavior can be intimidating.
ALP candidates take two sequential courses, Instructional and
Classroom Management Strategies I and II*, that provide a solid foundation. In
the meantime, the National Council on Teacher Quality has distilled the
wisdom of sixty years of research into five principles with the most impact:
1. Rules: Establish and teach classroom rules to communicate
expectations for behavior.
2. Routines: Build structure and establish routines to help guide students
in a wide variety of situations.
3. Praise: Reinforce positive behavior using praise and other means.
4. Misbehavior: Consistently impose consequences for misbehavior.
5. Engagement: Maintain student engagement by teaching interesting
lessons that include opportunities for active student participation.
Reminder: CURR 5014 and CURR 5016 are offered in the summer only.
Prioritize taking these courses if you plan to start teaching in the fall.
Attend ALP Orientation on One of Three Dates
Mark your calendars and plan to attend ALP orientation from 4:00-6:00
pm on either May 26, June 29, or July 28 in Columbine 3022. You will meet
fellow members of your cohort, receive your Alternative Teacher Handbook for
2016-17, get briefed on important CDE deadlines, and hear an overview of
how your “ALP year” will unfold. To help us prepare sufficient materials,
please RSVP to Beth Cutter (ecutter@uccs.edu) at least one week ahead.
 If you have never provided us with a copy of your Statement of
Eligibility, please bring one.
 If you have already secured a teaching position for the 2016-17 school
year, bring a copy of your contract and a signed, completed Statement of
Assurance.
You only need to attend one orientation.
Colorado Rural Education Collaborative
Hosts Recruitment Event in Walsenberg
Aspiring teachers who desire to work in rural areas are invited to an
immersion experience that will allow them to explore teaching opportunities in
south central Colorado. Participants will engage with school leaders, students,
and community members through activities, professional development, school
and community tours, and meetings to learn about rural Colorado’s lifestyle,
traditions, and history. They will also be offered the opportunity to interview for
open teaching positions for the 2016-17 school year. Meals and lodging will be
provided, along with a modest participation stipend.
When:
May 17-19, 2016
Where:
Huerfano School District RE-1, Walsenburg, CO
To Register: experienceruralcoloradoteaching.eventbrite.com