University of Colorado Denver & Trinidad State College

The Partnership for Rural Educator Preparation (T-PREP)

About the Program

T-PREP is a unique and flexible program that provides tomorrow’s teachers who are living and/or working in rural communities with a way to earn a four-year degree and teaching license without leaving home.

Key Features

  • Start taking classes on the Alamosa or Trinidad campuses of Trinidad State College (TSC) to earn your associate degree. 
  • Complete the rest of your classes as a CU Denver student in face-to-face classes taught by CU Denver faculty on Trinidad State campuses or online.
  • Focus on Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education or Special Education.
  • Spend time in local schools or early childhood centers each semester and throughout your program.
  • Save money by opting into BA to MA (BAMA). In BAMA, three classes you take during your senior year double count towards both your bachelor’s and your master’s degrees and are billed at the undergraduate tuition rate. 
  • Expand your options as an elementary education teacher by taking two extra classes and adding a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse endorsement to your elementary education teaching license.

For More Information

Contact Us

Claudia Trujillo
Email: Claudia.trujillo@trinidadstate.edu
Phone: 719-846-5552

Stacey Holland, TPREP at TSC (Valley) Residency Coordinator
Email: stacey.holland@ucdenver.edu

Kaddo Bates, TPREP at TSC Recruitment and Admissions Navigator
Email: Kaddo.Bates@trinidadstate.edu
Phone: 719-846-5612

Why earn a bachelor’s degree?

By choosing a T-PREP pathway, your career opportunities will widen. In TPREP, we prepare highly competent professionals who embrace the whole child in inclusive, culturally and linguistically diverse settings. Continuing your education can help to advance your knowledge and abilities to be an agent of social change and serve young children, youth and families more effectively. The School of Education & Human Development at CU Denver is rated a top school by U.S. News and World Report, and our graduates become some of the best-prepared teachers in the country.  Requirements for the teaching workforce are evolving in Colorado and in the age of universal Pre-K. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree now will prepare you to work with students in Pre-K through 12th grade and enable you to serve in leadership positions in the future. Additional schooling, spent in a caring, networked learning community, will be an asset to you.

Licensure Options

T-PREP Licensure Options at Trinidad State

  • Early Childhood Education (ages 0 - 8)
  • Elementary Education (grades K - 6)
  • Special Education (ages 5 - 21)
  • Middle School Math (grades 6-8)*

*Candidates can add the secondary math grades 7-12 license by passing an additional state licensure exam.

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