Preparation Office

Preparation Office

The Educator Preparation Office oversees program approval and re-authorization for institutions of higher education. The process is carried out collaboratively by the Colorado Department of Higher Education and CDE and includes initial approval and re-authorization not more than once every five years. Initial approval and re-authorization are required for any institution offering educator preparation programs leading to endorsement in Colorado, including public and private entities.

Alternative teacher preparation programs offered via designated agencies must also meet standards defined in statute, rules and policy. The approval process is carried out solely by the Colorado Department of Education and includes initial authorization and re-authorization not more than once every five years. 

Rules for the Administration of the Colorado Educator Licensing Act of 1991 (1 CCR 301-37) can be found here. Rules for the Administration of Educator License Endorsements (1 CCR 301-101) can be found here.

 

Reading Resources for Teacher and
Principal Preparation webpage available!

News

• The Colorado Educator Preparation Advisory Committee (CEPAC) website is live! Visit here to learn more about SB 23-258 and the committee.

• Multiple Measures of Content Competency is Live!

  • The Multiple Measures of Content Competency option is available to individuals applying on or after Aug. 1, 2023. Established in 2023 by Colorado House Bill 22-1220, Multiple Measures of Content Competency increases the number of ways initial teacher licensure candidates may demonstrate depth of content knowledge toward meeting requirements for their first Colorado teacher license. The Colorado Department of Education has created a free submission system for candidates via COOL, resource guidance for preparation programs, updated webpages, FAQs, and worksheets for Multiple Measures of Content Competency. The CDE is here to serve as resource for this new option for initial teacher licensure and can be reached at educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.

  • Colorado House Bill 22-1220 has numerous implications around education preparation for candidates and programs. Visit this webpage for more information about stipend programs, licensure options and demonstration of content competency!

• Financial Opportunities for Aspiring and In-Service Educators

  • ​​Multiple opportunities to recruit educators via stipends, scholarships, and other awards are currently available. Visit this webpage for more information.

• TEACH Colorado resources for Educator Preparation Programs

  • TEACH Colorado's mission is to increase the quality, quantity and diversity of the state’s teacher pipeline. TEACH Colorado partners with Colorado’s school districts, educator preparation programs, state agencies and business and nonprofit groups to provide a comprehensive digital platform that helps recruit talented Coloradans into the teaching profession and provides the support they need to enroll in an educator preparation program. For additional information about the tools and resources (in addition to the ones below) available through TEACH Colorado, contact Kate Hudnut or Elizabeth Cordova.
    • TEACH Colorado is excited to announce The Future Depends on Teachers, a new PSA campaign for K-12 schools to inspire future teachers to explore the profession, celebrate the hard work of current teachers, and elevate the teaching profession among the general public.  A social media toolkit includes resources to help promote the PSA through social media channels.