Educator Licensing Consultant - Non-Classified

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules and flexible 


Premier medical, dental, vision, and 


Employer-paid short-term disability &

Paid PFML (up to 160 hours)

11 paid holidays

PERA retirement

RTD Eco Pass

Paid professional development

Job summary

Colorado Department of Education (CDE) seeks an Educator Licensing Consultant to guide educator licensure applications, analyze credentials, and advise districts and universities on licensure options. You will provide holistic support via phone, email, and in person, aiming for timely, fair credential issuance.

The role emphasizes customer service, policy interpretation, and collaboration with school districts and teacher preparation programs across Colorado.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• At least two years of experience in a school/education setting working with teachers, administrators, and districts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and proofreading.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Guide applicants through credentialing options and licensure pathways via phone, email, online services and in person.
• Collaborate with educators and districts to provide consultation and guidance on licensure pathways.
• Advise on traditional and alternative preparation pathways and credentialing options.
• Provide technical assistance and support to educators, HR personnel, and IHE representatives.
• Analyze licensure applications to issue credentials fairly and equitably.
• Maintain licensure evaluation cycle within 10 business days to issue credentials timely.

Skills

Strong written and verbalcommunication

Strong computer and online/web skills

Attention to detail

Analytical reading of education/transr

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university

Tools

COOL system

Microsoft Office

Google Docs

Job description

Colorado Department of Education – What We Do

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and accountability to the state's 178 school districts, 1,888 schools, over 53,000 teachers, and over 3,200 administrators to help them build capacity to meet the needs of the state's approximately 905,000 public school students. In addition, CDE provides structural and administrative support to the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind and the Charter School Institute.

As the administrative arm of the State Board of Education, CDE is responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, disbursing state and federal funds, holding schools and districts accountable for performance, licensing all educators, and providing public transparency of performance and financial data.

CDE is a values-based agency that serves students, parents, and the general public by protecting public trust through ensuring adherence to laws, strong stewardship of public funds, and accountability for student performance.

CDE strives to incorporate five core values that we uphold in our work internally and externally. If you come to CDE, be prepared to incorporate Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Trust, and commitment to Service in what you do.

Why Work For CDE

The work we do is rewarding and impacts the students, families, educators, and communities across Colorado. Our leadership also promotes a culture that puts families and self-care as a priority. Along with meaningful work and an environment that puts employees first, the state also offers rich benefits that intend to make us an Employer of Choice!

• Flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours, working from home, working in the office, and/or a hybrid working environment.
• Premier medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance options. All with a generous employer contribution keeping employee costs as low as possible.
• Employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance.
• Up to 160 hours of Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals.
• Retirement through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) www.copera.org.
• Employer-paid RTD Eco Pass (certain restrictions may apply).
• Paid professional development opportunities.

A wide salary range is posted for this position, and any job offer is based upon a salary analysis to comply with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The salary analysis considers relevant experience, education, certifications, and state seniority relative to others performing substantially similar work. While most salary offers are made within the posted range, occasionally an offer is made below or above the posted range based upon this salary analysis.

Work Environment

This position is full-time and is eligible for a hybrid work environment.

• Extended hours during the evening or the weekend may be required by business needs.
• Commuting to the CDE buildings will be required.
• Occasional travel to off-site locations for meetings, such as all-staff meetings, may be required.
• A Remote (Home) office is required.
• Required to report to the work location per business needs.
• Essential Functions (ADAAA)
  • LIGHT/Office environment:
    • Required to sit, view a computer screen, and utilize a keyboard and mouse for extended periods of time.
    • May be required to lift and move up to 10 lbs of force frequently or 20 lbs occasionally.
    • Required lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, walking, etc.
    • Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Position Summary

If you enjoy helping people, solving challenging problems, and interpreting policies with fairness and consistency, this role is for you.

The Educator Licensing Consultant is the first point of contact for Colorado's educator licensure process, serving as a trusted resource for educators, school districts, universities, and preparation programs. You'll provide individualized guidance, analyze licensure applications, interpret Colorado laws and rules, and help applicants find the best pathway toward earning their credentials.

This is more than reviewing applications—it's about empowering educators and supporting Colorado schools through exceptional customer service and informed decision-making.

