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DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today passed legislation to boost the educator workforce by making it easier for teachers professionally licensed in other states to teach in Colorado.
“We’re working to remove barriers educators face when entering the workforce in Colorado,” said Representative Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs. “Our bill would streamline the process for teachers who are licensed in another state to obtain a teaching license in Colorado. As a former teacher, I know how important it is to have qualified, dedicated educators in the classroom, and this bill will help Colorado attract more licensed teachers to support our students.”
“Addressing Colorado’s teacher shortage is a top priority this session,” said Representative Mary Young, D-Greeley. “Through this bill, already licensed teachers from other states would have an easier time obtaining a Colorado teaching license. Boosting the teacher workforce begins with reducing barriers to entering the profession, and our bill creates an important pathway for teachers licensed in other states to begin teaching in Colorado.”
HB23-1064 passed committee by a vote of 9-2 and would create new pathways for out-of-state teachers to gain professional licensure in Colorado. The bill establishes the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, which would create an agreement between Colorado and ten other states where licensed teachers in member states can obtain a teacher’s license from another member state.
This bill is designed to increase the teacher workforce by easing the state-to-state licensure process so professionally licensed teachers can begin teaching in Colorado classrooms faster. HB23-1064 would be particularly helpful for active military and military spouses who often relocated from state-to-state.
HB23-1001 also passed the House on a preliminary vote this morning. This bill, sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, builds upon last year’s work to boost the educator workforce by expanding eligibility for financial assistance and offering loan forgiveness to a larger pool of educators who qualify for these state programs. HB23-1001 is scheduled for a final vote in the House later this week.