Educator effectiveness — a Colorado priority

Attracting, developing and supporting effective educators

Great teachers and great leaders matter. Classroom teaching and principal leadership are the strongest predictors of student achievement. That’s why the Colorado Department of Education is focused on helping the state’s 178 school districts better attract, prepare and support educators who significantly improve students’ academic growth and mastery of standards, and prepare students for postsecondary education and the workforce.

Our work to improve the effectiveness of educators fits hand-in-hand with three other major initiatives to increase student learning and close achievement gaps:

• Twenty-first century academic standards that articulate the skills students must master to be successful
• New assessments that measure how much students learn over time, and how ready they are to enter college or the workforce
• A state-of-the-art accountability system that reports how well schools help students master the standards

Recruitment We’re developing a pipeline of talented educators. See available jobs and post openings. Access grants to recruit and retain effective staff.	Preparation We’re reforming how we prepare educators who will make a difference. Learn about changes. Find approved educator preparation programs. Access instructions and forms to become an approved program or seek reauthorization.	Licensure & Qualifications We’re ensuring educators and paraprofessionals are licensed and highly qualified. Find out how to meet these requirements, and track the status of your application.
Induction We’re helping districts provide support and mentoring to new educators. Find information on induction program approval, access grants to support induction, and learn more about the needs and perceptions of new educators.	Evaluation We’re assisting districts with implementing the landmark educator evaluation law S.B. 10-191. Find out how the law connects career advancement with student success starting in fall 2013.	Professional Development, Retention & Recognition We’re connecting educators to ongoing, meaningful support to address new challenges and meet students’ needs. Find continuing education and award opportunities, or weigh in on teaching in Colorado.