TEACH Connecticut | Frequently Asked Questions

To set your teaching career up for success, focus on professional growth and finding the right environment. Follow these key steps:

• Prioritize teacher effectiveness: Look for professional development opportunities, find strong mentors and challenge yourself to try new things in the classroom! These strategies can set you up for more benefits like promotions and pay raises. 
• Select the right employer: Research school districts and leadership carefully, as your school community and leadership will significantly impact your growth.
• Evaluate fit during interviews: Treat interviews as a two-way process. You're interviewing for a position, but you also want to find out if a particular school will be a good fit.

You can use financial aid such as scholarships, grants and loan forgiveness opportunities to help make teaching programs more affordable. 

Financial aid options in Connecticut:

• Scholarships: financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, and is offered based on a student’s merit, need or athletics, such as the TEACH Connecticut Scholarship. 
• Grants: a financial award that does not need to be repaid, such as the Minority Teacher Incentive Grant.
• Loan forgiveness: a cancellation of some or all a student’s loans after meeting specified requirements such as on-time payments, service commitments and tenure. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program is a good example. 

Financial aid opportunities can be federally, privately or institutionally funded. You can learn more about financial aid for Connecticut teachers in our financial aid guide.

Choosing the right teaching programs will depend on your experience and where you want to begin your teaching career. 

Consider these questions to help determine the program for you: 

• Do you want to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree along with your teaching certificate? Or do you want to jump right into teaching with an alternative certification program? 
• Do you have a budget? Does the program need to be mostly online to fit your schedule? 
• How much hands-on experience do you want, and what kind of mentorship do you hope to receive? 

Questions like these will guide you to choosing the program that fits your goals. You can learn more about choosing a teaching program in our article.

You can absolutely teach in a subject other than what your degree is in. In Connecticut, you will need pass subject area assessments and take a teacher preparation program, and you may need to take an extra class to fulfill state requirements. 

How to Get Certified in Your New Subject:

• Choose a Pathway: master’s of art in teaching programs offer a master’s degree alongside your teaching certificate, or you can take alternative certification programs or certificate-only programs. Learn more on our How to Become a Certified Teacher in Connecticut page.
• Take a U.S. History course: In Connecticut, all teachers must have completed a 3.0 credit course on U.S. History.
• Pass subject area assessments: You must pass a subject area test for your new subject area to prove you can teach that subject. Learn about what content exams are required on our Testing Guide.

If you’re a first-year teacher, the average starting salary for Connecticut teachers is $49,860. If you have more experience or more education, Connecticut’s average teacher salary is $86,511.

• In most cases, school districts set their own salary schedules for teachers, which are often based on years of experience and credentials. 

You can learn more about Connecticut teacher salaries and benefits on our Salary and Benefits page.

Only you can decide if teaching is right for you, and there is a combination of skills and values that many teachers have. 

Here are some signs that you will like teaching:

• You want a career with autonomy, mastery and purpose.
• You have drive and curiosity to challenge yourself and grow.
• You've worked with children before and enjoy it.
• You want a job that's both creative and analytical, and that makes a real difference in your community.

Here are a few places to start your research:

• Visit our Explore Teaching page.
• Check out our articles, pages and videos to explore the ins and outs of teaching.

You do not need a master’s degree to start teaching in Connecticut, but you will need to earn a master’s degree within 11 years of earning your initial and provisional teaching certificate (CT Bureau of Certification). 

Benefits of getting a master’s degree to teach in Connecticut:

• Every teacher in Connecticut will need a master’s degree, so you can fulfill the state requirement ahead of time.
• A master's degree will allow you to earn a higher salary and earn your professional certification.
• If you already have a teaching certificate, you can take classes to earn your master’s degree during nights and weekends. 

You can use our Program Explorer to find master's degree programs in Connecticut.

Teachers generally have a great deal of autonomy — more so than most jobs right out of college. From day one, you'll be entrusted with big responsibilities. 

Areas teachers will have the most autonomy

• Building classroom culture by way of room decoration, class room management techniques and classroom routines
• Instructional Strategy by choosing the activities, technology and teaching methods that best fit your students' needs
• Being creative with lesson implementation by adapting the required curriculum to be engaging for your students

That said, every school varies in terms of teacher autonomy, so it's smart to ask about this during job interviews.

In most cases, yes. With proper training, preparation and practice, you'll build the skills you need to manage students in your classroom.

Your teaching program should show you how to earn your students' trust, develop strong communication skills and use effective classroom management techniques.

