How to Become a Teacher in Connecticut

Low student-to-teacher ratios, high initial teacher pay, and access to exceptional advanced education opportunities are included in the many reasons to pursue teaching in Connecticut. Offering excellent benefits and interesting teaching opportunities, the State of Connecticut has many routes for how to become a teacher in Connecticut.

How to become a teacher in Connecticut - traditional route for residents

The traditional route for earning a Residency Teacher Certificate in Connecticut requires that aspiring teachers:

• Earn a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited school; and
• Complete a State-approved teacher preparation program or alternative.

How to become a teacher in CT - alternative route for residents

Alternative paths of how to become a teacher in Connecticut are also available for those wanting to teach to earn their teacher certificate in Connecticut. One such route requires that students:

• Earn a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited school;
• Complete a State-approved alternative pathway teacher preparation program;
• Have at least 3 years of verifiable K-12 teaching experience outside of Connecticut; and
• Hold a regular teaching certificate from another State.

How to become a teacher in CT - for out-of-state teacher applicants

Out-of-State applicants must:

• Earn a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited school;
• Complete a teacher certification program deemed an acceptable equivalent by the State Board of Education; and
• Pass a basic skills test (WEST-B) and an endorsement content knowledge test (WEST-E) within 12 months of receiving a temporary permit.

How do I become a teacher in Connecticut - necessary exams for residents

Aspiring teachers in Connecticut hoping to earn their Residency Teacher Certificate are required to take at least two exams. First, to gain admission to a teacher preparation program, students must pass the Connecticut Educator Skills Tests-Basic (WEST-B) exam. Then, after completion of their training, in order to gain endorsements for certain subject areas, students must pass the relevant Connecticut Educator Skills Tests-Endorsements (WEST-E) exam.

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Connecticut?

There is no specific bachelor's degree required to earn a teacher certificate in Connecticut. Typically, however, aspiring elementary school teachers choose to major in education and minor in another area such as English or history. Those aiming to teach middle school or high school, on the other hand, often major in the subject area they are hoping to teach, while supplementing their studies with education-related courses.

Preschool teacher candidates often take at least some courses in early childhood development or a related area.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Connecticut?

Teacher preparation programs in Connecticut consist of a combination of class work and fieldwork. The class work component often consists of things like:

• Teaching on foundational knowledge and skills;
• Instruction on the art and science of teaching; and
• Guidance on researching, designing, and implementing teaching ideas in the classroom.

The fieldwork generally includes:

• Field observations;
• Student teaching; and
• An internship.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Residency Teacher Certificate remains valid until the teacher completes two years of teaching in Connecticut. The certificate may then be reissued with a five-year expiration date.

To maintain the validity of their teacher certificate in Connecticut, every five years teachers must have 150 approved clock hours of continuing education study or equivalent academic credit (15 quarter hours or 10 semester hours). Alternatively, they may present a copy of a valid certificate from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in CT?

The following websites have additional information for those asking, "how do I become a teacher in Connecticut":

• Connecticut State Department of Education

  This official government site provides the most accurate information for those interested in teaching in Connecticut, with details on how to achieve certification.

• CT SDE: How to Become a Certified Teacher in Connecticut

  The PESB has been charged with creating alternative routes to teacher certification and administering new basic skills and subject knowledge assessments for certification. This site contains testing and standards information.