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First Regular Session | 75th General Assembly
Colorado General Assembly
Bill Summary for Bill Number Teacher Shortages Date: 12/05/2017
Location: RM 271
Final
Teacher Shortages

COMMITTEE ON JOINT EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
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10:34 AM -- Teacher Shortages

Commissioner Katy Anthes, Commissioner of Education for the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), and Dr. Reed, Executive Director of CDHE, provided an overview of teacher shortages in Colorado. The committee members were provided a copy of the presentation (Attachment J), a report on Colorado teacher shortages (Attachment K), and a report on teacher shortages in the United States (Attachment L).

17JtEducation1205AttachJ.pdf17JtEducation1205AttachJ.pdf 17JtEducation1205AttachK.pdf17JtEducation1205AttachK.pdf

17JTEducation1205AttachL.pdf17JTEducation1205AttachL.pdf

Commissioner Anthes provided a summary of the teacher shortage problem. She discussed the decline in the number of individuals in educator preparation programs. Commissioner Anthes discussed the issues in rural districts, specifically in recruitment and retention. She discussed the different challenges depending or geographic location.


10:43 AM

Commissioner Anthes discussed the cost of living for teachers and it's impact on turnover and attrition.

Commissioner Anthes answered a question from the committee regarding the cost of living in rural areas.


10:53 AM

Dr. Reed discussed potential legislation to promote the teacher profession, specifically marketing the profession, financially assisting individuals, and providing pathways for teachers.

Commissioner Anthes answered questions about the teacher evaluation rubric.


11:10 AM

Commissioner Anthes continued to answer questions on policy concerns regarding teacher shortages. She also answered a question regarding teacher licensure.


11:18 AM

Dr. Reed discussed the strategic goals for addressing teacher shortages. She spoke on the retention and recruitment of educators by increasing compensation and benefits. In addition, she discussed creating programs to increase enrollment and completion of preparation programs.

Commissioner Anthes answered questions from the committee regarding pre-kindergarten teacher shortages.


11:28 AM

Commissioner Anthes answered questions from the committee regarding alternative ways to study teacher shortages.

The committee members discussed their concerns regarding teacher shortages in Colorado.