February 10th, 2026. Join us for a dynamic, hands-on training where creativity meets cutting-edge technology! Designed for educators of 5th grade and up, this session will walk participants through a project-based learning (PBL) process that starts with AI-powered brainstorming and flows through 3D model creation in Tinkercad, immersive model exploration using zSpace devices, and final output with Cura for 3D printing. Along the way, teachers will gain practical experience with tools that bring design thinking and STEM education to life in the classroom. Led by expert trainers from zSpace, this engaging workshop will not only build your skills but also give you the chance to win an Ender 3 3D printer or other fun STEM prizes. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your integration of tech in the classroom, this training offers fresh ideas, ready-to-use tools, and inspiring possibilities for student engagement. This is a hands on training and best appreciated in person. Zoom option is only offered for special situations. Please REGISTER HERE. This training is available for ALL ECBOCES member districts.
East Central BOCES Announcements
Free Gifted Education Differentiation Course
Gifted Education Professional Development
Part I: Differentiation Strategies for Classroom Teachers
The virtual, self-paced course is approximately three hours long and explores Curriculum Compacting, Depth & Complexity, and Questioning Strategies. The course is open from now through May 1, 2026.
After you submit your registration, you will receive an email with the course resources. After successful completion and submission of required activities, you will receive a certificate for three hours of continuing education.
Questions? Contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org
DBQ November Newsletter
Check out the November Newsletter from DBQ (Document Based Questions)! DBQ November
The newsletter focuses on supporting struggling writers through strategies like scaffolding with the Essay Builder tool, modeling strong writing practices, and providing opportunities for revision and feedback. It also introduces a new self-paced course section to help teachers strengthen their DBQ instruction and highlights additional resources and tips to make writing support more effective in the classroom. Teachers that complete a self-paced course will receive a stipend from EC BOCES!
If you teach 3-12 grade social studies or ELA and want access to the DBQ online portal, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry (megane@ecboces.org).
Mobile Authentication
As has been posted on our site for over a month now, we have enabled two factor authentication for our site and it is now mandatory. This is for security purposes.
Instructions are provided from the link in the big red banner on the Dashboard when you log into https://www.ecboces.org.
Please follow them step by step.
If you have trouble, please put in a ticket to help@ecboces.org with exact process you took to get it set up and what is happening.
We apologize for the inconvenience but this is a necessary change.
November Professional Development
Check out the link below for our upcoming November Professional Development sessions!
PD Reminders for this Week!
There is still time to register! Go to the ECBOCES website to find each event on the calendar!
Oct. 21st
- CTE Coaches Meeting-9:00-2:00 at ECBOCES
- Elevating Literacy: Vocab K-5- 4:15-5:15 Zoom
- PD for All- Unlock the Power of AI- 4:15-6:15 Zoom
Oct. 22nd
- Strengthening Health Education K-12- 9:00-3:00 at ECBOCES
- Advancing Math Instruction 6-12- 4:15-5:15 Zoom
Oct. 23rd
- McKinney-Vento Regina Summit- 10:00-2:00 at ECBOCES
We look forward to seeing you at PD this week!
GT Identification of Multilingual Learners
Gifted Identification of Multilingual Learners
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 from 4:15-5:45 on Zoom
For GT coordinators, ELD coordinators, and classroom teachers
Join us for an overview of best practices in identifying our gifted multilingual students. Nisia Patalan, from Spark Learning, will discuss how to use quantitative data from ACCESS reports and other assessments as well as qualitative data from observations and checklists to identify gifted multilingual learners.
Stipend provided for those who stay for the entire presentation.
Register at ecboces.org Contact Jodi Church, jodic@ecboces.org with questions.
DBQ October Newsletter
Here is a link to review the DBQ Support October Newsletter
This month’s newsletter includes instructional strategies, classroom resources, free professional development opportunities, and self-paced courses. EC BOCES will provide a stipend for any DBQ PD sessions or self-paced courses you complete and earn a certificate for. If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry (megane@ecboces.org) if you have questions.
If you teach grades 3–12 in Social Studies or ELA and would like access to our Online DBQ Binder, please reach out! We also have a DBQ Deep Dive recording available on our website for those who are just getting started.
Health & PE Educator Training. Don’t Miss Out!
Date: October 22 Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: East Central BOCES West Training Room
Lunch Provided
Join Jamie Hurley, Ph.D., from the Colorado Department of Education, for an interactive session focused on effective health education. You’ll learn practical strategies to strengthen instruction, support student well-being, and align lessons with Colorado’s Comprehensive Health Education Standards.
What You’ll Gain:
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Understand the difference between health concepts and skills-based education
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Identify what makes health instruction truly effective
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Discover ways to implement state standards with confidence
Jamie brings years of experience supporting educators statewide and leads current initiatives on mental health, social media, and culturally relevant health instruction.
Register by next week so we don’t have to cancel! We only have 3 people signed up so far!
Reminder: PD Happening This Week!
Make sure you register for PD this week! Both sessions are via Zoom and include a stipend.
Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 4:15–5:15 PM (Grades 3–12)
DBQ Online Deep Dive
Ready to get the most out of DBQ Online? Join us for an interactive session exploring the platform’s tools, digital customization options, and strategies for boosting student engagement and writing. Walk away ready to confidently integrate DBQ Online into your classroom!
Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 4:15–5:15 PM (Grades K–5)
Strengthening Math Instruction: NCTM Essential Practices
Take your math teaching to the next level! This focused session builds on last year’s learning with practical strategies tied to the Mathematical Practice Standards. Gain actionable ideas and set meaningful goals for continued growth—plus, earn a stipend for your participation!
ELA PD Reminder: Vocabulary Strategies for Every Grade Level
Tomorrow’s ELA Professional Learning Session will focus on Vocabulary Workshop. This engaging workshop will provide practical, research-based strategies for teaching academic vocabulary, especially Tier 2 terms that build comprehension across all subjects. You’ll leave with tools to explicitly teach, reinforce, and integrate vocabulary into daily instruction that boosts both student engagement and achievement. Stipend included!
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This will be K-12 (the K–5 session originally planned for September has been rolled into this one)
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Valuable strategies you can apply immediately in your classroom
Make sure you’re registered and ready to join us tomorrow!
October Professional Development
Check out the link below for upcoming professional development opportunities for the month of October. We look forward to seeing you!
Important - new login requirements for ECBOCES
This applies to all website users, with the exception of ECBOCES Staff members that have an ECBOCES email address.
In order to comply with insurance requirements and security measures, we are implementing two factor authentication for our web services. This will include our website, Zoom, Enrich etc.
When you log into our website, you will see a notice on your dashboard regarding this. Two factor authentication (2FA) will be mandatory starting November 1st. At that time, anyone that has not set up 2FA will not be able to log into until they have done that.
We highly recommend taking a few minutes to get this set up before it becomes mandatory. It will require the installation of an app on your phone and you will need this app to get a code to allow you to login. Full instructions are provided by clicking on the notification on the dashboard with links to the available apps and the link to get the process started.
If you have any trouble with the process, please contact our helpdesk at help@ecboces.org. Please be detailed about what trouble you are having and provide us with any error codes.
We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Science at it's Peak K-12 PD
Join CDE and Inquiry Hub for a FREE full-day K–12 science workshop! See attached flyer for more details.
Dive into the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS), explore how to use phenomena to guide instruction, and discover resources to support student learning. Lunch is included!
