How do I?

Frequently Asked Questions by Educators

CDE Information

How do I find and apply for jobs at CDE?

To view all current openings for at-will and classified position postings, visit the Job Openings and Employment Application webpage.

Contact the Human Resources Office with questions.The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

Student Loans

How can I pay my student loan?

Contact the U.S. Department of Education at 800-433-3243 or the Education Credit Management Corp. at 866-264-8566.

School and District Information

How do I receive updates and important news from CDE?

The SPARK is CDE's monthly e-newsletter to Colorado teachers with up-to-date information and resources on state-level issues, events and actions involving educators. If you are interested in subscribing to The SPARK or any of CDE's other e-newsletters, visit the Communications Dvision homepage or contact the CDE Communications Office.

How do I find and apply for jobs in Colorado school districts?

CDE does not accept applications for any positions within the school districts we serve in Colorado. In you are interested in employment with one of our many school districts, apply by contacting the specific school district directly. Various job boards are also available for teaching staff such as the Jobs for Teachers website.

Gifted Education

How do I evaluate if a student is gifted and talented?

Visit CDE's Office of Gifted Education to find resources to help identify and support students who have exceptional academic potential and abilities.

Special Education

How do I have a child evaluated for a disability?

If the student is over the age of five, contact the school district in which they reside.

If the student is under the age of five, contact a Child Find specialist at CDE.

How do I evaluate a student for dyslexia?

CDE has compiled resources to support students with reading difficulties including dyslexia. Learn more on the Colorado Dyslexia homepage.

School Quality

How do I assess the quality of schools?

CDE does not assess the value of one school over another. For performance results, visit the Performance Framework Reports and Improvement Plans in SchoolView.

How do I keep up with the implementation process for the 2020 Colorado Academic Standards?

The Standards & Instructional Support Office has multiple resources, including learning modules and an e-newsletter, to help districts become familiar with updates to the CAS.

Student Records

How do I obtain transcripts from a closed college or university?

Contact the Colorado Department of Higher Education via their website or by calling at 303-862-3001.

How do I obtain a copy of my GED?

Go to Diplomasender.com or call 855-313-5799.

How do I obtain a copy of my diploma?

Districts to not keep copies of student diplomas, but districts are required to retain student transcripts in perpetuity. You will need to contact the school district in which your student attended school.

Educator Licensing

How do I renew my license?

Visit the "Applying for a License or Authorization" page, find the type of license you want to renew, and click to view the application checklist. The checklist will walk you through all of the steps required, including education requirements, identification that must be submitted, and more.

How do I become a teacher in Colorado?

Visit the "Applying for a License or Authorization" page, find the type of teacher license you want to apply for, and click to view the application checklist. The checklist will walk you through all of the steps required, including education requirements, identification that must be submitted, and more.

How do I look up my current license or view the status of pending licenses?

Log into your eLicensing account and click on the "Credential/Application Information" tab that may contain information pertaining to pending applications as well as current and past credentials.

Note: Information prior to 2011 may not be visible to you in this lookup as that information was migrated from our old system into eLicensing and may reside in a secondary account. If your school district is inquiring, have them login to their eLicensing account where they will be able to see this older information. In the future we will merge this data into your single account. You also may not see all of your information if you have created multiple eLicensing accounts.

How does someone get a substitute license?

Colorado Issues three types of substitute authorizations: 1-year authorization, 3-year authorization, and 5-year authorization. A substitute authorization allows you to work in a Colorado public school as a substitute teacher. The substitute authorizations are issued without grade level or subject endorsement area. Visit the Substitute Application webpage in the Educator Licensing Office for more information.