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) and the Department of Higher Education (DHE) both play a role in 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.

• Review guidance document coming soon. This is for brand new educator preparation programs who are going through initial authorization
• Submit Documentation per directions in the IHE authorization guidance document
  • Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
  • For initial authorization: An online submission platform will be provided by CDE. Please email CDE (Educator_Development@cde.state.co.us) to request the submission link and guidelines.

Authorization Submission Timeline

• Review Reauthorization Guidance Document for Traditional Preparation Programs
• Submit documentation per directions in the IHE guidance document
  • Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
  • For reauthorization, please email CDE to coordinate submission of materials.
• Click here for a schedule of upcoming reauthorizations.
• Resources for reauthorization 
  • Sample site visit schedules:
    • ​Sample schedule A
    • Sample schedule B
    • Sample schedule C
  • Timeline of events leading up to the site visit
  • Self-study cycle-see the IHE Guidelines linked above
  • Domains and Performance Indicators. This document includes guiding questions for programs and possible evidence sources. Guiding questions coming soon.
  • Report template coming soon.

Reauthorization Matrices Submission Timeline

• CDE, along with the Colorado Department of Higher Education, have released an updated process for adding a new endorsement area to an existing IHE program.  Click here to download a PDF document that outlines this process.
• Submit Documentation for endorsement area(s) IHE is seeking approval to offer.
  • Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
  • Please email CDE (educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us) when you are ready to begin the application process. 

Adding an Endorsement Submission Timeline