The Colorado Department of Education oversees the education system in Colorado, providing support and resources for families, educators, and districts. It manages educator licensing, school quality, early learning programs, and student support services.

Colorado Department of Education

The Colorado Department of Education provides oversight and support for schools and districts in Colorado, focusing on educator licensing, quality schools, early learning, student supports, standards and assessments, and postsecondary readiness.

Colorado Department of Education | 14,567 followers on LinkedIn. Our vision is to create an equitable educational environment where all students and staff in Colorado thrive. We serve, guide, and elevate Colorado&#39;s 178 school districts, 1,836 schools, and 56,000+ educators to help improve student outcomes and ensure students and families across Colorado have access to high-quality schools.

Zarra Keith

Regional Program Manager at Colorado Department of Education, Division of Capital Construction

Jay Hoskinson

Experienced Financial Analyst/Data Analyst, Internal Auditor

Anissa El Bialy

For National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, we’re honoring the school and district staff who support students experiencing homelessness. Greeley-Evans School District 6 Family Center and Cultural Excellence Director David Reyes, Jr. has spent the last four years focused on raising awareness and ensuring equitable educational access for students experiencing homelessness. He says “this work is about breaking the cycle of poverty” and is inspired when he sees his students graduate high school and pursue further education. Outside of work, David enjoys golfing, gardening, and family time.

It’s Teacher Tuesday, and we’re highlighting Eaton School District RE-2 third grade teacher Kari Kozak! Kari has been teaching for 31 years and works at Eaton Elementary School. She serves on the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) committee, sponsors the student council, and is the site coordinator and coach for Girls on the Run International . Kari says her favorite part of teaching is seeing her students feel proud of their hard work and accomplishments. “Their excitement brings me so much joy. Some of my former students have even thanked me for inspiring them to pursue careers in science." She told us “I keep teaching because I truly love helping kids learn, grow, and celebrate their successes with them." When she’s not teaching, Kari enjoys running and training for long-distance races. She also volunteers with her daughter at a local dog rescue.

Take a byte out of coding! Celebrate Computer Science Education Week on Dec. 9-15 with activities and resources, including how to participate in the free introductory event, Hour of Code. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gXYehPQ9

After each election, Castle Rock Middle School ( Douglas County School District ) teacher Paula Wills repurposes discarded yard signs for her IT application and design class, using them for projects like mini catapults, wind turbines, and rockets! Wills told that Colorado Community Media 's Douglas County News-Press that her students love using the study, corrugated plastic for their projects. The class teaches design, problem-solving, and resilience: “Nothing is perfect the first time, and it’s OK to fail.” With around 300 students each year, this sustainable approach keeps campaign signs out of landfills. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUEdj-Km

For this week’s Family Engagement Friday, we are highlighting the first National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, hosted here in Denver! Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova gave opening remarks and team members Denver Public Schools , Jeffco Public Schools - Colorado , Douglas County School District , School District 49 , and the Boulder Valley School District lead breakout sessions for a national audience. Our team members of the State Advisory Council for Parent Involvement in Education (SACPIE) also lead sessions. The sessions focused on building teams, evaluating activities, supporting families through the elementary to middle school transition, home visits, partnering with newcomer families, and strengthening high school family engagement. Way to shine, Colorado!

In recognition of National School Psychology Week, we are highlighting Bilingual Assessment team member Margarita Cordero from Denver Public Schools . Margarita is originally from Mexico City and is a proud graduate of the University of Colorado Denver School of Psychology. She said she values her collaboration with other team members, such as nurses, social workers, counselors, administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and the graduate students she supervises. She says: “I love learning from each of them as wella s sharing my knowledge and experiences” Margarita said she is motivated by learning about students’ stories and “identifying their strengths and needs and then coming up with different ways to help them succeed in their educational journeys. After experiencing firsthand the cultural shock of moving to a different country, I feel passionate about advocating for multilingual learners." When not at school, Margarita likes being outdoors with her dog.

For National School Psychology Week, we are highlighting Boulder Valley School District psychologist Savannah Joyal who works at Monarch PK8. Savannah says she loves making a difference in students' lives. “Building trusting relationships with students is one of my favorite interventions...Reflecting on my own time as a student, I know how impactful these connections can be. Showing up for students is motivating because it truly makes a difference.” Outside of school, Savannah enjoys snowboarding and backpacking and is learning Spanish in an effort to become bilingual.

In honor of National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, we are highlighting staff who support youth experiencing homelessness. Jennifer Stephens, the parenting educator at New Legacy Charter School, which is a high school for teen parents and their children. Jennifer joined the school after spending a decade as a stay-at-home mom. “I wanted to find a way to blend my background in parent education, conflict resolution, facilitation, and non-formal education,” she shared. For Jennifer, the most rewarding moments come when students share that something they learned in class has made their lives as teen parents easier. “Each year, my top priority is helping our young parenting students build a supportive community and friendships,” she said. Jennifer wants people to know that students experiencing homelessness, especially those with children, “are some of the most resilient and strong individuals I know. They should inspire all of us!” Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time in nature and exploring the mountains, identifying flowers and hiking with her husband.

Nearly 450 school and district leaders have convened for CDE's learning cohorts, statewide professional learning opportunities that give people a chance to learn from each other and share best practices. The meetings will continue throughout the year on various topics, like newcomer students and chronic absenteeism. Read more in our Field Trips section: https://lnkd.in/g3fvFxBv

It's National School Psychology Week! Meet school psychologist Dr. Nick Liguori who also serves as the Practicum and Internship Training Coordinator at Cherokee Trail High School in Cherry Creek School District . Nick received the 2024 School Psychology DEI Award and has been a school psychologist for 28 years. He says the most rewarding part of his job is working daily with students and with the school’s great mental health team. He is motivated by “making a genuine difference in students’ and families’ lives.” When not at school, Nick likes going to concerts, spending time with family and friends and being the school’s announcer at football, basketball and volleyball games.

CO

US:CO:STATE

Colorado Department of Education