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) leads 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 Institution of Higher Education in Colorado, 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.

Initial Authorization, Reauthorization, and Adding an Endorsement to an IHE

CDE's Requirements for Initial Authorization of an IHE

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement and Reauthorization Guidance Document. This is for newly proposed educator preparation programs who wish to go through initial authorization.
Submit Documentation per directions in the IHE authorization guidance document
- Email intent on becoming an approved program to educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.
- Complete the Needs Assessment and email it to educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.
- Complete the Authorization Proposal.
- Complete/submit Educator Preparation Standards Matrices and related materials.

Initial Authorization Submission Timeline

June 1 - Sept. 1: Applications accepted
Oct. 1: Matrices due
October - December: Materials reviewed

CDE's Requirements for Reauthorization of an IHE

CDE Reauthorization Goals

Evaluate alignment of educator preparation program content to the CDE Rules and Regulations.
Evaluate quality and depth of candidate experience so as to ensure CDE Rules and Regulations are met within the educator preparation program.
Evaluate impact of completers/teacher candidates on student learning
Provide opportunities for reflection about the educator preparation program and support a process of continuous improvement.

Reauthorization Schedule

The reauthorization schedule is maintained on our website, and updated at the end of each school year.

Guidance and Resources Supporting Reauthorization

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement and Reauthorization Guidance Document. This is for already approved educator preparation programs preparing for reauthorization.
- Timeline of events leading up to the site visit
- Self-study cycle
- Domains and Performance Indicators
Submit documentation per directions in the reauthorization guide
- Educator Preparation Standards Matrices
Schedule Template:
- Schedule Template (google copy)

Reauthorization Matrices Submission Timeline

Reauthorization visits scheduled for: September, October, November, and December

June 1: Application/Matrices Due
June - September: Review of Submission

Reauthorization visits scheduled for: January, February, March, April and May

Oct. 1: Application/Matrices Due
October - December: Review of Submission

CDE's Requirements for Adding an Endorsement to an existing IHE

Review the Authorization, Adding an Endorsement and Reauthorization Guidance Document. This is for already approved educator preparation programs seeking to add an endorsement to their program.
Email intent on adding an endorsement to an already approved program to educator_preparation@cde.state.co.us.
Complete the Needs Assessment.
Complete/submit Educator Preparation Standards Matrices and related materials.

Adding an Endorsement Submission Timeline

Spring Submissions:

June 1: Applications/Materials Due
June - September: Review of Submission

Fall Submissions:

Oct. 1: Applications/Materials Due
October - December: Review of Submission

Resources

Authorization, Adding an Endorsement and Reauthorization Guidance Document - updated May 2026.
New Educator Preparation Program Leader Resource Document - new February 2026.
Multiple Measures Guidance for EPPs
READ Act Designation and Licensure Chart - and FAQs