Calling all paraeducators, substitutes, support staff and volunteers!
We know you already have classroom experience and a commitment to education—that makes you uniquely qualified to become a teacher. TEACH Connecticut and our partner teaching programs offer support and resources to get you started on the path to earning your teacher certification.
3,000
New teachers hired every year
$81,000
Average teacher salary
17
Partner teaching programs
Here’s What it Takes
- 1
Earn your degree.
If you haven’t earned your bachelor’s degree, several programs allow you to earn it and your certification at the same time. If you’re thinking about a master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate program, we’ve got you covered there too.
- 2
Complete an educator preparation program.
Decide the grades and subjects you want to teach, and explore the teaching programs offered by our partner providers, including programs for working professionals and school employees.
For more details about getting certified to teach, check out our About Certification page.
- 3
Pass state certification assessments.
We’ve got a good intro to the different assessments you may need, along with resources for test preparation in our Guide to Assessments. Your program can guide you in deciding which tests you’ll need to take and when.
Paths to Teaching
Featured Programs
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
Learn MoreThe CTOHE Alternate Route to Certification program is an accelerated, nine-month weekend program for working adults.
Relay Connecticut Alternate Route to Certification
Learn MoreRelay's Alternate Route to Certification program is a part-time residency program designed for staff members employed within partner schools.
University of Bridgeport
Learn MoreThe Tuition-Paid Internship Program allows participants to intern full-time for a school while earning a master’s degree and teaching certificate through part-time evening courses.
University of Connecticut
Learn MoreUCONN's Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates offers a full-time, 11-month program at three regional campuses.
Teach for America-Connecticut
Learn MoreTFA corp members start earning a full teaching salary after an initial summer training and receive intensive resources and support.
Southern Connecticut State University
Learn MoreSCSU's post-baccalaureate program has full-time and part-time options leading to certification in as little as 18 months.
Talk to a TEACH Connecticut Coach
We get it—becoming a teacher is a big decision with many choices to make along the way. You don’t have to do it alone. A coach can walk you through program options, application steps, and answer any questions you have along the way.
If you’re not sure about your path quite yet, you can talk to a Connecticut teacher to get advice, weigh career options and feel encouraged to make an informed choice.
From paraprofessional to teacher, Megan Kellogg recounts her unique experience in pursuing her passion.
