A new bill advancing through the Colorado legislature seeks to tackle the state’s severe shortage of special-education teachers by reducing licensing requirements that have discouraged qualified candidates from entering the field.
Currently, Colorado’s State Board of Education mandates that aspiring special-education teachers pass five Praxis exams—more than double the number required in most other states. Elizabeth Hinde, dean of Metropolitan State University of Denver’s School of Education, says this excessive testing has deterred many from completing their licensure programs or delayed their entry into classrooms, exacerbating the shortage.
Senate Bill 25-154 proposes cutting the number of required exams for special-education, elementary, and early-childhood special-education teachers to no more than two. The goal is to remove financial and logistical barriers that have made it difficult for qualified candidates to obtain licensure, even after completing demanding coursework and hands-on training.
According to the Colorado Department of Education, three of the top five teacher shortage areas for the 2023-24 school year were in special education.
A Nationwide Problem with a Colorado Twist
The shortage of special-education teachers is a national issue, with 74% of public schools struggling to fill these positions for the 2024-25 school year. However, Colorado’s testing requirements have created an additional hurdle, Hinde explained.
“Most states require zero to two Praxis tests for special-education licensure, but Colorado requires five,” she said. “This costs over $475 and takes nearly eight hours—and that’s only if candidates pass on the first attempt.”
Hinde also pointed out that some of the tests are not aligned with Colorado’s state standards, raising concerns about their relevance. “These tests are keeping highly qualified people out of the profession,” she said. “This bill, which MSU Denver helped draft, would eliminate unnecessary and costly exams, making it easier for aspiring teachers to enter the field.”
Aspiring Teachers Face Overwhelming Challenges
Payton Pritchard, who graduated with honors in special education in December, shared her struggles with the current testing system. “Studying for the exams was overwhelming,” she said. “I was told I could graduate without passing them, but I was encouraged to take them as soon as possible.”
Despite her passion for special education—sparked by her childhood friendship with someone who has autism—Pritchard found the high-stakes exams daunting. “Praxis wouldn’t accommodate my Individualized Education Program for extra time,” she said. “I took five exams, failed some, and spent between 700and800 on prep materials and test fees.”
Pritchard believes reducing the number of required exams would make licensure more attainable. “When I heard the bill might lower the requirement to two or three tests, it finally felt achievable,” she said.
The Impact on Students
The teacher shortage has real consequences for students with disabilities. Pritchard, who works as an instructional paraprofessional with fifth-graders, stressed the importance of having dedicated and adaptable teachers. “These students need educators who can modify their teaching to meet individual needs,” she said. “If the Board of Education could see how we work with these kids, they’d know we belong in the classroom. A test score doesn’t reflect how well someone can connect with students.”
She also noted that the demand for special-education teachers is rising. “More children are qualifying for special-education services,” Pritchard said. “We need more teachers in these classrooms, not barriers keeping them out.”
A Path Forward
The Colorado State Board of Education has agreed to address the issue at an upcoming meeting, potentially speeding up the process compared to waiting for the bill to pass through the legislature. If the board does not act, Sen. Cathy Kipp, the bill’s sponsor, plans to reintroduce the provision during the current legislative session.
For educators like Pritchard, the change can’t come soon enough. “I just want to see these kids succeed and have everything they need to thrive,” she said. “That should be the focus—not how well I can take a test.”
The bill represents a critical step toward addressing Colorado’s special-education teacher shortage, ensuring that passionate and qualified educators can enter the classroom without unnecessary obstacles.
