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Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL) Overview
The APPEL is an Educator Preparation Program as defined by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Administrative Rules R277-303: Educator Preparation Programs.
APPEL programs are administered by local school districts, charter schools, or the Board, and prepare individuals to meet the requirements for a Utah professional license or license area of concentration. The State of Utah currently has alternative preparation programs that lead to professional license areas in elementary education, secondary education, career and technical education, special education, and preschool special education.
To enroll as a candidate in an APPEL program, an individual needs to be employed in a Utah school district or charter school that has a partnership with an approved APPEL program. Each APPEL program establishes their own criteria for admission and other requirements may apply. Please reach out to the program website or program director for more information.
Elementary, Secondary, or Career and Technical Education (CTE)
The APPEL programs in elementary education, secondary education, and CTE are administered by local school districts, charter schools, or consortiums of districts and charter schools.
APPEL Utah State Board of Education Approved Programs
Special Education and Preschool Special Education (SpEd)
The APPEL program in special education and preschool special education is administered by USBE.
USBE Alternate Path to Professional Educator Licensure - Special Education (USBE APPEL-SpEd)
APPEL FAQs
APPEL Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Google Docs
Program Approval
How to Become an Approved APPEL Program
If you represent a Utah school district or charter school and would like to apply to become an approved APPEL program on behalf of your Local Education Agency (LEA).
Program Approval Documents
APPEL Local Education Agency (LEA) Program Approval Application 2020
APPEL Program Application Guidance
APPEL Utah State Board of Education Approved Programs
Google Docs
(External Web Content)
Completed program approval applications should be e-mailed in a PDF format to appel@schools.utah.gov.
Model Program
Meeting Recordings
20240926 APPEL Directors Meeting YouTube
20240829 APPEL DIrectors Meeting YouTube
20240425 APPEL Directors Meeting YouTube
20240328 APPEL Directors Meeting YouTube
20240222 APPEL Directors Meeting YouTube
20240125 APPEL Directors Meeting YouTube
Resources
Competencies
Elementary Content Competencies
General Teacher Preparation Competencies
2025 General Teacher Preparation Competency Guidebook (Google Doc)
Student Teaching Evaluation Rubric (STER) July 2024
APPEL Program Documents
Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL) Consent to Release Educator’s Records
(External Web Content)Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL) Professional License Plan (PLP) Checklist for Secondary and Career and Technical Education (CTE)(External Web Content
APPEL Program: Director's Handbook (2024 Edition)
APPEL Program: Program Director Duties
APPEL Program: Professional License Plan (PLP) Guidance
APPEL Program Schedule Guidance
Development for Classroom Teachers Mentors
Utah State Board of Education Educator Development
Preparing Utah Educators on Principles for Classroom Instruction
University Partnerships(PDF File)(PDF File)
Administrative & School Supports