Learning Cohorts: Leading New Educators

Creating Conditions where New Educators can Succeed and Stay

Leaders across Colorado are welcoming educators entering the profession through alternative licensure, J-1 visas, apprenticeships, and other non-traditional pathways. These educators bring diverse experiences and unique assets, and can also face steep learning curves.

This learning cohort supports school and district leaders in creating systems where new educators are supported, coached, and retained. Together, we’ll explore leadership moves that strengthen early development, build belonging, and help new educators thrive so every classroom has a strong, stable teacher.

Our Approach | Lead with Intention. Build Educator Success.

Through focused goal setting, expert-led learning, and peer collaboration, participants will explore practical strategies to support and retain educators on non-traditional licensure paths. This cohort emphasizes school-based mentoring, coaching, and system alignment to help teachers thrive and stay. Leaders will gain tools and insights to strengthen support systems, foster belonging, and build sustainable pathways for educator success in their schools and communities.

Learning Cohort Facilitators

The District Improvement Strategy Office Team and cross-office partners from the Colorado Department of Education.

Participants

We invite district and school leaders who support teacher professional learning, induction, supervision, and retention, especially those working with educators on non-traditional licensure paths. This cohort is designed for leaders ready to strengthen systems and build sustainable supports for new educators.

Common Roles Include:

District: Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and District Directors
BOCES: Executive Directors and Directors
School: Principals, Assistant Principals, and other school leadership staff

District, BOCES, and School Administrators & Teams

Apply Here

Session Schedule

Session 1 - 9-11-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 2 - 10-9-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 3 - 11-20-25 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 4 - 1-15-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 5 - 2-11-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual
Session 6 - 3-12-26 | 9:00-12:00 | Virtual

Session FAQs

CDE licensure credit is available
Participants register for individual sessions
In-person events include light breakfast & lunch
Locations shared in August, tied to enrollment
Limited travel reimbursement for participants traveling 100+ miles
We ask that participants notify supervisors to ensure support and system alignment