Debbie Benefield

DENVER-  State Representative Debbie Benefield's (D-Arvada) commitment to avoiding future teacher shortages paid off with a 60-4 final vote in the House today. Senate Bill 140 will create a commission with the responsibility of averting future shortages of educators in Colorado. The bill specifically targets the teacher gap present in schools that serve the state's poor and minority students.

SB140 establishes a thirteen member Effective Teacher Commission to create a teacher identification program. This commission will identify potential statewide teacher shortages and make recommendations to the legislature for recruiting and training more qualified educators to fill the gap. 

"This bill is absolutely necessary to ensure adequate education for the most vulnerable of our children," Rep. Benefield said. "We must stop turning a blind eye to poor and minority students who fall through the cracks in our educational system."   

SB140 now awaits the Governor's signature.