IHEs: Educator Preparation Program Authorization, Reauthorization and Adding an Endorsement

Welcome! If you’re reading this, then you’re interested in either:

Developing an educator preparation program at an Institute of Higher Education (IHE),
Participating in the Reauthorization Process of an existing program at an IHE or
Adding an endorsement to an existing program at an IHE.

On this page, you'll find a brief overview of the three processes. If you are looking to review a list of Educator Preparation Programs in Colorado, you can find that information in our Searchable Database.

Overview

Completion of preparation programs at IHEs lead to an array of licensure endorsement possibilities for candidates. The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) leads the authorization and reauthorization processes of IHE-based licensure programs.

If you have questions pertaining to degree requirements or if you are looking for information on becoming a new Institute of Higher Education in Colorado, please contact DHE. This information applies only to IHEs looking to create traditional educator preparation programs or IHEs that have existing traditional educator preparation programs that wish to add a new endorsement to a program. Example of programs and endorsements include Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD), Math, Science, Gifted Education, Special Service Professionals (SSP), and so on.

Traditional preparation programs offered through IHEs provide a pathway for developing educators in Colorado. IHEs that offer traditional educator preparation programs are charged with preparing the breadth and depth of licensed personnel who serve Colorado’s children. Each IHE has a unique teaching and learning mission that guides the way that they serve educator candidates across the state.

News

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!
NEW! Authorization, Reauthorization, and Adding an Endorsement Guide available here!

Authorization

Reauthorization

Adding an Endorsement

CDE's Requirements for Initial Authorization of an IHE

Review Authorization Guide for Traditional Preparation Programs. This is for brand new educator preparation programs who are going through initial authorization.
Submit Documentation per directions in the IHE authorization guidance document
- Complete the Needs Assessment and email intent on becoming an approved program.
- Complete the Authorization Proposal.
- Complete/submit Educator Preparation Standards Matrices and related materials.

Authorization Submission Timeline

Event Type	Application/Matrices Submission Timeline	Review of Submission Occurs
Initial Program Authorization	Application: Jun 1 - Sep 1* Matrices Submission: Oct 1*	Oct - Dec

*Timeline goes into effect 1/2024. Programs wishing to seek initial authorization during the Fall 2023 semester have until 11/30 to submit their application and matrices.

CDE's Requirements for Reauthorization of an IHE

CDE Reauthorization Goals

Evaluate alignment of educator preparation program content to the CDE Rules and Regulations.
Evaluate quality and depth of candidate experience so as to ensure CDE Rules and Regulations are met within the educator preparation program.
Evaluate impact of completers/teacher candidates on student learning
Provide opportunities for reflection about the educator preparation program and support a process of continuous improvement.

Review Reauthorization Guide for Traditional Preparation Programs. This is for already approved educator preparation programs preparing for reauthorization.
- Timeline of events leading up to the site visit
- Self-study cycle
- Domains and Performance Indicators
Submit documentation per directions in the reauthorization guide
- Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
- Please email CDE to coordinate submission of materials.
Click here for a schedule of upcoming reauthorizations.
Schedule Template:
- Schedule Template (excel file)
- Schedule Template (google copy)

Reauthorization Matrices Submission Timeline

Event Type	Application/Matrices Submission Timeline	Review of Submission Occurs
Reauthorization visits scheduled for September, October, November, and December	June 1	Jun - Sep
Reauthorization visits scheduled for January, February, March, April, and May	October 1*	Oct - Dec

*Timeline goes into effect 1/2024. Programs up for reauthorization in the Spring of 2024 have until 10/31 to submit their matrices.

CDE's Requirements for Adding an Endorsement to an existing IHE

Review Adding an Endorsement Guide for Traditional Preparation Programs. This is for already approved educator preparation programs seeking to add an endorsement to their program.
Complete the Needs Assessment and email intent to add an endorsement
Complete/submit Educator Preparation Standards Matrices and related materials.

Adding an Endorsement Submission Timeline

Event Type	Application/Matrices Submission Timeline	Review of Submission Occurs
Authorization of Adding an Endorsement Program	Spring Submission: Jun 1 Fall Submission: Oct 1*	Spring Submission: Jun - Sep Fall Submission: Oct - Dec

*Timeline goes into effect 1/2024. Programs wishing to add an endorsement to an already authorized program in the fall of 2023 have until 11/30/23 to submit their application and matrices.