We’ll explore:
- What the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) mean for science
- How CAS can support student learning
- How phenomena can drive instruction
- Resources to bring CAS to life in your classroom
Friday, October 24, 2025 at the East Central BOCES Office. Registration is through Inquiry Hub!
- Earn 6 contact hours toward license renewal while gaining practical, classroom-ready strategies.
- To register, simply scan the QR code on the flyer to reserve your spot or visit InquiryHub.
CANCELLED SCIENCE ZOOM WITH CDE SEPTEMBER 24TH
This had to be cancelled due to lack of participation. We hope to still have November 5th Science Zoom with CDE if there are enough participants.
September PD: What's Left on the Calendar?
Here is a reminder of the remaining PD offerings for September. Please register on the BOCES website!
Wednesday, Sept. 24th- Implementing the Cross-Cutting Concepts Embedded in the Science Standards
- 4:15-5:15 Zoom. Stipend included!
Monday, Sept. 29th- Transition Training
- 9:00-4:00 at the EC BOCES office. Lunch will be provided!
Tuesday, Sept. 30th- UIP Training
- 9:00-2:00- Lunch provided!
September Professional Development
Welcome back, educators! East Central BOCES excited to kick off a new year of learning and growth together. As you continue your important work with students, we’re here to support you with upcoming professional development opportunities designed to inspire, connect, and equip you for success.
We can’t wait to see you at these sessions!
DBQ Self-Paced Courses: Stipend Included!
Looking for fresh ways to bring critical thinking and analysis into your ELA or Social Studies classroom? The DBQ (Document Based Questions) self-paced courses are now available for grades 3–12 teachers.
Please use the link provided to access the DBQ (Document Based Questions) self-paced courses. These resources are primarily intended for grades 3–12 ELA and Social Studies teachers. If you teach in these grades and subjects, you can request access to the DBQ online portal, which contains resources to support classroom implementation.
EC BOCES will provide a stipend to educators who complete a self-paced course. To get access to the portal, submit your certificate of completion, or ask any questions, please contact Megan Eikleberry.
Megane@ecboces.org
719-771-4030
Document Request Emails - DO NOT OPEN
We have noticed several emails coming from people across the BOCES. They look like they are trying to share documents and look very legitimate. They are NOT legitimate - do NOT click on the email. Just delete them but maybe reach out to the person that sent it to let them know.
Currently, we are seeing them from Myles Johnson in Idalia and Jeanne Boice Wiley from ECBOCES.
Professional license renewal requirements have kicked in!
Renewal requirements, mandated either by legislation or the state board, are in effect or will be soon for all professional license-holders:
Special education/behavioral health requirement: Anyone seeking to renew a professional teacher, special services, principal or administrator license on or after – or one that expires on or after – June 30 must have completed a minimum of 10 of the required 90 hours in professional development related to student behavioral health (teachers only) and educating students with disabilities (teachers, special services providers, principals and administrators). Visit this webpage for more details and to ensure any professional development chosen aligns with the legislation’s stated requirements.
English learner professional learning: Anyone seeking to renew a professional teacher license on or after – or one that expires on or after – Sept. 1 that holds an elementary education, English language arts, mathematics, middle school mathematics, science or social studies endorsement also must meet the ELL professional learning requirement. This is true regardless of whether they presently are teaching in the content area(s). Individuals who hold an LDE, LDE bilingual, CLD or CLD bilingual education endorsement automatically meet this requirement.
Individuals who met the requirement during their last renewal cycle – or who have an approved waiver for this renewal cycle – must meet the special education/behavioral health requirement featured above; however, neither the documentation for satisfying this requirement during the last renewal cycle nor an approved waiver factor into this renewal’s 90-hour requirement.
Email questions regarding the English learner requirement to educator_development@cde.state.co.us. Information on all professional licensure renewal requirements are outlined on the Educator Professional Development Requirements webpage.
Summer Institute Professional Development Registration
Join us in June for the Summer Institute PD where we will grow, connect, and energize your practice right at the start of summer. Register now on the EC BOCES website. We can’t wait to learn with you!
CDE Provided READ Act Online Teacher and Administrator Trainings Updates
The CDE provided READ Act online K-12 Teacher and Administrator 5- and 20-hour trainings will be moved over to an upgraded Learning Management System June 20th through June 27th. During this time, educators will not be able to register for or access these courses. On June 28, 2025, the Learning Management System upgrade will be complete, and users enrolled in the K-12 Teacher and Administrator 5- and 20-hour trainings will have access to the content they are enrolled in, as well as two new optional modules on Structured Literacy Instruction and Written Expression.
The CDE provided READ Act online K-3 Teacher Training that was available to educators until August 1, 2023, will officially sunset on June 19, 2025. Users who registered for this training prior to August 1, 2023, must complete the course and final assessment by 11:59 PM MT on June 19, 2025, to receive credit and a certificate of completion.
Information about these training updates will be shared during the READ Act Training Information Webinar scheduled on Tuesday, May 20th at 3:00 PM MT. Click here to register for this webinar.
If you have further questions, please contact the READ Act Teacher Training Team at ReadActTraining@cde.state.co.us
June PD Opportunities
Please see the attached link to view June PD opportunities hosted by EC BOCES. We look forward to seeing you!
Multilingual Learner/English Learner PD Offered by WIDA
May 2025 WIDA Academies
In-person professional learning workshops and will focus on topics relevant to educators of multilingual learners. Educators from within and outside of the WIDA Consortium are invited to attend open-enrollment workshops facilitated by WIDA professional learning specialists. Registration for Afirmando la Experiencia Bilingüe con el Marco DALE occurring on May 6, in Denver is now available. This one-day bilingual academy is designed for Spanish/English bilingual K-12 educators, administrators, coaches, curriculum coordinators, and support staff with minimal experience using el Marco de los estándares del desarrollo auténtico del lenguaje español de WIDA (Marco DALE).
WIDA Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Elementary Grades
Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Elementary Grades, a two-day in-person workshop that focuses on writing instruction that supports the use of the Teaching and Learning Cycle as a way to empower multilingual writers, not only to produce successful academic writing but, more importantly, to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and different audiences. In this interactive workshop occurring on May 8-9, educators will explore a pedagogical approach that apprentices multilingual learners into writing in various academic genres. Specifically, looking at examples of this in science and consider how this approach develops multilingual learners’ writing skills and their awareness of how language works in written form, allowing them to become effective and informed writers not only in science but across content areas. For more information about this workshop, including cost and location, please visit WIDA's Licensed Workshop.
Professional Development for Math Educators through CDE
The interest form link shared yesterday was not working. CDE has provided an updated link and requested that I share it again.
Interested in growing your math instruction? Statements of interest are now open for the third cohort of CDE’s Powerful Practice: Evidence-Informed Math Teaching course. This free, self-paced, 14-module course helps K-12 educators explore effective strategies and collaborate with peers to strengthen their practice. Facilitation guides support schoolwide learning, and optional graduate credit is available through Adams State University.
Complete the interest form to secure priority registration for 2025. Questions? Contact Joe Brenkert at brenkert_j@cde.state.co.us.
Zoom Outage
Zoom appears to be having a fairly major outage. This is affecting meetings, phone calls etc. We will update when/if we hear more.
Reminder: ID of 2e Learners tomorrow!
Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, and Gifted Coordinators,
This will be the final of three Twice Exceptional trainings led by the CDE 2e Cadre. Join us on zoom Wednesday, April 16th, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This PD will focus on the identification of 2e students.
Register at ecboces.org. ECBOCES educators will earn a stipend for attending the entire presentation.
Reach out to Jodi, jodic@ecboces.org, with questions.
Feedback Survey for Catapult Learning
EC BOCES is sending this message on behalf of Catapult Learning to ask for your feedback if you participated in any ELA or Math professional development this school year.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below. Your input helps Catapult reflect on and improve the support provided.
The survey window is open until May 16th. Thank you for your time and feedback!
Survey LinkWould any of your students like to enter a contest to win a field trip to a U.S. landmark?
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Multilingual Learners: A Collaborative Approach to Success Conference
Dear Practitioners,
CDE is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Multilingual Learners: A Collaborative Approach to Success Conference.
- When: Monday, June 2nd and Tuesday, June 3rd , 2025 (2 days!)
- Where: Southwest Studies Center, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
- No cost!
- 12 hours of recertification credit!
This year's conference is a special collaboration between Fort Lewis College, Colorado Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CoTESOL), and the CDE. This two-day event is designed for Special Education Teachers, Special Service Providers, English Language Development Teachers, and Administrators. MLACAS is an excellent opportunity to share and discuss resources and strategies to ensure that MLs receive high-quality special education services that meet their unique needs. This conference is a great opportunity for educators who work with MLs and Indigenous students, and CDE is excited to offer certificates for 6.0 Special Education and Behavioral Health and 6.0 EL PD recertification hours for all who attend both days and complete an action plan. Slots will be limited, so please register early.
Please feel free to share this information with anyone who might be interested.
For more information contact:
Krista Berkley
Administrative Assistant
Exceptional Student Services Unit / Office of Special Education
April PD
See the attached link for April PD offered through EC BOCES. Register on the EC BOCES website!
Reminder: Classroom Teacher Survey
Survey for ECBOCES Classroom Teachers
A leadership team made up of gifted coordinators from East Central and Northeast BOCES schools, along with the BOCES GT coordinators, would like your feedback about gifted students and education as we consider professional development offerings for the 2025-2026 school year. We value your input and feedback as we want to offer PD that meets your needs with gifted and high-achieving students in the classroom. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
The survey will close on 03/31/25.
Please reach out to Jodi Church with any questions.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science Summer PD
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is offer summer PD courses and scholarships are available! Please see the attached PDF for professional development options.
Tim Blesse
Teacher Programs Consultant
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver CO 80205
(W) 303.370.8298 (C) 303.949.8683
Social Studies Professional Development Topics for 2025-26
If you're a Social Studies teacher, please take a moment to complete this brief 1-question survey to share topic ideas for next school year's Zoom sessions with Stephanie Hartman from CDE. Thank you!
Colorado BioScience Externship Application Now Open
The Colorado BioScience Institute is excited to announce that the 2025 application for the Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program is now open. This program offers a unique opportunity for middle and high school science and biomedical pathway teachers to engage in a hands-on, transformative experience that will enhance both their teaching and student learning.Please share the program details below with your teachers. We greatly appreciate your support in promoting this valuable opportunity!
- Kick-off: June 4, 2025 (in-person professional development, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM)
- Final Virtual professional development: June 27, 2025 (2-hour live virtual session)
- Online Coursework: To be completed within weekly timelines between June 4-27
- Please tell us your motivation for applying to the RET program
- What do you hope to gain by participating in the program?
- How do you envision applying your learnings from this externship experience into your classroom?
Lisa Wilder (She/Her)
Partnership and Program Coordinator
Colorado BioScience Institute
(414) 840-7425
600 Grant St #306 | Denver, CO 80203
Attention Science Teachers!!
Are you a Colorado science educator interested in supporting science teacher learning? inquiryHub, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, is excited to launch a statewide professional learning initiative. In order to best serve teachers in all regions, we are hiring outstanding Colorado science educators to support learning and become a resource for teachers in each region.
Classroom Teacher Survey
Survey for ECBOCES Classroom Teachers
A leadership team made up of gifted coordinators from East Central and Northeast BOCES schools, along with the BOCES GT coordinators, would like your feedback about gifted students and education as we consider professional development offerings for the 2025-2026 school year. We value your input and feedback as we want to offer PD that meets your needs with gifted and high-achieving students in the classroom. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.
Please reach out to Jodi Church with any questions.
Twice Exceptional (2e) Training, April 16th
This will be the final of three Twice Exceptional trainings led by the CDE 2e Cadre. Join us on zoom Wednesday, April 16th, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. This PD will focus on the identification of 2e students.
Register at ecboces.org. ECBOCES educators will earn a stipend for attending the entire presentation.
Reach out to Jodi, jodic@ecboces.org, with questions.
DBQ Online Support-March
March Professional Development
See the attached link for March Professional Development offered by ECBOCES. To register, visit the ECBOCES website and head to the calendar of events page!
March PDReminder: Twice Exceptional Students, Part 2, 02/19/25
Twice Exceptional Student, Part 2
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 4:30 - 5:30
Part 2 will focus on strategies to help support 2e students in the classroom.
Go to ecboces.org for registration information and the zoom link. Stipends will be provided for ECBOCES educators who attended Part 1 and also attend Part 2.
Contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org with questions.
AI Training Scheduled March 5th! Open to ALL districts.
In person or via Zoom. Register Today!
One question survey on STEM Professional Development
As I am applying for some grant funding, I would like see what Professional Development in the STEM area you would like to see us provide. Please respond to this one question survey to assist me in bringing you the PD that you want!
Thank you for your time!
Emma Richardson
Distance Learning Coordinator
DBQ Online Support-February
Reminder: ELA PD Coaching Session 2/4 and 2/5
Catapult Learning is hosting open coaching sessions packed with content strategies you can actually use! Join us for a chance to bring your questions to the experts, plus walk away with easy-to-implement strategies focused on reading and writing.
And the best part? You’ll receive a $25 stipend just for attending! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and be rewarded!
K-5 session will be tonight, Feb. 4th, from 4:15-5:45
6-12 session will be tomorrow, Feb. 5th, from 4:15-5:45
National Civic Bee Registration
National Civics Bee: Deadline to Apply is February 4, 2025
- The Daniels Fund is co-sponsoring the 2025 National Civics Bee with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- The national grand prize is a $100,000 529 plan
- The competition is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
- Information on how to apply is here, and more information is linked here
- The national competition is organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with local and state chambers of commerce across the nation
- In Colorado, 8 Chambers of Commerce will support local competitions to be hosted throughout the state
- Arvada: Thursday, May 1, 2025 (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM) (Revive Church / The Bridge 8270 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80005)
- Buena Vista: TBD
- Craig: April 2025 - TBD
- Denver: TBD
- Eastern Plains (based in Falcon): TBD
- Grand Junction: TBD
- Windsor: TBD
- In Colorado, 8 Chambers of Commerce will support local competitions to be hosted throughout the state
February Professional Development
Please see the attached link for February's Professional Development offered by ECBOCES. To register, visit the ECBOCES website and head to the calendar of events page!
Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Learning Series and Toolkit
The Colorado Student-Centered Science Assessment Learning Series and Toolkit is a professional learning program aimed at shifting the culture of assessment to one that supports positive, confidence-building student experiences and provides teachers with assessments that reveal key insights into student understanding. It helps educators and leaders use assessments to improve instruction and build stronger relationships, focusing on functional assessment literacy and ongoing, classroom-based learning.
