TEACH Connecticut LogoConnecticut
Employees and Volunteers

For School Employees

Do you work or volunteer in a Connecticut school? Turn your current job into a rewarding teaching career. Sign up to learn more!

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.

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  • 3,000

    New teachers hired every year

  • $81,000

    Average teacher salary

  • 17

    Partner teaching programs

Here’s What it Takes

To become a teacher in Connecticut, you need at least one teacher certification endorsement. To get it, follow the steps below.
  1. 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. 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. 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

You need a pathway to certification that works for your unique background and lifestyle. For many school employees and volunteers, that means finding programs that allow you to continue working (and won’t leave you in debt).

Featured Programs

  • ARC Logo

    Connecticut Office of Higher Education

    The CTOHE Alternate Route to Certification program is an accelerated, nine-month weekend program for working adults.

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  • Relay GSE

    Relay Connecticut Alternate Route to Certification

    Relay's Alternate Route to Certification program is a part-time residency program designed for staff members employed within partner schools.

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  • UBridgeport

    University of Bridgeport

    The 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.

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  • UCONN

    University of Connecticut

    UCONN's Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates offers a full-time, 11-month program at three regional campuses.

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  • TFA

    Teach for America-Connecticut

    TFA corp members start earning a full teaching salary after an initial summer training and receive intensive resources and support.

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  • SCSU

    Southern Connecticut State University

    SCSU's post-baccalaureate program has full-time and part-time options leading to certification in as little as 18 months. 

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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.

Megan Kellogg

From paraprofessional to teacher, Megan Kellogg recounts her unique experience in pursuing her passion.

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