Marchman’s Bill to Enter Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, Get More Licensed Teachers in Colorado Schools Clears Committee

HB23-1064 will remove barriers to employment for qualified teachers looking to relocate across state borders.

DENVER, CO – Senator Janice Marchman’s, D-Loveland, bill for Colorado to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact cleared the Senate Education committee today with unanimous support.

HB 23-1064 will create a process for out-of-state teachers to apply for Colorado teaching credentials if they are in good standing with their current state education authority, which will make it easier for educators from other states in the compact to relocate to Colorado and expand the state’s education workforce.

"Like many states, Colorado schools face a shortage of teachers," said Marchman. "Entering into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact will make it easier and faster for educators looking to move to our state to teach here, which will get more teachers into Colorado classrooms and fill hiring gaps in schools across Colorado.”

The compact will go into effect when ten member states, including Colorado, enact legislation to join. A commission will govern the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to administer the agreement and facilitate the exchange of information between member states. 

A recent survey by the Colorado Education Association found 85
percent of educators felt as though the teacher shortage last year was significantly worse than previous years, and the Department of Education found almost 6,000 teaching positions, or one in ten statewide, were vacant just two years ago.

HB23-1064 will now move to the Senate floor. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.