In-Person on Thursday, February 13, 2025. 8:00AM-3:30PM
Cherry Creek Instructional Support Facility. 5416 S. Riviera Way Aurora, CO 80015
What do middle school students think about feedback? Let's find out!
Join us as we sit beside middle school students to figure out how we can approach assessment feedback in ways that keep learners focused on continued learning and make them feel well cared for.
FREE LUNCH PROVIDED
Hosted by Cherry Creek School District. Sponsored by the Colorado Department of Education and the Learning Policy Institute
REGISTER HERE!

Reminder: 3- Minute Survey to Provide Feedback for Professional Development Next School Year
Just a quick reminder—The Professional Development survey will close on Friday, January 31st!
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to complete this short survey about professional development. Your feedback will help the PD Needs Assessment Committee plan for the 2025-26 school year by shaping the topics and presenters for upcoming Zoom sessions and the Summer Institute.
Your time and feedback are greatly appreciated!!
CLD + Gifted Virtual Self-Paced Courses
Registration is open for the CLD+Gifted virtual self-paced courses. See the course flyer for details about each course. Participants who complete a course by May 9th will receive 15 CEU's per course and those will count toward the CDE re-licensure requirement for CLD hours.
Cost: $75 per course. The fee will be reimbursed to ECBOCES educators who complete the course(s) by May 9th. Register only for the course(s) you will be able to finish by May 9th. The fee will not roll over nor will there be any reimbursements for courses not completed by May 9th.
Register by February 1st. Registration link is on the flyer.
Optional graduate credit is available through ASU. See more information on the flyer.
Contact Jodi with questions. jodic@ecboces.org
Reminder, Today: Twice Exceptional Students: Definition, Characteristics, Strengths, and Identification
January 8th (Part I) and February 19th (Part 2), 2025, on Zoom from 4:30 - 5:30
For classroom teachers, special education teachers, gifted education coordinators, and administrators.
Twice Exceptional (2e) students are those who are identified as both gifted and who are on an IEP or 504 plan. These two sessions will be hosted by the CDE Twice Exceptional Team. The consultants will focus on what it means to be 2e: definition, characteristics, strengths, and how to identify and serve these students.
Register at ecboces.org. Stipends will be provided for ECBOCES educators who attend both sessions for the entire hour.
Questions? Contact Jodi Church at jodic@ecboces.org
Twice Exceptional Students: Definition, Characteristics, Strengths, and Identification
January 8th (Part I) and February 19th (Part 2), 2025, on Zoom from 4:30 - 5:30
For classroom teachers, special education teachers, gifted education coordinators, and administrators.
Twice Exceptional (2e) students are those who are identified as both gifted and who are on an IEP or 504 plan. These two sessions will be hosted by the CDE Twice Exceptional Team. The consultants will focus on what it means to be 2e: definition, characteristics, strengths, and how to identify and serve these students.
Register at ecboces.org. Stipends will be provided for ECBOCES educators who attend both sessions for the entire hour.
Questions? Contact Jodi Church at jodic@ecboces.org
If someone in your district is looking for FREE EL PD see opportunity below.
WIDA Self-Paced Professional Learning
12 self-paced workshops are available to Colorado K-12 public school educators with a district email address at no cost from Sept. 1, 2024 – Aug. 31, 2025. The content is relevant for all educators: school leaders, coaches and facilitators, K-12 classroom teachers, ELD coordinators and specialists, and professional learning communities. Virtual workshops are available under the Professional Learning tab within the WIDA Secure Portal (a valid login required to participate in workshops).
Accessing WIDA professional learning:
- Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account. Don’t have an account yet? Contact your District Assessment Coordinator for account activation.
- Locate the course and click on Course Details. Click Enroll Now.
- Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate by August 31, 2025.
- Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735 or help@wida.us for technical assistance.
RESCHEDULED ZOOM TRAINING FROM NOV. 6TH to NOV. 20TH FOR 6-12 ELA COACHING ZOOM FROM 4:15 - 5:15 P.M.
PRESENTERS: Catapult Learning
LOCATION: Over Zoom
DESCRIPTION:
Join experts from Catapult Learning for a professional development coaching session centered on the Science of Reading for ALL 6-12 content teachers. You’ll receive personalized coaching to effectively implement strategies from the October PD session or other topics you bring to discuss. This support aims to empower you to boost your students’ literacy skills and confidence throughout the school year. Teachers are encouraged to submit their questions in advance via the Google Doc in the event resource section. A $25 stipend is included!
THIS SESSION WAS RESCHEDULED FROM NOVEMBER 6TH THAT WAS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER.
If you were already signed up for this session, you don't need to register again unless you are unable to attend on this date, then please go into and cancel your registration. If you have not yet signed up, sign up now to attend zoom session on November 20th from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.
Change of date for CPI Initial that was canceled due to weather
Hello All -
We have rescheduled the CPI Initial training from November 8th to December 6th. If you were already registered, you do not need to register again. But if you can't attend on this date, please go in and disenroll. If you want to attend and are not signed up, please go in and register as soon as possible so that you can get your online work done before the December 6th training. If you have questions, please call our office or contact one of the presenters. Thank you!
CPI Course November 8, 2024
Due to inclement weather conditions, the CPI Class scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2024, has been canceled. It has been rescheduled for December 6, 2024. Participants wishing to attend the class on this new date will need to go to the EC BOCES website on Monday November 11 after 1:00 p.m. to register for the class.
Upcoming In Person Early Childhood Cluster!
PRESENTER: Faith Wailes
If you are unable to attend, please be sure to Cancel Your Registration.
If you need accessibility accommodations, please list them in the Accommodations section at the bottom of your profile.
If you need to change how you will be attending this training, use the Change Attendance Location button.
If this training has a stipend attached to it, please use the Stipend button to see what you will need to submit to receive your stipend.
By attending this training, you are agreeing to allow photographs of the training to be posted on this website. If you do not want to allow this, please use the Photo Permission button to rescind permission.
Help us make our website better!! (Three minute survey)
Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about our website that will help us keep improving it so it is easier to use. It will just take a few minutes unless you want to help more and there is an option for that too!!
We appreciate any assistance you can offer in this process!!
3- Minute Survey to Provide Feedback for Professional Development Next School Year
Please take a moment to participate in this brief survey focused on professional development. Your input will assist the PD Needs Assessment Committee in gathering feedback on potential professional development topics for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Your feedback will be used for planning purposes to determine professional development topics and presenters for zoom sessions and summer institute.
Your time and feedback are greatly appreciated!!
January Professional Development
Please see the attached link to view January professional development opportunities provided by EC BOCES. Register on the EC BOCES website!
November Professional Development
Please see the attached link to view November professional development opportunities provided by EC BOCES. Register on the EC BOCES website!
Differentation Ideas for Gifted and Advanced Students
Reminder: Tuesday, October 29th from 4:15 - 5:15 on Zoom
Join Jodi Church, ECBOCES GT Coordinator, for ideas on how to differentiate for gifted and advanced learners in the classroom.
