January Newsletter 2026

Checkpoint Information!

Three checkpoints exist to assist students in completing various PTEP requirements. Each checkpoint has a Canvas shell. Checkpoints include a mandatory meeting (different from the group advising meetings that are part of the mathematics education programs, you must attend both) as well as completing an application and submitting it to the School of Teacher Education (STE). If planning to take STEP 161, STEP 363, OR STEP 464 in Fall 2026 students should see the relevant Canvas Checkpoint course shell. If not, students need to contact Cheryl Sparks (Cheryl.Sparks@unco.edu) right away. Dr. Reiten (lindsay.reiten@unco.edu) signs as the content advisor for all checkpoints, please email her the electronic major content approval form to sign. Checkpoint 1 includes completing the fingerprint background check. Checkpoint 2 includes taking the Praxis test.

Checkpoint #1 (Initial Admission to PTEP):

• Applications are due March 13^th if you plan on taking STEP 161 in Fall 2025. Applications include a fingerprint background check – don’t wait to get started!
• Must attend one of the following meetings: Monday, February 23^rd from 4:00 – 5:30 pm or Tuesday, February 24^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Checkpoint #2 (Full Admission to PTEP):

• Applications are due March 2^nd if you plan on taking STEP 363 in Fall 2025. Applications include taking the PRAXIS (you do not have to have passed at this stage)
• Must attend one of the following meetings: Monday, February 9^th from 4:00 – 5:30 pm or Tuesday, February 10^th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Checkpoint #3 (Application for Student Teaching):

• Applications are due February 13^th if you plan on taking STEP 464 in Fall 2025; Applications include passing the PRAXIS with scores to submit
• Must attend the following meeting: Monday, January 26^th  from 4:30 – 6:00 pm or Tuesday, January 27^th from 5:00 – 6:30 pm.

UNC Scholarship Application

UNC offers a wide variety of scholarship opportunities for which current students are eligible to apply. The scholarship application (visit URSA) IS OPEN and closes on February 1^st. See the Some scholarships have earlier application dates than others, so the earlier you apply the more opportunities you have to receive scholarships. Don’t wait to get started!

Praxis Information

To become licensed by the Colorado Department of Education, future mathematics teachers need to pass the appropriate Praxis exam. To send your scores to UNC, use the code 4074 when taking the exam. You are given 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete 66 questions (not all questions are scored the same). Each attempt costs $130; you can take it as many times as necessary. You must take the Praxis before STEP 363 and pass it before STEP 464 (Student Teaching).  See the Hallway Peer Mentor Board for an application to receive free access to the 240 Tutoring. 

Versions and Passing Scores 

• Secondary Math Teachers (7-12) take Praxis 5165 and get a score of 159 to pass. 
• Middle School Math Teachers (6-8) take Praxis 5164 and get a score of 157 to pass

Come to Mentor Hours to see/discuss the solutions.