Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education Endorsement

The Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education (CLDE) endorsement program prepares pre-service and in-service teachers to work with students learning English as a second or additional language. The program course sequence meets Colorado Department of Education (CDE) requirements for the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education added endorsement. This program does not meet requirements for an initial teaching license.

The CLDE graduate certificate program is for teachers, paraprofessionals, and pre-service teachers with English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms.

Certificate courses may count toward an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Others Languages at UCCS.

The Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education Endorsement program is designed for teachers, paraprofessionals, and pre-service teachers who have English Language Learners (ELLs) in their classrooms. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and critical skills to support and serve these students. Courses emphasize methods, assessment, and parent/community relationships.

• All courses must be completed with a grade of B- or better.
• 150 practicum hours (10 hours/wk) are required for CURR 5704

For details on program coursework, please visit the program's Academic Catalog page.

Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 1

Program Admission Checklist

1. Complete an application with the UCCS Graduate School.
   • On page 2 of the application, under select the degree program, select Education Endorsement Licensure.
   • Then select the program concentration.
2. Obtain one individual for a reference. The reference should be a person who has been in a position to supervise and/or evaluate your work.
3. Submit degree-granting transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Send these directly to the UCCS Admissions Office (see details below).
4. Prepare a Career Goals Statement (see details below).
5. Current résumé (please include relevant paid work and volunteer experience where applicable).
6. Colorado background check or proof of current Colorado teaching licensure. *International applicants only complete the background check if they have lived in the United States for more than one year. To complete the Colorado background check please see instructions below:
   - Visit the Colorado State's Background Check website 
   - Click on Individuals 
   - Pay the $6.00 fee to receive the results
   - Submit the results online through the application portal or send to education@uccs.edu
7. Once application materials are in, you will need to interview with a faculty advisor for the program.

Career Goal Statement

• Describe why you have applied to your respective program and want to be a professional educator.
• Be sure to include personal and professional information that supports this decision.
• Your statement should be at least two pages in length, double-spaced.
• Make sure to include your name and the program you are applying to in your goal statement.

Official Transcripts

Domestic students: Have one official transcript of all higher education course work ever completed to date (undergraduate and graduate GPA must be included on transcripts), sent from the institution you attended directly to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Office of Admissions (electronically or by postal services). 

• Postal Services: 
  UCCS Office of Admissions 
  1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
  Colorado Springs CO 80918-3733
   
• Electronically:
  ugapp@uccs.edu

International Applicants

All English as Second Language (ESL) applicants are required to meet a minimum standard of English proficiency for admission. See the English Proficiency Requirement webpage for more information. 

Applicants with any post-secondary course work from an international higher education institution that is recognized by their country's Education Ministry must submit a course-by-course foreign degree evaluation by member of NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/members), AACRAO (https://www.aacrao.org/) or World Education Services/WES (https://www.wes.org).

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

Additional Resources:

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