Register at ecboces.org
Questions? Contact Jodi, jodic@ecboces.org
Tomorrow - Gifted Identification of Multilingual Learners
Gifted Identification of Multilingual Learners
Wednesday, October 23rd, 4:30-5:30 on Zoom
For GT coordinators, ELD coordinators, and classroom teachers
Join us for an overview of best practices in identifying our gifted multilingual students. Nisia Patalan will discuss using data from the ACCESS and other assessment as well as what characteristics to watch for in the classroom.
Register at ecboces.org Contact Jodi Church, jodic@ecboces.org with questions.
ECBOCES Website Maintenance 10/21/24
The ECBOCES Website will be offline for a while this afternoon while we do some server maintenance and upgrades.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Earn recertification hours and learn about gifted education!
The Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented hosts conversations with experts from the field of gifted education. Choose one or more of the eight "Conversations with CAGT" that are listed here, and after watching the recording and correctly completing the accompanying questions, earn one hour of recertification credit per video. More information can be found at the link. This opportunity is for ECBOCES educators through April 30, 2025.
Reach out to Jodi at jodic@@ecboces.org with questions.
47th Annual CoTESOL Fall Convention Registration

2024 CoTESOL Fall Convention
Friday & Saturday, November 15th-16th, 2024
Two-day In-person Event from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (MDT)
Theme: "Cultivating Colorado's Multilingual Landscapes"
Location
Adams 12 Five Star Schools Conference Center
1500 E 128th Ave, Thornton, CO 80241
We are pleased to announce our fabulous Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Susana Cordova
- Dr. Yasuko Kanno
- Gerardo Munoz
- Dr. Diane Staehr Fenner
Schedule at a glance available here!
Registration Deadline: Friday, November 1st @ 5:00 PM (MST)
Rates for Active CoTESOL Members (All Rates Include Continental Breakfast and Buffet Lunch)
- Individual 1-Day Rate: $185
- Individual 2-Day Rate: $195
- Group 1-Day Rate: $175/person for groups of 4+ from the same institution (Click on 'Add Guest' button to add each additional member)
- Group 2-Day Rate: $185/person for groups of 4+ from the same institution (Click on 'Add Guest' button to add each additional member)
- Presenter 1-Day Rate: $160
- Presenter 2-Day Rate: $170
Please log into the CoTESOL website to access the active member rates.
Rates for Non-CoTESOL Members (All Rates Include Continental Breakfast and Buffet Lunch)
- Individual 1-Day Rate: $215
- Individual 2-Day Rate: $225
- Group 1-Day Rate: $205/person for groups of 4+ from the same institution (Click on 'Add Guest' button to add each additional member)
- Group 2-Day Rate: $215/person for groups of 4+ from the same institution (Click on 'Add Guest' button to add each additional member)
- Presenter 1-Day Rate: $190
- Presenter 2-Day Rate: $200
You can purchase new or renewed annual membership for $25 to access the active member rate for this event. Just click the following link: Join Us
Rates for Part-Time Practitioners, Retired Persons, or Students
- 1-Day: $165
- 2-Days: $175
Scholarships: CoTESOL has scholarships available for convention fees. Please submit your application here if you are interested!
Cancellations: Cancellations can be accommodated up to 10-days prior to the start of the event.
Hotel Information
There are a number of hotels in the vicinity of The Conference Center in Thornton. The following hotel is offering a special discounted rate for CoTESOL Fall Convention attendees:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Denver - Thornton
83 E. 120th Avenue
Thornton, CO 80233
Main phone number: 303-920-8000
Direct phone number: 303-252-6003
Mention "COTESOL Attendee block, Group Code: CTE" when you call the hotel, or use the link below to book a room online.
Booking Link: Click HERE to reserve your room
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Hours
*Pending CDE Approval*
Qualifying presentations will be aligned to the English Learner PD standards and support the attainment of the 45 hours of CLDE professional development required for Colorado Department of Education K-12 teacher license renewal.
By choosing to attend CLDE-designated presentations, attendees can earn several hours of CLDE PD credit. (Actual PD hours determined by the sessions attended.) Participants will receive a certificate upon completing the Fall Convention and a copy of the CDE English Learner PD Standards Matrix prefilled with the training alignment.

Strengthening Math Instruction through the Math Practices!
Make sure you register for the Math PD next week offered through ECBOCES!
October 15th: K-5 Zoom from 4:15-5:45
October 16th: 6-12 Zoom from 4:15-5:45
Join Catapult Learning in this virtual, interactive workshop! Teachers will explore 4 of the 8 practices that the NCTM has identified as elements of effective math instruction. Teachers will cross-walk these 8 practices with the Mathematical Practice Standards. After deconstructing each practice into sub-skills, teachers will design personalized goals for professional growth. This workshop will serve as a springboard into the November 12 coaching day. Stipend included!
Differentiation and Programming Ideas for Gifted Students
If you need ideas for how to differentiate or provide enrichment for gifted and advanced learners in your K-12 classroom, join Jodi Church on October 29, 2024 from 4:15 - 5:15 on Zoom.
Attention K-5 and 6-12 Teachers: PD Reminder!!
Reminder of upcoming professional development digging deeper into the Science of Reading and how to Implement effective strategies to get ALL students reading and understanding your content!
K-5 session: October 1st, 4:15-5:45
6-12 session: October 2nd, 4:15-5:45
Don’t miss the professional development series for K-5 and 6-12 teachers focused on the Science of Reading! Gain research-based strategies to enhance reading and writing instruction across all grades and content areas. You will discover effective strategies to support diverse learners, including emerging readers, writers, and gifted students. Empower yourself with tools to strengthen your students’ literacy skills and boost their confidence throughout the school year! Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching and positively impact your students!
$25 dollar stipend for everyone who attends the live zoom session! We look forward to seeing you there!
zSpace Collaboration Day: Enhancing Student Achievement through 3D Interactive Learning
Date: October 14, 2024
Time: 8am-3pm
Location: EC BOCES West Training Room
Discover how zSpace enhances student achievement and fosters 21st-century skills through immersive 3D technology. This hands-on workshop is ideal for educators looking to integrate zSpace into science, math, and CTE curriculums, including Agriculture, Computer Science, Biology, and more. Register to take away practical ways to implement zSpace in your classroom and other learning environments.
There are various 3D applications in zSpace, such as:
VIVED Science: 3D virtual dissections in anatomy, botany, zoology, and more.
VIVED Chemistry: Interactive activities and simulations for physical science and chemistry.
VIVED Anatomy: 3D dissections for learning anatomy and physiology.
Franklin’s Lab: Circuit building and troubleshooting in 3D.
Newton’s Park: Simulations on force, motion, and Newtonian mechanics.
WAVE NG Welder: Hands-on training welding techniques to help students master welding fundamentals.
Special Offer:
EC BOCES will be giving away a few zSpace Devices to attendees. Registration is required, and if you register by October 2, you will receive two entries in the drawing for a chance to win a free zSpace device.
Please bring your zSpace device or reach out to your zSpace Coordinator on your campus to bring one with you. This training is open to all member districts, but only Perkins districts with innovation grants are eligible to receive zSpace devices.
Perkins AG Science Meeting date correction: Moved from Oct. 29-Oct. 30
The Perkins consortium AG Science teachers will be meeting on Oct. 30. The October PD Opportunities document has been updated.
