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Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

To teach in Connecticut, you’ll need to complete a few steps. Read this page for more info or download our full PDF guide!

Get the GuideLearn About Endorsement Areas
The cover of the TEACH Connecticut Teacher Certification Guide

Pathways to Teaching

Your path to teaching will partly depend on your background. Get an overview here, and download our free guide for more details!

Select the tab that fits you best.

"Schools are more than just places where students learn how to read and write — they're communities. They're like second families to our students." — Dr. Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education

Get Your Connecticut Teacher Certification

No matter which teaching pathway you choose, you’ll have to complete a few steps to get certified. Let’s take a look:
  1. 1

    Choose your teaching subject and certification area

    Your certification area (also called your endorsement area) will depend on the subject and grade level you want to teach. You'll need to choose both before you start teaching.

    Getting certified in a shortage area can provide more opportunities and even higher pay! 

    Explore your options for certification endorsement areas.

  2. 2

    Earn a bachelor’s degree

    In general, your bachelor’s degree should be in a field closely related to what you want to teach. If you have a degree in a different subject than the one you want to teach, you may be able to take post-baccalaureate courses to get the credits you need. 

    Connecticut accepts degrees from a large number of universities, but you should confirm that yours is regionally accredited. 

    Paying for your program can feel like a lot. That's where our Financial Aid Guide comes in: Get our best tips to find grants, scholarships, loan forgiveness opportunities and other ways to cover your costs!

  3. 3

    Complete an approved Connecticut teaching program

    You can complete a teaching program as part of your undergrad coursework, or by applying to a teaching program after you earn your bachelor’s degree. Make sure to choose a program that offers your chosen certification area! 

    Explore Connecticut teaching programs

    TEACH Connecticut can help you save money on teaching program applications! We’ll reimburse up to $100 for any expenses required for you to apply to a teaching program (like application fees, transcript fees and more). Get $100 back

  4. 4

    Pass required tests

    You’ll have to take a few tests to show you’re ready to lead your own classroom. These include a subject matter exam and a teaching portfolio.

    The timing of these tests will depend on your teaching program. Some programs will have you take the subject test before you enroll. Others will have you take this test during your program or after you finish. In general, you’ll complete the teaching portfolio toward the end of your program.

    Stressed about testing? You're not alone! Our Testing Guide covers everything from how to register to study tips and resources.

  5. 5

    Apply for your teacher certification

    Almost there! After you’ve completed a teaching program and passed your exams, it’s time to apply for your teacher certification. Your teaching program must formally recommend you for certification.  

    Your program can help you with your application. Once you’ve applied, processing time usually takes six to twelve weeks. By creating an online account with the Connecticut Educator Certification System, you can pay fees online, check the status of your application, or print unofficial copies of your certificates and permits

Get the Guide

The cover of the TEACH Connecticut Certification Guide

The TEACH Connecticut Certification Guide has everything you need to start your journey: Get details about teaching pathways, certification areas and steps to certification, all in one place. 

It’s all free.

Get the Free Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Connecticut teacher certification!

What’s next

Interactive Feature

Connecticut Program Explorer

Ready to explore teaching programs? Find the right fit with our Program Explorer! Filter by degree, online options, tuition costs and more. You can even save favorites to revisit later.

Explore Programs

Connecticut Guides

Applying to teaching programs or jobs? TEACH Connecticut can help, with step-by-step advice and downloadable templates. From resumes to recommendations, test prep to financial aid, we'll tell you everything you need to know to apply with confidence.

Read More

Career Coaching in Connecticut

Have questions about becoming a certified CT teacher? Talk to an expert. Attend a group info session or get 1-on-1 advice on what to teach and how to choose and apply to the right program. It's all free.

Read More

References

  1. “Teacher Pay and Spending: How Does Your State Rank?” National Education Association.
    April 24, 2023.
    https://www.nea.org/resource-library/educator-pay-and-student-spending-how-does-your-state-rank

Create a Free Account

Sign up for access to everything we offer, right from your dashboard.

  1. Learn about your certification options.
  2. Explore teacher training programs.
  3. Get support for teaching tests.
  4. Apply for financial aid.
  5. Chat with certification experts via live chat, small group sessions or 1-on-1 meetings.

It’s all FREE and brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education and our statewide partners.

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