Once you're in the classroom, you'll continue to learn on the job and learn from your colleagues. Teachers are a supportive bunch, and experienced educators at your school will help you to continue to build your craft. You've got this!

Yes! While there’s no single way to be a good teacher, there are a combination of skills and values that a good teacher has. Like any profession, it takes time and dedication to develop the skills to teach effectively. 

Therefore, good teachers need to have passion, drive, and curiosity to do their job well and better themselves. Each day, you'll improve your relationship-building, critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills, to support your students the best that you can.

The quickest way to become a teacher online is through alternative certification programs or teacher residency programs. 

Key benefits to non-traditional online programs

• Online coursework: asynchronous coursework can be completed at your own pace
• Fast-track training: shorter but enriched training courses on the fundamentals of teaching a classroom of students
• Earn while you learn: in many cases, once you finish training, you can start teaching in your classroom right away and apply what you learn as you teach. 

No matter what type of program you choose, you will have hands-on, in-person experiences during student teaching, so it can’t be done completely online.

In most cases, it will take four years in a traditional teaching program. However, it ultimately depends on the type of teaching program you choose and where you are in your academic career. 

• Bachelor’s + master’s degree + certificate programs take five years
• Bachelor’s degree + certification programs take four years
• Master’s degree + certification programs take three years or less
• Certificate-only programs and alternative certification programs can take as little as one year

You can see different programs and their lengths in our Program Explorer.

The fastest pathways to become a certified teacher is through alternative certification programs or certificate-only programs. If you have educational or professional degrees in the subject area you want to teach, these programs allow you to learn how to teach and, in some cases, start teaching right away.

Learn more about Connecticut’s ARC program, or find other programs in our Program Explorer.

You can become a teacher even if you have a unique background and there are pathways to teaching tailored specifically for situations like this. 

Pathways to a teaching certificate:

• Alternative certification programs are a good option for you if you want to change careers and have a bachelor’s degree in the subject you want to teach. 
• Career and Technical Education certification programs are a good option if you have vocational experience in a specific trade or industry.

Learn more about Connecticut teacher certification.

No, you can absolutely become a teacher in Connecticut at any point in your career. 

• If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can find many programs suited for career changers, such as master’s degree programs, certificate-only programs and alternative certification programs. 
• If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, there are traditional teaching programs that offer a bachelor’s and certificate at the same time, or even bachelor's + master's degree and certification!
• If you have work experience in an industry or technical field, you can become a Career and Technical Education teacher to teach grades 10-12. 

Each program offers a different range of coursework, hands-on experience and mentoring. Learn more about Connecticut teacher certification.

No, substitute teaching or paraprofessional roles do not qualify for the 20 school months or more of full-time classroom teaching (CT Bureau of Certification). However, working in those roles provides valuable experience for applying to teacher preparation programs.

Yes, you can use your non-education degree or prior experience to teach in Connecticut. There are two options available: 

• Elementary and Secondary education (in any subject) teacher: You will need to pass an exam in your desired subject area, as well as fulfill requirements for a teacher preparation program. Pathways available to you include master’s degree programs, certificate-only programs and alternative certification programs. Learn more in our teaching programs guide.
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher: This pathway is a non-traditional route to becoming a teacher. If you have work experience in industries like construction, hospitality, or health sciences, a CTE certificate lets you apply your skills to teach grades 10-12. Learn more about becoming a CTE teacher. 

An alternative certification program is a teacher preparation pathway that lets you earn your initial teaching certification while you teach in your own classroom. To apply, you will need to meet these requirements:

• Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum GPA of at least 3.0.
• Pass required tests such as the Praxis Core basic skills test and Praxis II in your teaching subject. 
• Have or take a 3.00 credit course in U.S. History.
• Some university programs may have their own testing requirements. 

Connecticut Bureau of Certification has its own alternative certification program called the Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program. Other programs’ applications are available on university or institution websites, and you can find Connecticut alternative certification programs in our Program Explorer.

Alternative certification is a type of teacher certification that prepares teachers for an accelerated entry into teaching. This type of certification is good for people who:

• Have a bachelor’s degree, but haven’t started a teacher prep program
• Have career experience in the subject you plan to teach
• Have previous experience in education

If you are unsure of what subject to teach, or curious about what options are available for you, learrn more about Connecticut certification subject areas and consider the Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program.

In Connecticut, the primary difference is that a teaching degree is an academic qualification from a college, while a teaching certificate is the legal authorization from the state to teach in a classroom.

