Founded in 1849 as the New Britain Normal School Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is Connecticut’s oldest publicly-supported institution of higher education. The school became the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1933 when it began offering four-year baccalaureate degrees.
In 2016, CCSU’s undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs were ranked as the highest-rated teacher preparation program in the state by ToBecomeATeacher.org. Comprised of four schools—Business; Education & Professional Studies; Engineering, Science & Technology; and the Carol Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences—CCSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the master's degree and sixth-year levels, and an EdD in Educational Leadership.
CCSU is a vibrant, learning-centered community dedicated to the liberal arts and sciences, and to education for the professions. CCSU’s mission focuses on development and application of knowledge and ideas through research and outreach activities. We prepare students to be thoughtful, responsible and successful citizens. Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels balances academic challenge and personal support, leading students to become thoughtful, responsible and successful citizens. The faculty's commitment to scholarly inquiry ensures the intellectual vitality of our classrooms.
- College or University
- New Britain, CT
Central Connecticut State University’s Education Program not only helped me learn how to teach, they taught me what it takes to become an educator. They value the importance of providing educative, mindful, creative, and authentic content for all students. I am proud to say that I am an undergraduate and now graduate student at CCSU.
Dana Malave
- Undergraduate Teacher Preparation Program
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Science in Special Education
- Post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program
- 48 monthsProgram DurationProgram duration can vary based on the number of courses taken per semester, summer semester enrollment, as well as other factors
- In-personProgram Format
- Pre-Test RequiredYes
The following Central Teaching Practices are the cornerstone of CCSU’s teacher preparation programs:
- Central to Planning for Learning: Central teachers plan engaging instruction that is responsive to students’ needs and backgrounds.
- Central to Instruction: Central teachers implement instruction that fosters student engagement while checking for understanding and adjusting instruction.
- Central to Assessing Learning: Central teachers select and develop equitable methods to assess student learning.
- Central to Creating a Positive Learning Environment: Central teachers build on students’ cultural, personal and community assets to support independence and interdependence in learning for all students.
- Central to the Professional Responsibilities of Teaching: Central teachers interact collaboratively in professional roles beyond the classroom, developing goals for professional growth and a plan to pursue them.
- 48 monthsProgram DurationProgram duration can vary based on the number of courses taken per semester, summer semester enrollment, as well as other factors
- In-personProgram Format
- Pre-Test RequiredYes
- DeadlinesProgram Start
- Final DeadlineSep. 10, 2021Fall
- Final DeadlineFeb. 10, 2022Spring
Over 25 CCSU Foundation Scholarships are available to students once they have been formally accepted into the professional program.
Work study opportunities are available for eligible students.
Biology, Grades 7-12
Chemistry, Grades 7-12
Earth Science, Grades 7-12
Elementary, Grades 1-6
English, Grades 7-12
French, Grades 7-12
General Science, Grades 7-12
German, Grades 7-12
History & Social Studies, Grades 7-12
Italian, Grades 7-12
Mathematics, Grades 7-12
Music, Grades Pre-K-12
Physical Education, Grades Pre-K-12
Physics, Grades 7-12
Spanish, Grades 7-12
Technology Education, Grades Pre-K-12
Program Semesters/Steps Overview
- Sequence I
In Foundations and Principles of Teaching, students are provided an introduction to the teaching profession including foundations of education, typical and atypical human development, and learning theories.
- Sequence II
For this sequence, students take Methods I: Application of pedagogical principles in teaching.
- Sequence III
Students take Methods II: Continued development of pedagogical principles in teaching, which gives them increased opportunities for practice-based learning in clinical settings with feedback.
- Sequence IV
This sequence is an internship under the supervision of a trained Cooperating Teacher, and the ongoing support and mentorship of a University Supervisor. Candidates gradually assume full teaching responsibilities.
Program Hallmarks
- Hands-On Experience
Candidates receive carefully sequenced field experiences with a focus on practice-based preparation informed by CCSU's Central Teaching Practices.
- Preparation for Diverse Populations
CCSU's teacher candidates are provided with coursework and field-based preparation focused on meeting the needs of all learners using principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
- Mentoring & Coaching
Teacher candidates receive mentorship and coaching from faculty and their host teachers throughout their preparation.
- Commitment to Improvement
CCSU's teacher preparation programs are grounded in reflective practices that are focused on an ongoing commitment to the renewal of teacher preparation and K-12 schools.
- Male
- Female
- 26%
- 74%
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
- Asian
- Black
- Hispanic/Latino
- Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
- White
- Two or more races
- 0%
- 1%
- 3%
- 9%
- 0%
- 84%
- 3%