In support of elevating the teaching profession
Local, state, and national leaders trust PEBC to inform the development of sound education policy that profoundly impacts success for students and teachers alike. PEBC has developed decades of direct experience in schools, deep knowledge of theory and practice, and a network for thousands of exceptional educators and passionate business and community leaders. Policymakers and advocates count on PEBC to advise the development and implementation of policy so that good ideas translate to great outcomes – in classrooms, schools, and systems as well as for our nation’s workforce and economy.
As such, below are issues/legislation that PEBC has identified as areas for engagement during this legislative session.
PEBC Priority Areas
Policies that Support Recruiting and Retaining a High-Quality Educator Workforce
As Colorado and the rest of the United States continue to face a significant teacher shortage, we will support policies and policymakers looking to positively impact the teaching workforce in 2026. Specific issues we want to address include:
- Protecting key programs that increase access to teacher licensure, such as the Educator Recruitment and Retention program and the Quality Teacher Recruitment grant program;
- Continued support for TEACH Colorado at the state level
- Expanding access to “grow your own” programs, such as teacher residencies and other strategies;
- Continuing to break down barriers to access high-quality teacher preparation (financial, cultural, linguistic, educational attainment); and
- Investing in Mentorship Programs for educators and leaders.
PEBC is developing resources for policymakers, including explaining what professional development and support we know teachers need in order to grow, thrive and stay in the profession.
Educator Retention
PEBC is working to expand high-quality instructional supports that support agency, efficacy and retention of our current educators.
- PEBC is developing resources for policymakers, including explaining what professional development and supports we know teachers need in order to grow, thrive and be honored as professionals.
School Funding and the new School Finance Formula
PEBC believes that adequate and equitable funding of public education for all learners in Colorado is of utmost importance. A strong business environment for Colorado’s economy needs a great education system so that future generations of Coloradans have the skills and knowledge necessary to enter the 21st century workforce. Considering that 2025 is going to be a tight budget year in the state,, we are tracking the conversation at the capitol this year around funding for public education, including but not limited to the following specific topics:
- Implementation of the new School Finance Formula, and its impact on school districts;
- Any changes to student averaging, or the way that the state provides funding to school districts on a per-pupil basis. Currently, the state uses a 5 year average of student enrollment to provide funding to districts; Governor Polis has proposed changing that to a one year average. This change would have strong impacts on district funding and we are closely monitoring conversations at the capitol and between districts as leaders share information with policymakers to inform decision making.
A supermajority of Colorado voters - 72 percent - agree that business should play a greater role in efforts to improve the state’s education system.
Contact us to learn how you can actively engage with PEBC and impact the future success of young people, your business, and the community in which you live and work.