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D51 Elevate Program

Educator licensing through alternative training & education

Thinking about becoming a teacher, but don’t have a teaching degree or license? You still have a path forward.D51 Elevate is District 51’s alternative teacher licensure pathway, designed to support new educators through a district-aligned, high-quality preparation program. This two-year experience connects licensure, mentoring, and professional learning so teachers are supported from day one and prepared to succeed in D51 classrooms.

Program Overview

Mesa County Valley School District 51 is committed to providing strong support and meaningful training for new teachers. As a designated agency, D51 created this program to align licensure with the district’s broader new teacher supports, resulting in a sustainable, differentiated, and district-focused experience.

Through D51 Elevate, educators are immersed in the mission, vision, and values of District 51 from the start, helping them become confident and successful members of the school community.

Participation in the program requires candidates to secure a teaching position within District 51.

Throughout the 13–24 month program, participants engage in professional learning aligned to academic standards and responsive to the social and emotional needs of all students. The program is built around D51’s Teaching and Learning Framework and focuses on:

  • Creating learner-centered environments
  • Designing effective learning experiences
  • Monitoring student progress
  • Strengthening professional engagement

The program follows a gradual release model, with an emphasis on foundational teaching skills in year one and inclusive practices in year two.

Participants also receive ongoing support from skilled mentors through professional learning sessions, reflective cycles, and individualized guidance designed to build confidence and instructional expertise.

Program Details

Pathway Type
Alternative Teacher Licensure

Course Format
In Person

Program Length
13–24 months

Region Served
West Central

Audience
Educator Talent

Contact

Melanie Balleweg
Alternative Licensure Specialist

Email: melanie.balleweg@d51schools.org
Phone: (970) 254-5316

Endorsement Areas

D51 Elevate offers alternative licensure support in the following endorsement areas:

  • Agriculture & Renewable Natural Resources (6–12)
  • Business/Marketing (6–12)
  • Computer Science (K–12)
  • Dance (K–12)
  • Drama Theater Arts (K–12)
  • English Language Arts (6–12)
  • Family and Consumer Sciences (6–12)
  • Health (K–12)
  • Mathematics (6–12)
  • Music (K–12)
  • Physical Education (K–12)
  • Science (6–12)
  • Social Studies (6–12)
  • Special Education Generalist (ages 5–21)
  • Technology Education (6–12)
  • Visual Arts (K–12)
  • World Languages (K–12)