Renew a Temporary Educator Eligibility (TEE) Authorization

Preparing to Apply

This checklist is for ...

Individuals who

hold a TEE
continue to participate in a traditional preparation program for special education or that required to serve in a special services endorsement (except orientation and mobility specialist and speech-language pathology assistant)
demonstrate ongoing and continual progress toward fulfilling the requirements for a full Colorado license/authorization/endorsement
are employed by a Colorado school district, BOCES or charter/facility school to serve in that area prior to program completion

Individuals seeking all other teacher, principal, administrator (superintendent) or speech-language pathology assistant endorsements should complete an Emergency Authorization application.

Not in the right place? Review the other checklists. [ Frequently Asked Questions ]

Qualifications:

Documented evidence of continual, ongoing participation in a traditional program of preparation for a special education or special services endorsement:
- A copy of an official transcript verifying completed coursework or that which is in progress (must show progress made since the prior TEE application)
A verification form completed by the employing public school entity and the college/university
- Those who have completed preparation but still need to fulfill practicum or exam requirements also will need confirmation of registration for the required exam or of practicum arrangements/participation.
- Individuals seeking a school counselor endorsement with a master's degree in clinical counseling or social work will need to enroll in specific school counselor-related coursework. (Your school district HR representative can work with the director of licensure to determine what will be needed based on your individual circumstances.)

Plan Ahead

You will need electronic copies of all documentation.
Allow ample time to request any third party transcripts or other documentation.
Be sure also to review the application process.

Application Fee:

$90

Authorization Expires:

1 year from date of issue

Gather the Necessary Information/Documentation

In the application you will need to include:

A valid form of government-issued identification.
Documentation verifying your qualifications:
- A copy of an official transcript showing ongoing progress toward the completion of your special education or special services preparation program
- A verification form completed by your university and your employing school district, BOCES or charter/facility school
- A copy of your confirmation of test registration or verification of participation in a required practicum (if applicable)
All prior work experience
Documentation for any self-disclosures related to the following:
- Prior criminal history
- Disciplinary actions
- Issues related to licensure or employment

Then ...

Log in to COOL
Ensure you have a current background check on file. You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background check to apply for a license.
- If you have submitted fingerprints for CDE credentialing in the past, but allowed all credentials to lapse or did not submit within the 30-day window, you must submit a new set of fingerprints to CBI for licensure purposes.
- The status of your background checks will be noticed in your COOL account and within your application(s).

Have everything ready to go?

When you have gathered all required documentation, have submitted fingerprints to CBI for CDE licensure purposes and have reviewed the licensure process, log in to COOL and select the "RENEW" button in the TEE credential details section of your dashboard. If for some reason this option is not available to you, please submit a support ticket so that this issue can be resolved directly.

Final Reminders

At the risk of repeating ourselves, we again reiterate these important reminders:

You have 30 days from the time CDE receives your background checks to submit an application or you will need to submit a new set of fingerprints for licensure purposes at the time of application.
By submitting an application, you are verifying that you have submitted fingerprints for CDE licensure purposes, provided all requested documentation and answered all questions truthfully.
Within 45 days of receipt, CDE will evaluate the application.
- Upon determination of qualification, CDE will notify the applicant and the corresponding certificate will be available for view or print in the individual's COOL account.
- Should the application be found incomplete, CDE will notify the applicant to specify the information needed to complete it.
  - Notifications will be sent via email and available in your COOL account.
  - An applicant has 60 days from the date of this notification to cure the deficiency (i.e., provide the necessary information or submit background checks) or submit to the department a written request for reconsideration stating the basis for the request. Additional time is not granted to those who receive this notification due to background checks. Any additional deficiency noticed also will need to be cured within the original 60-day period.
    - CDE will provide a written response within 30 days of any request for reconsideration.
    - Requests for reconsideration do not apply to background checks.
    - An applicant who fails to cure the deficiency or request reconsideration within these 60 days will be deemed as having withdrawn the application, and such withdrawal shall not be subject to appeal or review.
State statute prohibits the refunding of any application evaluation fee.
Once you have submitted an application, it is your responsibility to check your COOL account regularly for notifications on its status and/or to print a copy of your certificate.

APPLY / LOG IN TO COOL