Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD)
Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL)
Information for Associate Educator License (AEL) Candidates

The Associate Educator License (AEL) is available to individuals who wish to teach in Utah but have not yet completed an approved educator preparation program. This license allows individuals to begin teaching in the Salt Lake City School District while working toward the requirements for a Utah Professional Educator License. The AEL is valid for three years.

To view all available AEL application types, please visit the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) AEL Application 

USBE Educator Licensing

AEL Eligibility Requirements

All successful AEL applicants must:

• Create a Utah educator record through the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).
• Complete all USIMS checklist items, including:
  • Licensing questions
  • Criminal background check
  • Educator ethics review
• Complete all four AEL modules in Canvas.
• Meet one of the following academic requirements:
  1. Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
  2. Be currently enrolled in a university-based, Board-approved educator preparation program leading to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Please note that specific requirements vary depending on the type of AEL. Refer to the USBE AEL application page for detailed information.

SLCSD APPEL Program Overview

Step-by-Step Process for AEL Candidates:

1. Obtain an AEL from the Utah State Board of Education.
2. Apply for a teaching position within SLCSD that aligns with your AEL qualifications.
   View Current SLCSD Job Openings
3. Receive a recommendation for hire from a SLCSD hiring manager and complete the onboarding process through Human Resource Services.
4. Upon hire, you will be placed in the SLCSD APPEL Program.
5. An HR Education Specialist will:
   • Review your transcripts.
   • Conduct an initial meeting to outline program expectations and requirements.
6. The APPEL Director and Education Specialist will assign a mentor to support your development.
7. Collaborate with your APPEL team—including your mentor and school administrator—to:
   • Identify any required college coursework (e.g., pedagogy, learning environments, literacy).
   • Develop a support plan to demonstrate competencies required for professional licensure.
8. Complete the Pedagogical Performance Assessment (PPAT) prior to licensure recommendation.
9. Once all program requirements are fulfilled, the APPEL Director will recommend you for a Professional Educator License.