Oct. 30th: Perkins AG Science CTE Teachers: 9:00-3:00 ECBOCES West Training Room Presenters: Mitzi Swiatkowski, Federal Programs
DESCRIPTION: For Perkins Ag Science CTE Teachers: Please join us on October 30 from 9-3 in the EC BOCES west training room to discuss the 24-25 grant activities and requirements, plan the spring meeting, and consider Ag conference (PD) possibilities (which includes finalizing topics, presenters, site, dates and resources) to implement once grant is approved. Ag Conference Description: Ag Science teachers plan to organize an Agriculture Science Conference to provide targeted professional development focusing on developing "Intro to Ag" and Power Structure skills. This conference will cover areas such as plumbing and soldering, electrical work, and concrete. Each area will address safety, maintenance tips, repairs, and classroom implementation. The teachers have identified potential presenters and resources for each topic. Recognizing that this comprehensive training cannot be completed in a single year, they plan to address one or two topics each year over the next several years. Furthermore, they have differentiated the activities to further teacher knowledge and skills addressing the needs of teachers who are just starting out and veterans of the field.
October Professional Development
October PD Link
September READ Act Literacy Newsletter
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September 2024
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Bookmark us! http://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/resources | |
There have been a lot of conversations about phonemic awareness lately. There are lots of questions about when to teach it, who needs phonemic awareness, and whether to incorporate letters. This newsletter update will help provide answers to some of those questions.
Dive into your new school year with the tools you need to effectively teach phonemic awareness. This edition of the READ Act Literacy Updates Newsletter highlights research in podcasts, videos, blogs, and other resources.
Not ready to dig in right now? Our newsletters are archived for easy access. Click here (Better yet, bookmark it!) to access both current and past newsletters!
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Listen | |
Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Ep. 183: Aligning Phonemic Awareness Instruction to Research Listen to the experiences of two teachers as they share their journeys to better instructional practices in phonemic awareness. Both offer practical tips for phonemic awareness instruction that aligns to research and highlights key skills that move students in the right direction during reading instruction.
Melissa and Lori Love Literacy Ep. 181: What Research Says about Phonemic Awareness Instruction with Matt Burns Matt Burns, Professor at the University of Florida, shares what the research says about phonemic awareness. Key takeaways are a definition of phonemic awareness, why it is important to teach, and which phonological and phonemic awareness skills to prioritize in your instruction. | |
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Blog Post: Shanahan on Literacy “Letters in Phonemic Awareness Instruction or the Reciprocal Nature of Learning to Read” In this blog post Tim Shanahan addresses using letters in phonemic awareness instruction. Also, Shanahan stresses the importance of instruction that incorporates both phonemic awareness and phonics skills in addition to other literacy skills.
Blog Post: Joan Sedita “Developing Phonemic Awareness Using Letters” Sedita highlights that after children know letter names, letter sounds, and understand the alphabetic principle, instruction should focus on identifying letter sounds, blending, and segmenting sounds using letters. | |
Resources | |
Teaching Phoneme Awareness in 2024: A Guide for Educators This newly updated guide written by Ashby et al. describes phonemic awareness instruction, including the skill of phoneme deletion and provides lesson routines. This guide is research based and includes information on dialect and English language learners.
The CDE website has a variety of Phonological Awareness Resources. On the website you will find consonant and vowel phoneme charts, a developmental continuum of skills, phoneme articulation cards and more. Interested in the phoneme similarities and differences in the Spanish and English languages? On the website you will find a document that highlights the shared and language-specific phonemes.
CDE Website Updates The ELSR Office at CDE has recently compiled READ Act guidance documents into one easy-to-access READ Act Handbook! The handbook includes all the information needed to help guide READ implementation in districts and is organized to follow READ Act requirements throughout the school year. Also included in the handbook are newly revisedREAD plan templates, including a brand-new version specific to the needs of Multilingual learners. All documents are fully accessible. Take a moment to check it out!
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Watch | |
: (58:02) In this webinar presented by the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) Dr. Jane Ashby and Dr. Meghan Martin demonstrate phonemic awareness routines, share the importance of phonemic awareness in learning to read and connect phonemic awareness to phonics instruction.
(1:11:50) Kristin Lentz shares how to use phoneme-grapheme mapping to support phonemic awareness. First Lentz defines phonemes and graphemes. Lentz shares how to apply phoneme-grapheme mapping to words with digraphs, blends, multi-letter graphemes, and multisyllabic words.
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For More Information | |
Do you have a colleague with whom you would like to share these resources? Feel free to forward the newsletter, or have them sign up to receive the newsletter here!
If you have general questions or need assistance, find our contact information here: http://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/contactus
Web Link Disclaimer Because of their potential interest or usefulness to the education community or the general public, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) occasionally provides links from this site to external web sites. It attempts to monitor such links on a regular basis. However, the Department cannot be responsible for the content of any site external to its own. Further, by linking to other sites, CDE is not endorsing any particular product, practice, service, provider or institution, nor does it necessarily endorse views expressed or facts presented on these sites. In addition, neither CDE nor any of its employees makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information linked to from this site.
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Free Adaptive Recreational Programs

This is a great opportunity for students to participate in free adaptive recreational programs. Please share with others.
Be prepared for your next teaching license renewal!
English Learner Professional Development requirement for license renewal
All educators holding an elementary, English language arts, math, science, or social studies (or any middle-level) endorsement on a professional teacher license that expires on or after Sept. 1, 2025, must complete English Learner Professional Development (ELPD) before renewing their license or they will be unable to renew until they have done so.
The state board adopted the ELPD training requirement for these endorsement areas in 2018, allowing teachers to complete the training until their next full renewal period. Anyone who holds an ELPD designation on their credential already meets this requirement.
Important note: This requirement is based solely on the endorsement(s) held; it is not based on the content area an educator is presently teaching or if they are teaching at all. (For example, a teacher who also holds both a science and a music endorsement will be required to complete ELPD even if only teaching music.) Individuals serving in other positions (such as a principal, for example) or not presently employed in education and who wish to renew their teacher license with one of the identified endorsements still must meet this requirement.
The ELPD designation requires 45 hours of training focused on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Educators may fulfill the requirement via a pre-approved program or individual learning aligned with ELPD standards. District leaders with COOL access can download a report of their educators who have attained the designation.
More details for educators needing to complete the ELPD requirement can be found on the ELPD for Educators webpage. Email educator_development@cde.state.co.us with questions.
EL PD: Accelerating Newcomer and ML Instruction in the Classroom Webinars
Accelerating Newcomer and ML Instruction in the Classroom Webinar
Go to the following webpage and scroll down to register. (These courses fill up fast, so I recommend registering ASAP if you are interested.): https://www.cde.state.co.us/cde_english/professionaldevelopment
The CLDE office is partnering with SAVVAS Learning Company to offer the following professional learning opportunities.
Dates & Topics:
- Wednesday, October 16th, 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Dr. Katie Toppel - Students’ Funds of Knowledge
Dr. Katie Toppel, Ed.D., is an English Language Development Specialist at the elementary level, serving Multilingual learners through collaboration, co-teaching, and small-group instruction. Dr. Toppel is a co-author of several books DIY PD: A Guide to Self-Directed Learning for Educators of Multilingual Learners and Portraits of Collaboration.
- Wednesday, October 23rd, 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Dr. Deborah Short - Serving Newly Arrived Students with SIOP
Dr. Deborah Short founded Academic Language Research & Training, LLC and provides professional development on SIOP, content-based English, and academic literacy. She co-developed the SIOP Model, directed research and evaluation studies regarding multilingual learners and their programs, and consults with the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division. Publications include numerous books and journal articles. She is a TESOL International past president.