To qualify for these credentials, you must meet different requirements:

• Teaching degree: Obtained by completing a college-level teacher preparation program, including specialized coursework in a specific subject area.
• Teaching certificate: Issued by the Connecticut Bureau of Certification after you complete the degree, pass the required state certificate exams, and finish student teaching assessments. 

You can learn more about Connecticut teacher certificates in our certification guide.

Yes, you can earn your master’s degree and Connecticut teaching certificate in one program in as little as one to two years. 

The benefits of a master’s degree program:

• Integrated certification: Master’s of arts in teaching programs build in teacher certification requirements into your coursework to get you certified faster.
• Higher salary: You can start teaching with a higher salary with a master’s degree.
• Fulfill state requirements: In Connecticut, all teachers are required to get a master’s degree eventually.

You can find a master’s degree program for you in our Program Explorer.

Yes, there are many earn while you learn (teacher residency) programs in Connecticut for teachers to get certified while teaching in a classroom. These programs are built for you to earn your teacher certificate in one to two years, all while applying what you learn from your coursework into the classroom. You can learn more in our guide about what to expect in a Connecticut Teacher Residency.

A teaching residency program is a type of alternative certification program that allows you to earn your initial teaching certificate in 14-18 months while getting paid to teach in a classroom alongside a mentor teacher.

Key benefits to a teaching residency program:

• Get paid to teach: receive an annual stipend while in the program. Some programs offer $30,000 to resident teachers!
• Earn a master’s degree: depending on the program, you may receive both your teaching certificate and a master’s degree.
• More experience: you will commit to teaching in your school for the full school year, where other programs typically have student teaching last for a few weeks. You will also get support from your mentor teacher.
• Job opportunities: start a full-time teaching role, usually in the district where you trained. After you graduate, you’ll often commit to teaching in your district for a certain amount of time.

You can learn more about the benefits of Connecticut Teacher Residency Programs.

Connecticut offers a variety of teacher certification programs, ranging from programs for people who have never been to college to programs for people who want a master’s degree. You can expect to find these types of programs available at different colleges and universities:

• Bachelor’s degree + certificate programs
• Master’s degree + certificate programs
• Bachelor’s + master’s degree + certificate programs
• Alternative certification programs
• Certificate-only programs

Each program offers a different range of coursework, hands-on experience and mentoring. Learn more about Connecticut teacher certification.

Substitute teachers usually need a bachelor’s degree. However, if you are hired without one, the district can waive this requirement.

• Without a bachelor’s degree, you won’t be permitted to substitute for more than 60 days in a school year. 
• With a bachelor’s degree, you are eligible for long-term substitute teaching if you have 12 credits in the subject you are substitute teaching for, permitting you to substitute teach for more than 60 days.

Check with the school district you want to substitute for to see the requirements to apply.

To start teaching immediately in Connecticut, you can go through an alternative certification program to get your Temporary 90-day certificate.

Benefits of alternative certification programs in Connecticut:

• If you have educational or professional degrees in the subject area you want to teach, these programs allow you to start teaching right away while you learn outside of school hours. 
• Connecticut Bureau of Certification has its own alternative certification program called the Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program. 

Other alternative certification programs are available in our Program Explorer.

Yes, in Connecticut, you can renew your teaching certificate even if it has expired. You will need to submit an application to make sure you are meeting all the current testing and coursework requirements.

There are a few pathways to get your out-of-state teaching certificate evaluated by the Connecticut Bureau of Certification to determine if you meet all the requirements to teach in Connecticut.

Apply for a Connecticut teaching certificate:

• If you have a teaching certificate or license from the listed states, you can submit an application and other required materials to start teaching in Connecticut:
  • Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, or Washington, DC.
• If you're certified to teach in a state that is not listed, you can submit an application alongside additional forms that verify your teaching credentials and tests. 

Regardless of whether you're certified in a reciprocity state or not, depending on your scores and experience, you may need to take additional subject area tests or coursework.

To get certified to teach in Connecticut, you can submit your credentials and transcripts for review. After this process, you may still need to fulfill some requirements before you can start teaching in Connecticut. 

The International Certification Process:

1. Apply online or by mail
2. Submit your certificate or license as well as valid teaching experience. 
3. Submit transcripts from U.S. regionally accredited institutions or,
4. Submit transcripts for evaluation from approved evaluation agencies.

If needed, you may need to pass subject area exams within three years of being certified to teach in Connecticut.

Connecticut has many benefits for veterans and military spouses to pursue a teaching career. 

Specialized Financial Aid at the University of Connecticut and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU):

• Veterans can receive a veteran tuition waiver to reduce the cost of attending college and make academic and career advancement accessible.
• Military spouses and dependents are eligible for in-state tuition while stationed in Connecticut.

