The Constitution State is home to many of the world’s best universities, Yale University and the US Coast Guard Academy being the most famous. Connecticut is also among the best-educated states in the United States, according to the US News & World Report, among other organizations. Said recognition is due to its high educational attainment among its population, quality of education, access to teaching resources, and achievement gaps between races and genders.
Indeed, Connecticut is an excellent state for educators. Aspiring teachers will find plenty of opportunities to establish rewarding careers in education here. The fastest-growing need is in the STEM, special education, and bilingual sectors. Connecticut is also an excellent place for K-12 teachers in all content areas.
There’s also the fact that public school teachers in Connecticut earn well – between $52,075 and $76,092 per year.
So, if you’re interested in establishing a challenging yet rewarding teaching career in Connecticut, read on.
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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Connecticut
Note that the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), the state agency responsible for the teaching certification process, will hold applications and corresponding fees for up to two years. During this time, an applicant can work toward completing their teaching certification requirements.
CSDE has two eligibility paths for education certification.
First, the traditional path is eligibility based on program preparation. Aspiring teachers must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. The eligibility requirements are:
- A bachelor’s degree in Education earned from a regionally accredited college or university. You can choose between a generalist degree or a specialist degree in areas such as special education or early childhood education. Your formal education must also include at least 12 credit/semester hours of a state-approved educator preparation program.
- A formal recommendation for teaching certification from the college or university. You must complete at least ten consecutive weeks as a full-time student-teacher in state-approved school settings. Your student teaching experience must be under the direct supervision of a certified teacher, too.
- Achieve passing scores on standardized assessment exams in your preferred grade level and content areas. These are the approved providers in Connecticut:
- ETS offers the Praxis Core and Praxis Core exams, the most commonly required certification exams
- Pearson administers exams for foundations of reading, early childhood education, and reading specialist
- ACTFL conducts certification exams in English proficiency, world languages, and listening and reading computer-adaptive
Aspiring certified teachers must also achieve passing scores on endorsement exams specific to their content area. CSDE approves endorsement categories in:
- Elementary education
- Middle and secondary science and mathematics
- Middle and secondary arts, English, and humanities
- World languages
- Remedial reading/language arts
- Early childhood education
- Special education
- PreK-12 unified arts and special subjects
- Educational leadership
High school graduates and traditional college students choose the traditional path because it’s straightforward.
Second, the non-traditional path based on teaching experience offers aspiring certified teachers to obtain formal certification. Current practicing non-certified educators with at least two academic years of full-time teaching experience in the grade level and content area may request a waiver of the educator preparation requirement.
But these mandatory certification requirements must be complied with:
- A bachelor’s from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Formal and verifiable proof of their full-time teaching experience for no fewer than 20 school months in an approved non-public school or an out-of-state public school with a valid teaching license.
- Achieve passing scores on standardized assessment exams in the preferred grade level and content areas where tests are required.
CSDE has a three-tier system of teaching certification.
- The three-year Initial Educator Certificate is applicable for applicants who complete the requirements in the traditional certification path. Applicants also have less than three full school years of full-time teaching experience in the past ten years.
- The eight-year Provisional Educator Certificate is its second level. Applicants must comply with either of these requirements:
- Complete at least ten months of appropriate experience with either an initial educator certificate or interim initial educator certificate in a public school in Connecticut and completion of CSDE’s teacher induction/mentoring program; OR
- Completion of at least 30 months of appropriate experience within ten years either in a non-Connecticut public school system with a valid teaching certificate or in an approved non-public teaching school.
- The five-year Professional Educator Certificate is the highest certification level. Applicants must comply with both of these requirements to be considered:
- Complete at least 30 school months of appropriate experience in either a public or approved non-public school with a Provisional Educator Certificate in Connecticut AND
- Comply with additional course requirements issued by CSDE
CSDE also issues a non-renewable Interim Educator Certificate valid for one year.
Applying for teacher certification starts with creating your account on the Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS) site. You should send supporting documents by US mail. CSDE also accepts paper applications.
