Teacher of Record License Checklist

Preparing to Apply

This checklist is for ...

Applicants who, along with their employing school district and Colorado college/university teacher preparation program, have received CDE's approval on their proposed Teacher of Record program.

Not in the right place? Review the other checklists.

Before you begin:

Review the Teacher of Record program guidelines to ensure you under you understand the teacher of record pathway to licensure and meet all qualifications. If you have held a Colorado teacher license or have not been approved to participate in a Teacher of Record program, this pathway is not for you.

Plan Ahead

You will need electronic copies of all documentation.
Allow ample time to request transcripts or other documentation.
Be sure also to review the application process.

Application Fee:

$90.00

License Expires:

2 years from date of issue

Gather the Necessary Information/Documentation

You will need the following to submit a complete TEACHER OF RECORD LICENSE application:

A valid form of government-issued identification.
Copies of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Note: Unofficial transcripts or student records are never accepted. Do not include them in your application.
A copy of your official Praxis exam score report.
A copy of your program plan.
A copy of the program approval letter provided you by CDE.
All prior work experience
Documentation for any self-disclosure(s) related to the following:
- Prior criminal history
- Disciplinary actions
- Issues related to licensure or employment

Then ...

Log in to COOL to create your licensure account (if you have not already done so).
Submit fingerprints (via the dark blue "CDE licensure" icon) to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Ensure you have a current background check on file. You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background check to apply for a license.
- If you have submitted fingerprints for CDE credentialing in the past, but allowed all credentials to lapse, applications to expire or submit within the 30-day window, you must submit a new set of fingerprints to CBI for licensure purposes.
- The status of your background checks will be noticed in your COOL account and within your application(s).

Have everything ready to go?

Once you have gathered all required documentation, have submitted fingerprints to CBI for CDE licensure purposes and have reviewed the licensure process, log in to COOL to complete and submit a TEACHER OF RECORD LICENSE application.

Final Reminders

At the risk of repeating ourselves, we again reiterate these important reminders:

You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background checks to submit an application or you will need to submit a new set of fingerprints for licensure purposes at the time of application.
By submitting an application, you are verifying that you have submitted fingerprints for CDE licensure purposes, provided all requested documentation and answered all questions truthfully.
Within 45 days of receipt, CDE will evaluate the application.
- Upon determination of qualification, CDE will notify the applicant and the corresponding certificate will be available for view or print in the individual's account.
- Should the application be found incomplete, CDE will notify the applicant to specify the information needed to complete it.
  - Notifications will be sent via email and available in your COOL account.
  - An applicant has 60 days from the date of initial notification to cure the deficiency (i.e.., provide the necessary information or submit background checks) or submit to the department a written request for reconsideration stating the basis for the request. Additional time is not granted to those who receive this notification due to background checks. Any additional deficiency also will need to be cured within the original 60-day period.
    - CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
    - Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
    - An applicant who fails to cure the deficiency or request reconsideration within these 60 days will be deemed as having withdrawn the application, and such withdrawal shall not be subject to appeal or review.
State statute prohibits the refunding of any application fee.
Once you have submitted an application, it is your responsibility to check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.

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