Legislation to Expand Access to Educator Pathways Clears Committee

SB25-154 would expand opportunities to obtain an educator license to address Colorado’s teacher shortage

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Education Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, to address Colorado’s teacher shortage by expanding access to educator pathways. 

“As a former school board member and district volunteer, I know that students and educators, especially in rural communities, are hurting as a result of a shortage of teachers,” Kipp said. “Giving aspiring educators more opportunities to pursue a career in teaching will help students and teachers alike succeed in Colorado schools.” 

SB25-154 would reduce excessive barriers to becoming an educator by amending and clarifying assessment requirements for childhood special education, elementary education, and special education candidates and allowing candidates to demonstrate their qualifications in multiple ways. It would also allow currently licensed teachers to teach subjects that may face even steeper shortages, like special education, without extensive barriers. 

Additionally, the bill would require that state universities who offer courses through the Teacher Recruitment Education and Preparation (TREP) program, which provides concurrent enrollment opportunities for qualifying students seeking a career in education, only offer TREP courses at a community college tuition rate. This change would expand opportunities for low-income students to pursue a career in education. 

SB25-154 will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.