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 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.
CDE's Requirements for Initial Authorization or Reauthorization of an IHE
- Please note the updated timelines for program reauthorization reviews as of April 2018.
- Review IHE Guidelines (always confirm you have the most recent version of the guidelines)
- Submit Documentation per directions in the IHE Guidelines 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.
- For reauthorization, please email CDE (Educator_Development@cde.state.co.us) to coordinate submission of materials.
CDE's Requirements for Adding an Endorsement to an existing IHE
- Submit Documentation for endorsement area(s) IHE is seeking approval to offer.
- Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
- IHE Added Endorsement Application
- *** Please note: You will be asked to upload one excel matrix per endorsement area in the online submission. You will also be required to combine all supporting documentation for each endorsement area into one document and attach using the supporting documentation upload. Please ensure you have all supporting documentation combined and ready to submit prior to starting the online application.
