Washoe County School District was recently authorized by the Nevada Department of Education to host an Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL) program, which allows teachers to work on a provisional license while they complete the coursework required for full licensure. 

 News Story regarding WCSD's ARL Program

ARL is available for high-needs teaching areas:

Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education, Secondary Math, Secondary Science, Music (K-12 or 7-12), Physical Education, Spanish, French, German, and Mandarin Chinese.

ARL candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher and may not have been previously licensed or have completed student teaching in the United States. 

Step 1 - Online Application

Access WCSD’s Online Application System and fill out a Certified application. 

If you don’t currently possess some type of license issued by the Nevada Department of Education (i.e. Substitute teaching license), please enter “ARL” in all of the required fields on the "Licensing" page so that the system recognizes there is a record entered.  Make sure you have four professional confidential references returned and have attached a copy of your transcripts to your application.  

Once your application is complete:

Apply by November 30 in order to complete Orientation and Pre-Service Training in the Spring and become eligible for contract hire the following Fall. Apply by July 14 in order to complete Orientation and Pre-Service Training in the Fall and become eligible for contract hire the following Spring. 

Step 2 – Praxis Core or CBEST Exam

All applicants must pass the Praxis Core or CBEST Exams in Reading, Writing and Math before being admitted into the ARL Cohort. 

Step 3 – Become a Guest Teacher (Substitute Teacher) in WCSD

• Apply for a substitute teacher license with the Nevada Department of Education
• Complete a WCSD Certified Application
• Go to the "Jobs" tab in your WCSD Certified Application and search for the "Guest Teacher" posting.  Click "View/Apply" and "Apply."  
• When you receive your substitute license and your WCSD Certified Application is complete, send an email to the suboffice@washoeschools.net and ask to be a substitute teacher in WCSD 
• It takes 8-10 weeks to obtain a license from the Nevada Department of Education, so begin now!

Step 4 – Interview with the ARL Coordinator

Any applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be interviewed by our ARL Coordinator to assess the program and teaching potential.

Step 5 – Orientation and Pre-Service Training

• Attend the Orientation - Mandatory
• Internship – 120 hours of in-class observation and participation
• 60-hour meeting - Meeting between the ARL Coordinator, ARL intern, and the lead teacher
• Boot Camp – 120 hours of professional development training
• Praxis Testing for Secondary Teachers – Secondary Teachers (Math, Science, Language, Physical Education and Music) must pass content-specific Praxis exams before they are allowed to go into our hiring pools and apply for positions

Step 6 – Lesson Observation

Candidates will teach a lesson in a WCSD classroom and be observed by the ARL Coordinator.

Step 7 - School Site Interviews

Candidates interview with school leaders for specific positions.

Step 8 – Program Planning Meeting – Mentor Assigned

Candidates will meet with WCSD’s Licensing Technician to complete a final review of transcripts, CBEST or Praxis scores and to compile the ARL Program Plan-scheduling out the remaining requirements to be completed during the course of the three-year program.

Step 9 – Apply for License

Once a candidate is hired, WCSD applies for a conditional license on the employee’s behalf. 

Step 10 – Educational Program Coursework/Begin Teaching

ARL teachers work in the classroom for up to three years while they complete the coursework and testing requirements for complete licensure.  Once those requirements have been met, the teacher is issued a clear teaching credential.

 

Upcoming Information Sessions:

If you are interested in learning about WCSD's ARL program, please attend a mandatory Info Session.  Click on the link below for dates and Zoom link to attend:  

Spring 2023 Cohort - The last day to apply is November 30, 2022.

Fall 2023 Cohort - The last day to apply is July 14, 2023.

ARL - FAQ - Many of your ARL questions are answered here.  

For more questions, please email Dr. Janet L Pulleyn.  

ARL Providers 2022

The District prohibits bullying, cyber-bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation in any of its educational programs/activities, employment, and employment opportunities.  For the District's full Notice of Non-Discrimination statement as well as methods to address questions and concerns please visit our Notice of Non-Discrimination and Web Accessibility page.