Senators Janice Marchman, D-Loveland, and Chris Kolker’s, D-Centennial, bill for Colorado to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact was signed into law by Governor Polis on March 10.
HB23-1064 creates 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, making 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 makes 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. I’m thrilled to see this signed into law, and look forward to additional member states joining the compact as well.”
“The signing of HB23-1064 makes Colorado the very first state to join the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact,” said Kolker. “As soon as nine other states follow our lead, we can start welcoming teachers from across the country to Colorado schools, without requiring them to jump through additional coursework or licensure hurdles. This will be a huge help in addressing our educator workforce shortage and getting students the instruction they need to succeed.”
The compact will go into effect when nine additional member states 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.
The Pagosa Daily Post welcomes submissions, photos, letters and videos from people who love Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Call 970-903-2673 or email pagosadailypost@gmail.com