Application requirements include:
- Completed online application or paper application (ED 170 General Application)
- Payment of non-refundable application fee via approved means
- Official transcripts
- ED 126 Statement of Successful Professional Experience
- Verification document of teaching/work service, if applicable
- Copy of current out-of-state certificates/licenses
- ED 125 Statement of Preparing Higher Education Institution
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
The common admission requirements for online education programs at the bachelor’s degree level are:
- Completed online application
- High school diploma or GED equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA
- Official transcripts
- Completion of prerequisite courses, if any
For master’s and doctoral degrees in education programs, these are:
- Bachelor’s degree for a master’s degree program or a master’s degree for a doctoral program
- Official transcripts with satisfactory cumulative GPA
- Valid teaching certificate
- Relevant teaching or educational leadership experience
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or essays with prompts
- Teaching or leadership portfolio
- Interview
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Connecticut
- Elementary School Teachers $69,942
- Middle School Teachers $70,790
- High School Teachers $70,800
- Special Education Teachers $67,549
- School Administrators $127,172
- Principals $127,172
- Assistant Principals $104,500
- Curriculum Developers $86,500
- Curriculum Development Specialists $120,648
- Instructional Coordinators $89,960
Scholarships for Future Educators in Connecticut
- The Aspiring Educators Diversity Scholarship Program awards up to $10,000 for aspiring educators enrolled in Connecticut’s 16 priority districts.
- The Alma Exley Scholarship Program provides up to $5,000 in scholarships to aspiring educators who promote greater diversity in education.
- The Shannon Leigh Closter Driscoll Memorial Scholarship Fund is open for education majors enrolled in the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education. Check out the Eva Eaton Scholarship in Elementary Education, too.
- The Hamilton Sundstrand Challenger 7 Science Education Fund is open for students pursuing elementary or secondary education degrees with an emphasis on science education.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Connecticut
The Connecticut universities featured here were selected based on the following criteria:
- Have regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- With an established reputation for academic excellence, student support services, and career development services
- Provide students with financial aid options and accessible online learning platforms
University of Connecticut
UConn, a public land-grant research university, encourages its community of students, alumni and staff to push limits. Graduate students in its online education programs embrace challenges and work toward a brighter future, too.
MA in Educational Psychology – Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development Emphasis
Working professionals can earn the MA in Educational Psychology degree in two part-time summer sessions plus additional courses completed throughout the year. Students maintain their full-time teaching positions throughout the year, too. UConn allows students to earn a Sixth-Year Diploma in Professional Education instead of a master’s degree.
MA in Educational Technology
Students have the option to earn either the MA in Educational Technology or the Sixth Year Certificate in Educational Technology upon completion of the program. Current educators gain advanced skills in smart integrations of technology, learning theory, and pedagogy during their studies. Courses cover topics in situated teaching and learning, assistive technologies, and problem- and project-based teaching and learning.
- In-state Tuition: $20,366
- Online Education Degrees: 2
- Homepage
Fairfield University
Founded on Jesuit education principles, Fairfield University encourages critical thinking and emphasizes the liberal arts and humanities. Students are free to question their professors while also upholding ethics and cura personalis.
The School of Education and Human Development offers excellent education programs that meet, even exceed, Connecticut’s state-approved standards for educator preparation programs. Here, students thrive under the guidance of expert professors and in a conducive learning environment.
MA in Instructional Design
The MA in Instructional Design program can be completed in 16-21 months, depending on the course load. Both recent graduates and working professionals are welcome to apply. The program emphasizes excellence in adult education, particularly in the design and adoption of online learning environments for adult learners. Students are also encouraged to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in adult education and online learning.
MA in Educational Technology
Current educators who want to upgrade their skills and non-education professionals who want to establish a career in education are welcome to apply. The MA in Educational Technology program features a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes learning transformations through digital technology. Students also have the opportunity to earn an ISTE Certification or a school library certification.
EdD in Educational Leadership
Students in the 57-credit EdD in Educational Leadership can earn the degree in three years. This is a cohort program with a fall starting date. The program of study requires completion of six credits every semester. In addition to the online didactic coursework, there are two one-week summer residencies. Students in their third year complete their dissertations.
There are two tracks available:
- The Teacher Leader track is for certified educators with extensive work experience in a leadership capacity.
