Licensure for Experienced Out-of-State Teachers

Easier Colorado licenses for out-of-state teachers

Beginning August 12, 2026, Colorado removes the seven-year limit on when qualifying teaching experience occurred. Applicants still need at least three years of successful, evaluated teaching at an established elementary or secondary school. They must document that experience on state-provided forms. The State Board of Education must make license reciprocity agreements with states in the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact. Colorado must issue eligible applicants an initial professional teacher license within 30 days after receiving a complete application. Applicants need a current, unrestricted license from a Compact state that is equivalent to an eligible Colorado license. They cannot be under disciplinary action, suspension, investigation, or restriction, and must pass Colorado's criminal history check. Their out-of-state license must require a bachelor's degree or higher and state-approved teacher preparation or an alternative certification program. Colorado cannot require extra coursework, exams, or program completion for initial licensing, but can require them at renewal. The department must match licenses to Colorado teaching endorsement areas and publish a matching table annually. This reciprocity pathway ends when Colorado begins issuing licenses under Compact rules, with repeal timed through the education commissioner's written notice. If a referendum petition is filed, the law takes effect only after voter approval in November 2026 and the governor's official declaration of results.