The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) and Bilingual Education Specialist Certificates of Proficiency for Endorsement prepare educators to effectively teach and advocate for multilingual learners in bilingual and dual-language settings. This program equips teachers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to foster academic success, cultural pride, and bilingualism in students. Grounded in research-based practices and culturally sustaining pedagogy, the program emphasizes equitable approaches that honor students’ linguistic and cultural assets while addressing the needs of diverse learning communities.
Teachers seeking this added endorsement from the Colorado Department of Education must hold a valid Colorado professional teacher license.
By completing this certificate, teachers can apply to add the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Bilingual Education Specialist Endorsement to their Colorado teaching license. This Colorado Department of Education (CDE)-approved 30-credit (10-course) program prepares educators to work with students who bring rich and diverse cultural and linguistic repertoires to the classroom. Building on the foundation of the CLD Education Certificate, this program deepens your understanding of bilingual education through theory, practice, and the development of culturally responsive teaching strategies. To earn the Bilingual Education Specialist Endorsement, you must first complete the 24-credit (8-course) CLD Education Endorsement program, which equips educators with the skills to create equitable, inclusive, and linguistically affirming learning environments.
In order to add any endorsement to a Colorado teaching license, once students complete the required coursework at CMC, they must take all required assessments, obtain a program verification form from the Director of Education or fill out the Endorsement Worksheets on the CDE website, and apply directly through CDE to receive the endorsements. The state also has experience requirements on top of any required classes.
The curriculum in this certificate includes many of the courses in the Elementary Education Bachelor’s Degree and credits may be applied toward that degree.
Completers of this program will receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from Colorado Mountain College in CLD Bilingual Education Specialist.
