Naropa University’s holistic and contemplative approach to education prepares teachers for both the inner and outer challenges they’ll face in the classroom and beyond. In addition to developing teaching skills, the program nurtures each individual’s inner resources. This integrative approach gives students the strength to deal with the demands of being a teacher. Through the use of meditation and stress reduction exercises, students develop the clarity and depth that they need to manifest true compassion, insight and skill in the classroom. The mission of Naropa’s Department of Contemplative Education is to develop in teachers the process for transforming themselves as well as their students.
Each ATLP candidate has a professional support team to provide instruction, supervision and performance evaluations. The team consists of a school principal; an experienced, licensed mentor teacher; and a coach from Naropa University. During the year, participants take 250 clock hours, or the equivalent semester hours, of planned instruction and activities. Training is scheduled by Naropa, as the Designated Agency, to prepare the candidate to meet Colorado’s performance-based standards.
Alternative teachers are employees of the school district, charter or private school. Salaries vary by school district and this information is available from the schools or districts. Alternative teachers are not guaranteed continued employment after completion of the one-year program. Upon successful completion of the ATLP, the candidate is eligible for a three-year Initial Teacher License, the standard entry-level license in the state of Colorado.
For further information, including qualifications and requirements for entrance into ATLP, an outline of the application process, or to request an application, please go to the Alternative Teacher Licensure page on the Colorado Department of Education website.
ATLP Start Dates The Colorado Department of Education recognizes two distinct start dates for the ATLP: August and January.
Most schools are hiring for the academic year which starts sometime in mid to late August of each year. However, in some cases, it makes more sense for the prospective teacher to begin in January of the academic year. In either case, you must have verification of employment for one year from your start date.
Sequence of Courses Naropa University ATLP courses will have the following sequence regardless of an August or January start date.
An intensive one-week introduction to holistic and contemplative classroom management methods, the Jumpstart begins with a half-day orientation to familiarize the participants with Naropa’s Alternative Teacher Licensure Program and state requirements. Mentor teachers are required to attend the orientation and are invited to attend the entire week.
This workshop introduces unique ways in which to build community in the classroom, one of the key elements in classroom management. Other areas covered are the fundamentals of behavior, conflict and conflict resolution, nonviolent communication, ways to create an emotionally safe classroom, leadership skills, relationship building skills, presence in the classroom and practices for personal and professional growth.
September thru December: EDS 570 Teacher Training and Community Building 1 (2)
The one-on-one coaching for ATLP students, this course entails thirty hours of direct teacher supervision, observation, meetings and other learning situations revolving around the student’s grade placement and mentor teacher. This course also includes an online community-building component that all ATLP students, director and faculty participate in to cultivate and support continued training in community-building skills.
January thru May: EDS 580 Teacher Training and Community Building 2 (3)
A continuation of EDS 570. The additional component of this course is two, one-day Reflection Day Workshops (held in January and May) where the ATLP student cohort meets face-to-face to further develop the classroom management skills laid out in the Jumpstart program.
Sequence for August entrants: EDS 560 Jumpstart: Classroom Management Intensive (2)
EDS 570 Teacher Training and Community Building 1 (2)
EDS 580 Teacher Training and Community Building 2 (3) TOTAL CREDITS 7
Sequence for January entrants: EDS 580 Teacher Training and Community Building 2 (3)
EDS 560 Jumpstart: Classroom Management Intensive (2)
EDS 570 Teacher Training and Community Building 1 (2) TOTAL CREDITS 7
ATLP Tuition for 2008: $5,500 $500 – Space Reservation
$2,500 – Session I
$2,500 – Session II
