(61) Designing a Pathway to Licensure for your Staff

8.30am – 9.30am MST, 26 February 2026 ‐ 1 hour

Room: Humboldt Peak

Human Resources & Staff

This interactive workshop is designed for charter school building and network leaders, HR professionals, and mentor coordinators who support staff pursuing educator licensure. Participants will explore the full range of licensure options available in Colorado, focusing on aligning staff strengths and district needs with the right pathway. Participants will gain a better understanding of:

- Current challenges in staffing and the importance of supporting alternative and developing educators
- Alternative licensure routes, authorizations, and endorsements
- Tools for assessing staff background and matching them with the best route to licensure.
- Financial assistance, including access to the Educator Recruitment and Retention (ERR) program

Attendees will also collaborate in small groups to draft a tailored “Licensure Support Plan” for their staff and have the opportunity for Q&A with licensure experts. Actionable takeaways include templates, resource lists, and follow-up support options.

Speakers

Heather Grantham

Educator Recruitment and Retention Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Find out more

Kate Hudnut

Senior Partnerships Manager, TEACH Colorado

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Heather Grantham

Educator Recruitment and Retention Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Currently, Heather is an Educator Recruitment and Retention Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education. With almost 20 years in education, she spent the majority of her time in charter schools as a teacher, assistant principal, and school principal. As the Colorado League of Charter Schools' 2022 School Leader of the Year, she was recognized for her ability to innovate and lead with a strong vision for the future. Prior to entering education, she engaged in corporate and executive recruiting for hard-to-staff positions with limited budgets. Heather believes that the best schools are built by hiring and keeping the best educators and building a positive culture centered on community. She is excited to be able to combine her two passions - education and recruitment - to support districts and schools in Colorado.