- Wednesday, October 30th, 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Dr. Jana Echevarria - Effective Teaching Techniques to Leverage Comprehensible Input
Dr. Jana Echevarría is Professor Emerita at California State University, Long Beach where she received her university’s Outstanding Professor award for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service. A founding researcher and creator of the SIOP Model, Dr. Echevarria has published widely on effective instruction for multilingual learners, including those with learning disabilities. She has presented her research throughout the U.S. and internationally, including at Oxford University (England), Wits University (South Africa), Harvard University (U.S.), Stanford University (U.S.), University of Barcelona (Spain), and South East Europe University (Macedonia) where she was a Fulbright Specialist. She also was a resident instructor at Feng Chia University (Taiwan). Dr. Echevarria was inducted into the California Reading Hall of Fame and served as an expert on English learners for the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. Prior to receiving her UCLA doctorate, she was a teacher in bilingual, ESL, and special education programs.
Self-Paced Depth & Complexity Courses: Level I and Level II
The Depth & Complexity Framework can be used in any content area and at all grade levels. Using Depth & Complexity in the classroom enables students to go beyond a surface level understanding of a concept and pushes them to think more critically.
Each of the two courses are 4 hours, online, and self-paced. Participants can register for one or both courses. Materials will be provided by ECBOCES. The cost per EACH course is $50 to be paid by the participant. The cost of the course(s) will be reimbursed by ECBOCES if completed by January 10th.
Register by September 24th to ensure materials can be ordered and delivered to you.
Find the registration link and more information on this flyer.
Reach out to Jodi Church, jodic@ecboces.org with questions.
DBQ September Newsletter
If you teach ELA or Social Studies in grades 4-12 and do not have access to the DBQ online portal, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry (megane@ecboces.org) to gain access.
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CLD + GT Self-Paced Virtual Courses
Register for one, two, or all three self-paced, virtual courses. Learn about the characteristics and needs of gifted/high potential + CLD learners and how to best support them. These courses will count toward the CLD re-licensure requirement. Each course is $75, paid by the participant. ECBOCES will reimburse the cost of each course to educators from the ECBOCES districts if courses are completed by December 8th. Register by September 18th. (Flyer states Sept. 1st but you have an extra two weeks to register.)
See flyer for more information and the link to register.
September Professional Development
Please see the attached link for September PD offered by East Central BOCES. Make sure you register on the East Central BOCES website!
Donors Choose: ACT FAST!!!!!
Starting on August 6th, Governor Jared Polis will award up to $600 in Federal COVID Relief funding to Colorado classroom teachers’ projects requesting resources to support students in response to COVID-19. Funding for eligible projects will likely be applied shortly after a project is approved, while funds remain. For the best chance at funding, submit a project on August 6th, 2024. Due to the nature of this opportunity, funding is likely to run out quickly and not every submitted project will receive funding.
How to qualify:
- If you don’t already have a teacher account, create one at www.donorschoose.org/teachers. Then return to this page to follow the rest of these instructions. Do not create a duplicate account.
- Sign into your account.
- Teach PreK-12 in a Colorado public school.
- Create a new project on or after 12:30 PM MST August 6th, 2024
- On the “HI” page while creating your project, enter the campaign code COLORADO by clicking "Enter a campaign code."
- Where to enter the campaign code:
- Request resources to support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being as well as the impacts of interrupted academic learning as a result of COVID-19.
- Keep in mind that your $600 grant includes the materials cost, applicable taxes and fees, and the suggested donation to DonorsChoose. To keep your total project goal at $600 you should request around $450 in materials; you will see the project’s total goal update as you shop. Click here for a cost example:
- In your project essay, make sure to describe how the resources you’re requesting will help your students through pandemic-impacted learning.
What won’t qualify:
- Projects posted before 12:30 PM MST on August 6th, 2024
- Projects with a total goal over $600 (this includes all fees)
- Any items that include a subscription component
- Any food items in your cart will disqualify your project
- Materials from Scholastic, Time for Kids, or Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards
- Resources categorized as "Food, Clothing, & Hygiene"
- This means any items like food/snacks, clothing, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, deodorant, tissues, air fresheners, irons, cleaning supplies, or other non-COVID learning response related resources.
- Projects with the subject area "Warmth, Care, & Hunger"
- Professional Development, special requests, and virtual trip and visitor projects
- Special request projects are projects that request materials from outside of DonorsChoose’s vendor catalog. For this grant, you’ll need to shop from one of DonorsChoose’s 24 integrated vendors.
- Capital improvements to school building(s)
- Salaries or bonuses
If your project meets the above criteria, you’ll receive $600 in funding as soon as your project is reviewed by our team and posted on our site, while funds last.
Beginner zSpace Training
zSpace is offering a two hour beginner training on August 13th from 10am to 12pm via Zoom. This will cover usage of the devices and an introduction to the A3 Studio software.
Participants should have a zSpace device to use while doing the training.
Please sign up HERE.
Part Time Professional Development Position Available
East Central BOCES is currently looking for someone to provide professional development to our districts related to zSpace technology and its broad range of CTE related software/curriculum. Please see HERE for more information.
Arc of Adams County Picnic
The Arc of Adams County is hosting a picnic for families on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. The event will be located at Trupp Park, 105 Palmer Ave, Bennett, CO 80102. Pizza, activities and resources for parents will be provided. RSVP to Alma with the Arc of Adams County by July 31st by emailing her at- asimental@arcadams.org , or calling her at 720-736-7730.
Hiring Paraprofessionals for 2024-25 School Year
Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional needed for 2024-25 School Year in our West Area Center-Based Learning Programs located in Strasburg - Sign On Bonus Possible!
- Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $16-$19 per hour depending on experience
- May be eligible for Sign On Bonus!
- Questions contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org
To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Manageable Differentiation for Advanced Learners
TRAINING DATE: June 26, 2024
TRAINING TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
PRESENTER: Andi McNair, Author, Consultant, Speaker
LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room
It’s no secret that differentiation can be overwhelming and feel like one more thing on an already full teacher plate. What if there was a way to differentiate for gifted learners that was not only meaningful but also manageable? In this learning experience, you'll discover how to create meaningful experiences that will engage and empower gifted learners. Using the Designing for Depth framework, we will explore practical ways to design differentiated learning experiences that inspire an active willingness to invest, support and encourage productive struggle, and encourage authentic connections beyond the classroom walls.
Bring a learning experience/lesson plan with you! Lunch, stipend, and certificate will be provided.
Summer Institute Registration
Summer Institute Flyer
Expand Your Teaching Toolkit this Summer!
Join us for a great professional development experience with content specific PD, regional EL/ML PD, and DBQ! Stipend and Lunch Provided!
Reserve your spot now by registering on the ECBOCES website!!
June 17th MindSpark Responsible AI and PBL Training!!!
Want to learn about the new tools that AI can bring to your classroom? Want to learn how to save hours of time lesson planning, grading, writing goals? Want to just find out what AI is all about? Want a chance to take a cool tool back to your classroom?
We are excited to offer one more Responsible AI with Problem Based Learning training. This training will be offered at the ECBOCES Limon Office. While we are offering a Zoom connection, this will be a hands on training and in person attendance is highly recommended. This training will bring something new for all previous Responsible AI attendees but will also provide for new attendees. It is available for all ECBOCES Districts.
