
Choose Your Endorsement Area
Decide what you want to teach, and choose the certification endorsement area that’s right for you. Read this page or download our full certification guide.
What is an endorsement area?

A quick note on language: Your teacher certification is the document that lets you teach in a Connecticut classroom. Your certification or endorsement area refers to the specific subjects and grade levels you’re qualified to teach.
You can have endorsements in multiple subjects, and you can add endorsements throughout your career!
How do I choose an endorsement area?
If you already know what subject you want to teach, you can jump to the next section.
If you’re not sure or you’re open to different subjects, click on the tabs to see how you can increase your job opportunities.
In some cases, you may have multiple certification endorsement options to choose from. For example, if you want to teach fourth, fifth or sixth grade, you could earn an elementary endorsement for grades 1–6 or an endorsement for grades 4–8 in a specific subject area, like social studies or math.
What endorsements can I earn?
Once you know the grade and subject you want to teach, you can select your certification endorsement area. Click the tabs to explore your options.
Remember: You can add endorsements throughout your career. You don’t have to get them all at once!
Get the Certification Guide

Keep a list of endorsement areas handy, and step-by-step details on pathways to teaching and how to get certified in Connecticut.
It’s all free in our certification guide!
Have questions about how to choose the right endorsement area? A TEACH Connecticut coach can help. Get all your questions answered with free 1-on-1 or group advising. Sign up.
What’s next
All About the Durational Shortage Area Permit
if you have a bachelor’s degree, you may be able to start teaching right away with a DSAP.
Read MoreCareer 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 MoreCT Teacher Certification (Guide) | TEACH Connecticut
Discover how to become a teacher in Connecticut in our step-by-step CT teacher certification guide. We’ll help you on your journey toward becoming a teacher.
Read MoreReferences
- Shortage Areas. Connecticut State Department of Education. https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Talent_Office/Talent-Office-home-page/Shortage-Areas.
- Endorsement Codes. Connecticut Bureau of Certification. https://portal.ct.gov/sdecertification/Knowledge-Base/Articles/Resources/Endorsements/Endorsement-Codes?language=en_US.