The licensing consultant provides holistic individualized guidance, support, and counseling to aspiring educators and educator licensure candidates via phone, email, online services, and in person. The educator licensing consultant is the first line of support for all educator licensure applicants and analyzes applications for Colorado educator licenses, issuing credentials to qualifying individuals. The licensing consultant provides friendly and knowledgeable technical assistance for traditional and alternative educator preparation programs and district and charter school human resource hiring managers.

The final salary is anticipated to fall within the posted salary range; however, it could be higher or lower depending on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications of the preferred candidate while considering internal equity.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• A. Serve as a counselor, subject-matter expert, problem-solving team member, and consultant to guide applicants, educator candidates, and internal and external stakeholders through credentialing options and licensure pathways, as well as the application and licensure process via phone, e-mail, online services, and in person.
• B. Collaborate with the Colorado educator workforce to provide consultation, information, guidance, technical assistance, and support to candidates regarding appropriate educator preparation pathways to teacher licensure and alternative principal preparation.
• C. Consult and advise educators, school district/BOCES HR personnel, and institutes of higher education (IHEs)/designated agency program representatives regarding traditional and alternative preparation pathways to licensure, including various credentialing options and career and technical education authorizations and requirements.
• D. Provide technical assistance and support to educators, school district HR personnel, and IHE/designated agency program representatives.
• E. Consult with designated agency personnel regarding educator preparation compliance, candidate requirements, school/district placements, and other nuances of alternative preparation in Colorado.
• F. Independently analyze and make recommendations regarding applications for licensure utilizing application data, established guidelines, theory, principals, concepts, professional standards, Colorado Revised Statute and Colorado State Board of Education rule to approve, disapprove or problem-solve licensure requests to reach a conclusion that results in fair and equitable treatment of each licensure applicant and an appropriately issued credential (if applicable), and ensures the integrity of the credential and endorsement requirements.
• G. Analyze questions, concerns, and process constraints to provide consultation, customer service, and solve licensure problems.
• H. Strive to maintain an educator licensure application evaluation cycle within 10 business days of application to issue appropriate credentials in a timely, fair, and consistent manner.
• I. Serve as an initial point of contact for the Colorado education workforce regarding licensure requirements, pathways to licensure, fingerprinting and background services, and application status.
• J. Through direct phone contact, email, and online services, serves as a consultant, counselor, and main point of contact to assigned applicants, advising them on licensure concerns, additional academic needs, and/or content exams, approval options, and alternative educator preparation programs and other options for credentialing.
• K. Through ongoing collaboration with education workforce applicants, utilize judgment and conceptual principles to provide technical assistance to applicants in consideration of their unique needs, circumstances, and experiences, to assist the applicant in any way possible.
• L. Analyze, interpret, maintain, and utilize (via effective and efficient computer skills in the COOL system, Microsoft Office suite, and other online services) up-to-date resource information that reflects current state laws, state board of education rules and regulations, and unit reference materials and job aids.
• M. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a combination of education and experience totaling six (6) years.

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university.

• At least two (2) or more years of experience in a school/education setting working with teachers, special services providers, principals, and/or administrators.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS

• Ability to analyze an individual's education as demonstrated through transcripts, experience, and other qualifications in light of applicable state statute and state board rule.
• Strong computer and online/web services skills, such as search engines, chat features, Google Docs, Microsoft Office (ex, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams) products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, and willingness to regularly speak with individuals by phone and/or chat.
• Strong attention to detail (to include proofreading work, communications, research, etc.).
• Ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (i.e., other CDE units, school districts, etc.).
• Ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and to meet deadlines.
• Takes initiative and exhibits a proactive approach to work.
• Ability to think and work both independently and interactively as part of a team.
• Ability to sit for long periods.
• Exhibits CDE's mission, vision, and values by the consistent expression of professional, inclusive, respectful, and customer service-oriented behaviors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail (proofing work, spelling, grammar, formatting, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively balance quality of work and productivity expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers (e.g. school districts, other CDE units).
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize work to accommodate and meet the changing needs of the department and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and exhibit a proactive approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to identify problems and recommend solutions prior to the standard being jeopardized.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as on a team.

Preferred Qualifications (Preferred/Not Required)

• Experience in public or private education, including administration or teaching.
• Valid or expired educator license preferred.

Conditions of Employment (Required)

• Must be willing and able to submit to the pre-screening process and pass a background check.
• Ability and willingness to independently determine, obtain means, and complete required travel.
• Work extended schedule per business needs.
• Report to work location per business needs.

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time-sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email.

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, a medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].