Lunch will be provided.
CDE Offering: ASD TRAINING: FOUNDATIONS FOR INSTRUCTION
Please see the attached document for a very important training opportunity:
OVERVIEW
With school districts reporting staff shortages and team members
lacking autism training, this content will focus on teaching
instructional strategies to IEP team providers newer to the field of
ASD (0-5 years). The focus of this hybrid training is for participants
to learn autism strategies using specially designed instruction for
effective programming (student/classroom). This will be a hands-on
learning opportunity with embedded coaching and practice on
learned content.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
- Staff working directly with students with ASD for less than 5 years
- Suggested roles: teachers (special education, ECSEs, general education) speech/language pathologists, school psychologists, OTs, PTs
- Possible paraeducator attendance: paraeducators
Manageable Differentiation for Advanced Learners with Speaker, Andi McNair
It’s no secret that differentiation can be overwhelming and feel like one more thing on an already full teacher plate. What if there was a way to differentiate for advanced learners that was not only meaningful but also manageable? In this learning experience, you'll discover how to create meaningful experiences that will engage and empower advanced learners. Using the Designing for Depth framework, we will explore practical ways to design differentiated learning experiences that inspire an active willingness to invest, support and encourage productive struggle, and encourage authentic connections beyond the classroom walls.
June 26, 2024 from 9:00 - 3:00
Bring a learning experience/lesson plan with you. Lunch, stipend, and certificate will be provided. Register at ecboces.org
Questions? Contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org
Summer Institute Professional Development
Please see attached link for Summer PD offerings provided by ECBOCES.
You will need to register on the ECBOCES website.
Summer Institute Flyer
Please see the attached flyer for our Summer Institute professional development. We look forward to learning with you in June!!
Summer Learning (PD) Opportunity at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
BE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY: We know that it’s your time to rejuvenate and so all of our courses include catered breakfast and lunch, visits to IMAX and planetarium, a book, and prizes. University level credit is also included making these courses a cheap way to earn relicensure credits.
GET CREDIT: Except for the Field Course……Teachers can choose between doing just the face-to-face summer sessions for a certificate of hours OR Taking the full course which includes opportunities to try new ideas in your classroom with feedback from us.
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS & SCHOLARSHIPS Access is important to us! Email us at teacherprograms@dmns.org to learn more about our Scholarships for BIPOC Educators & Rural Teachers. Coming from a distance of over 100 miles, to attend? We know that you’ll likely have lodging costs, and so we offer mileage reimbursement. None of these apply to you? Well, the first 10 ppl to sign up for any courses held at the museum get an amazing 50% off as an “Early Bird” scholarship.
REIGNITE YOUR PASSION Although we do try to give you some new perspectives on your teaching practice, we try to keep it practical by supplying you with plenty of “walk-away” strategies and resources that you can use the first day that you return to school in the fall.
Here are our 2024 summer offerings! www.dmns.org/tpdk12
Contact for more questions:
Tim Blesse & Tamera Sakotas
Teacher Programs Consultants
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver CO 80205
teacherprograms@dmns.org
(W) 303.370.8298 (C) 303.949.8683
Science PD K-12
Register on the EC BOCES website for April, 23rd. Zoom from 4:15-5:15. Participants will receive a $25 stipend!!
Implementing the Science and Engineering Practices Embedded in the Colorado Science Standards K-12: Session 3
Educators will share and reflect on their application of the Sensemaking Practices (Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, and Constructing Explanations). Educators will identify, define, and apply the Critiquing Practices (Engaging in Argument from Evidence and Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information). All participants will receive a $25 stipend.
Looking for more EL PD Hours? Read about an opportunity below!
Upcoming from the CDE CLDE office: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Engaging Immigrant and Refugee Families: Bridging the Language and Cultural Gap with Dr. Don Vu – you will want to purchase the book before the session on April 30th.
Former award-winning teacher, and principal knows that reading can be transformative and life changing. Having fled Vietnam with his family in 1975, Dr. Vu understands the challenges children face when learning a new language and culture. He will share his life experiences as a refugee and how to provide literacy pathways for immigrant students from his book: Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness which can be purchased through Scholastic.
To attend, register for this virtual event cut and paste this into your browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrde6vrToiG9XFHEoJVnarYLI94Mdk7P2b#/registration
These events fill up fast, so if you are interested, register soon.
Session starts promptly at 4:30pm. CE credits are offered for full attendance and can be applied toward the CLDE 45-hour licensure renewal requirement.
When: Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Audience: Open to Colorado educators
Clarification Related to EL PD Hours Required by the State Board of Education and CDE
English Learner Professional Development requirement for license renewal
All educators holding an elementary, English language arts, math, science or social studies (or any middle-level) endorsement on a professional teacher license that expires on or after Sept. 1, 2025 must complete English Learner Professional Development (ELPD) prior to renewing their license or they will be unable to renew until they have done so. The ELPD training requirement for these endorsement areas was adopted by the State Board of Education in 2018, allowing teachers time to complete the training until their next full renewal period. Anyone who holds an ELPD designation on their credential already meets this requirement.
Important note: This requirement is based solely on the endorsement(s) held; it is not based on the content area the educator is presently teaching or if they are teaching at all. For example, a teacher who also holds both a science and a music endorsement will be required to complete ELPD even if only teaching music. Individuals who are serving in other positions (as a principal, for example) or not presently employed in education and who still wish to renew their teacher license with one of the identified endorsements must meet this requirement.
The ELPD designation requires 45 hours of training focused on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Educators may fulfill the requirement via a pre-approved program or individual learning that aligns with the ELPD standards. District leaders with COOL access can download a report of their educators who have attained the designation.
More details for educators needing to complete the ELPD requirement can be found on the ELPD for Educators webpage. Email educator_development@cde.state.co.us with questions.
April Professional Development
Responsible AI Training Reminder!
Just a reminder that we have two great AI trainings coming up (March 28th and April 3rd). Don't miss out on learning about the technology that is fast invading everything we know! These trainings are available for all ECBOCES districts.
Visit the ECBOCES Website to register.
Looking for EL/ML PD Hours? CDE is offering this course: Newcomers and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE)
The CDE Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education in Partnership with Seidlitz Education is Hosting a virtual training associated with the content of the book: Boosting Achievement.

- Dates: March 25, 2024, April 1, 2024, April 8, 2024; each session is 2 hours, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
- Description of event: Colorado educators have an opportunity to join a virtual workshop series on Boosting Achievement for Newcomers and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). This is a multiple sessions series that focuses key classroom strategies to engage all students. The series will guide educators on how to support and plan for the challenges and learning opportunities unique to this subset of ML students. The sessions will be provided by Elise White Diaz of Seidlitz Education. The theory and practice of the work will be based on the research of Boosting Achievement by Dr. Carol Salva.
- Registration: Register for these sessions that will start promptly at 4:00 pm
- Book purchase: from Seidlitz Education, participants will need the book for these virtual sessions.
- The course aligns to the following Colorado Department of Education ELD Standards: 5.12(1) and (2); and 5.13(1) and (2), 5.14(1) and (2). CE credits are offered for full attendance and can be applied toward the CLDE 45-hour licensure renewal requirement.
For additional information contact Alice Collins, collins_al@cde.state.co.us.



