Costs and Admissions

We are aware that PRAXIS/ETS testing centers are currently closed due to COVID-19. We are making accommodations to the PRAXIS exam application requirement, please contact us for more details: ed_admissions@western.edu.

• Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency*
  • Colorado Fingerprinting, available in Gunnison and other Colorado cities. Enter CBI Unique Code: 5671VECG.
  • IdentoGo, enter the Service Code: 25YQ54. Enter Western’s OCA number: CONCJ 5671.
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Resume
• Payment of university application fee (application fee is waived for the remainder of the 2020-21 application cycle)
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 GPA or higher
• Two prompt-based essays
• Proof of knowledge of the content area by one of the following**
  • Passing a Praxis Subject Assessment (Special Education and Elementary Education must pass the Praxis Subject Assessment for Elementary Education Content Knowledge #5001)
  • A conferred degree in relevant content area
  • A content evaluation of 24 semester hours of transcripted college coursework

*Please note that you will need to complete an additional set of fingerprints and background check through CDE prior to starting student teaching.

**Please note that CDE requires its own content area check for licensing upon completion of the licensing program in May.

Additional Requirements for Alternative Teacher Licensure Candidates

• Secure a full-time teaching position in your endorsement area and submit your employment contract with your application.
• Submit a Statement of Assurance to CDE after being admitted.

For more information on Alternative Licensure, see the Colorado Department of Education Alternative Teacher Program website.

• Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Letter from principal or HR office confirming employment as licensed teacher or counselor for two years upon starting the program (Note: This requirement does not apply to Alternative Principal Authorization Plan Candidates.)
• Payment of university application fee (application fee is waived for the remainder of the 2020-21 application cycle)
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
• Two prompt-based essays
• Statement of mentor principal support

Additional Requirements for Alternative Principal Authorization Plan Candidates:

• Obtain a Statement of Eligibility from CDE
• Secure a full-time principal or assistant principal position
• Submit a signed statement of mentor principal support

For more information on Alternative Principal Authorization, see the Colorado Department of Education Alternative Principal Authorization Plan Candidates website.

• Copy of current teaching license
• Two professional recommendation forms
• Professional Resume
• Two prompt-based essays
• Payment of university application fee (application fee is waived for the remainder of the 2020-21 application cycle)
• Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher

To be successful in coursework in this emphasis, you should be a practicing teacher working in your own classroom while pursuing the program.