Autonomy and nature of teacher training colleges in Colombia under Law 2481 of 2025

Abstract

Law 2481 of 2025 grants Colombia's teacher training colleges (ENS) a special status that will allow them to offer bachelor's and specialization programs. However, this legislation needs to be regulated, especially with regard to the scope of institutional autonomy, taking into account the nature of these institutions. This reflective article develops two key elements. The first is the concept of autonomy in higher education, which is the closest reference point for teacher training colleges. This must take into account the uniqueness of each institution, bearing in mind that educational processes are localized and depend on links with the local area. The second corresponds to the analysis of the possibilities of autonomy, particularly in the academic sphere for complementary training programs, based on Decree 4790 of 2008 and Decree 1236 of 2020, which are the legal references for teacher training colleges in Colombia.