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English Learner Requirements - Information for PD Programs and Providers

New English learner professional development requirement for teachers

To help better support students in Colorado who are English language learners, the State Board of Education adopted new rules in June 2018 requiring educators with elementary, math, science, social studies and English language arts endorsements to complete a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education training or professional development (PD). These teachers must complete the new licensing requirement:

  • When renewing their license that expires on or after Sept. 1, 2025
  • Only once over the course of their professional during the term of their license

In order to meet the new English Learner PD requirement, teachers must demonstrate completion of training or professional development activities equivalent to 45 clock/contact hours or three semester hours in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education. Teachers with previous CLD training, experience or professional development can count it towards meeting the new English Learner PD requirement.

The earliest licensed teachers will be required to add this new designation to their license is September 2025. To view all the CLD requirements and available options for teachers visit the English Learner PD Requirement - Information for Educators webpage.

Navigate the English Learner Educator Licensure Requirements


Waivers

Districts, BOCES and charter school authorized by the Charter School Institute (CSI) with an average English learner population of two percent or fewer over a three year period will have a waiver option available for educators. The waiver can be requested by the district superintendent or principal of a CSI authorized charter school. More detailed information will be made available regarding this waiver process at a later date.


CDE Approved English Learner Professional Development Programs

Districts, BOCES, charter schools and PD providers can support teachers in meeting the new English Learner PD requirement by seeking approval from CDE to offer a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education training program. The steps below outline the process to gain approval as an English Learner Professional Development Program. A quick informational webinar regarding English Learner Professional Development Pathways recorded on July 31, 2018, is also available.

Not all PD offerings need to be pre-approved by CDE.  CDE is only pre-approving programs that offer the requisite 45 contact hours and address all standards and associated elements.  For more detailed information on how educators can obtain credit for PD that has not been pre-approved by CDE, click here to read about individual PD verification.

1. Complete the English Learner PD Standards Matrix

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2. Submit the CDE Approved English Learner PD Program Application

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4. Renew program approval with CDE every 3 years

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Renewal application link will be sent directly to programs.