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 revisions and temporary submission closure
Changes are coming to teacher licensure and endorsement pathways for the 2025–26 school year to simplify processes, expand access, and align with updated standards.
What’s changing?
• The Praxis 5901 elementary three-subtest bundle will be replaced by the 5903 math exam for Elementary Education and Special Education Generalist endorsements.
• Senate Bill 25-154 extends the use of the Multiple Measures (MM) grades option–previously only for first-time licensure—to licensed teachers seeking to add endorsements in:

Elementary Education
Early Childhood Education
Special Education Generalist
Early Childhood Special Education

What does this mean for you?
These shifts require CDE to revise both the submission process and how the 1,000-review cap will be managed moving forward. The following timeline has been established to implement both sets of changes:

June 20: Last day to submit MM applications under current requirements
June 21–July 31: MM submission portal closed for updates; CDE will review all existing submissions
Aug. 1: MM form reopens with new eligibility criteria
Sept. 1: Praxis changes go into effect; candidates may apply under the new requirements

As the timing of licensure decisions may be affected, please plan ahead.
Questions should be directed as follows:

Educator preparation programs – contact educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.
Candidates – contact Educator Licensure via this request form.
Multiple Measures of Content Competency
- 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!

CDE's Requirements for Initial Authorization of an IHE

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement, and Reauthorization Guidance Document (page 13). This is for newly proposed educator preparation programs who wish to go through initial authorization.
Submit Documentation per directions in the IHE authorization guidance document
- Email intent to add an endorsement.
- Complete the Needs Assessment and email it to the Educator Preparation Team.
- Complete the Authorization Proposal.
- Complete/submit Educator Preparation Standards Matrices and related materials.

Initial 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

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.

Guidance and Resources Supporting Reauthorization

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement, and Reauthorization Guidance Document (page 16). 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 (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

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

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement, and Reauthorization Guidance Document (page 14). This is for already approved educator preparation programs seeking to add an endorsement to their program.
Email intent to add an endorsement.
Complete the Needs Assessment.
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