Cost offsets offered to veterans and military families:

•  OHE Alternate Route to Certification 
• Sacred Heart University
• Southern Connecticut State University
• University of Connecticut
• Western Connecticut State University

Veterans can utilize several support programs at the national level, too. Learn more about translating your skills as a veteran to a career in education.

To have your international teaching certificate or degree recognized by the U.S. and to begin teaching in Connecticut, you will need to submit your transcripts to an approved evaluation agency.

Once you submit all the required documents, the organization will evaluate your credentials and send a report to you or to the Connecticut Bureau of Certification.

Programs in Connecticut will have a variety of deadlines that vary depending on the program start, but generally, spring semester applications are due by December, summer by April, and fall by May. 

Typical application deadlines:

• Alternative certification programs have deadlines for cohorts that are usually early in the year, with applications opening in the winter for a summer start.
• Traditional teacher preparation programs through colleges and universities often have spring deadlines for the following fall semester.

Be sure to carefully review the programs you are interested in and account for deadlines when planning your application. Review application deadlines on our deadline search.

In most cases, it will take four years in a traditional teaching program. However, it ultimately depends on the type of teaching program you choose and where you are in your academic career. 

• Bachelor’s + master’s degree + certificate programs take five years
• Bachelor’s degree + certification programs take four years
• Master’s degree + certification programs take three years or less
• Certificate-only programs and alternative certification programs can take as little as one year

You can see different programs and their lengths in our Program Explorer.

You can apply for financial aid such as scholarships and grant opportunities to help make teaching programs more affordable. 

Types of program-specific financial aid:

• Institutional grants or scholarships: these are unique to your program’s institution, and help cover some or all of the cost of tuition.
• Teacher or education specific grants or scholarships: these are aid opportunities aimed to support future teachers
• Stipends or tuition assistance: residency programs will often offer a stipend to help pay for living expenses and may even offer tuition assistance to cover the costs of your teacher preparation program, too
• Federal financial aid: You can apply for free financial aid that gets directly sent to your institution, and may make you automatically eligible for other scholarships or grants 

You can learn more about financial aid for Connecticut teachers in our financial aid guide.

Teaching preparation programs vary in cost, but there are financial aid resources available, especially for teachers and educators. 

Financial aid options in Connecticut:

• Scholarships: financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, and is offered based on a student’s merit, need or athletics, such as the TEACH Connecticut Scholarship. 
• Grants: a financial award that does not need to be repaid, such as the Minority Teacher Incentive Grant.
• Loan forgiveness: a cancellation of some or all a student’s loans after meeting specified requirements such as on-time payments, service commitments and tenure. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program is a good example. 

Financial aid opportunities can be federally, privately or institutionally funded. You can learn more about financial aid for Connecticut teachers in our financial aid guide.

The balance working full-time while earning your teacher certificate, leverage programs that allow for you to complete coursework online or fast-track programs such as alternative certification programs. 

Carefully review program overviews to fully understand the requirements throughout the program. Take note that all teacher preparation programs will require you to student teach, so being able to work in a classroom will be a requirement at some point.

To teach special education, you will need to go through a teacher preparation program that offers certification in Special education, as well as take a few exams.

Required exams to teach Special education: 

• Special Education: Foundational Knowledge through ETS
• Foundations of Reading Test through Pearson

All certifications in Connecticut require courses in special education.

You can find programs that offer an endorsement in Special education on our Program Explorer.

In Connecticut, there are four main requirements to become a certified teacher. The requirements may become more specific with each teacher preparation program. 

The key requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree: you must have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field to the subject you want to teach. The standard GPA is 2.7 or higher.
• Teacher preparation program: you must take an approved teacher preparation program, either traditionally or in an alternative route, which leads to initial certification.
• Subject area exams: you will need to pass tests in your chosen subject area.
• Required courses: you will need to take an approved 3.00 credit course in U.S. History as well as courses in special education.

While GPA requirements may vary depending on the program and university, you can generally expect to see a cumulative GPA of 2.7- 3.0 as a requirement for most teacher preparation programs in Connecticut. You can view GPA requirements for programs in our Connecticut Program Explorer. 

There are a variety of online resources available to help prepare you for the required exams to become a teacher. 

• TEACH.org resources, like free coaching and test guides
• Connecticut Teacher Certification Examination free study guides
• For the Praxis Core: Study.com offers free test prep with video lessons, practice quizzes and more.

You can learn more about test preparation in our testing guide.