- The Higher Education Administration track is for ambitious individuals with career plans as administrators in colleges and universities.
The curriculum features three parts – Inquiry in Action, Foundational Core, and specialization courses.
- In-state Tuition: $895/credit hour (Master’s degrees); $1,120/credit hour (EdD degree)
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Post University
Founded in 1890, Post University continues to maintain its tradition of “making education personal.” Students enjoy personalized attention and support from admission to graduation. Student support services, particularly admission support, financial aid services, and tutoring support, contribute to student success in and out of the classroom.
Online students also benefit from the emphasis on personalized education.
Master of Education
Students in the non-licensure Master of Education program choose from five concentrations:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Technology
- Learning Design and Technology
- Online Teaching
- Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages or TESOL
The program of study emphasizes practical applications of curriculum and instruction theories, identification and critical evaluation of research-based practices, and interpretation of data for informed decision-making.
MS in Higher Education Leadership
The MS in Higher Education Leadership program also offers concentrations in:
- Administrative Leadership
- Student Affairs
Students prepare for success as leaders in higher education settings.
- In-state Tuition: $629/credit hour (Master’s degrees)
- Online Education Degrees: 2
- Homepage
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University, a private university, is known for its excellent graduate outcomes (i.e., among the best colleges for getting a job). Students thrive in collaborative learning environments where professors are invested in their success.
MS in Special Education
Individuals interested in addressing the education needs of children with special needs are welcome to apply. Once admitted, students can choose from two tracks:
- The MS in Special Education Leading to Cross Endorsement track is for working professionals with a valid Initial Teaching Certificate. Graduates earn the Connecticut (#165) Comprehensive Certification in Special Education P-12 teaching endorsement.
- The MS in Special Education track is best for professionals in non-education fields that deal with children with special needs, such as occupational or physical therapy, social work, and nursing. Students learn the best practices in interacting with and educating special needs children.
MS in Instructional Design and Technology
The 30-credit program enables students to gain advanced skills in developing and implemeting instructional materials and technology.
Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership
Students can choose between the generalist Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership and the specialist Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership with Social and Emotional Learning Concentration. In either case, applicants must have a master’s degree in a relevant field with at least a 3.0 overall GPA, at least four years of PK-12 full-time teaching experience, and completed at least three credits of a special education course. Students develop the mindset and skills for leadership beyond the classroom.
- In-state Tuition: $730/credit hour (Master’s degree); $755 (EdD Diploma)
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Sacred Heart University
SHU, a private Roman Catholic university, provides quality education imbued with the values of inclusion, community, and holistic development.
MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs
The 36-credit program features 8-week classes conducted in asynchronous format. Students earn a graduate degree in one year if they take two courses every term. Coursework includes Counseling Theories, Social Justice In Higher Education, and Student Development Theory. Students with a graduate assistantship or work in higher education can request a three-credit waiver.
MA in School Counseling
Students must complete 60-63 credits to earn the MA in School Counseling degree with a 2.5-year time-to-degree, on average. There are practicum and internship requirements, too, which are necessary for licensure.
EdD in Educational Leadership
Individuals with Connecticut Intermediate Administrator licenses are welcome to apply to the program. School leaders, such as superintendents, principals, and teacher leaders, will also find it suitable for their career goals. Students complete the program in 3.5 to 4 years and complete both didactic courses and an annual three-day, on-campus residency.
- In-state Tuition: $800/credit hour (Master’s degree)
- Online Education Degrees: 3
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Connecticut
Albertus Magnus College
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Average Tuition and Fees: $39,924
- MS in Instructional Design and Learning Technology
University of Hartford
- Location: West Hartford, CT
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Average Tuition and Fees: $47,648
- MEd in Early Childhood Education
- MEd Montessori
- MEd in Special Education
Southern Connecticut State University
- Location: West Haven, CT
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 3
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Average Tuition and Fees: $12,828 (in-state); $26,104 (out-of-state)
- EdD in Educational Leadership – General (Hybrid)
- EdD in Educational Leadership – Intermediate Administrator (Hybrid)
- Educational Leadership, Sixth Year Certificate – Intermediate Administrator (Hybrid)
Charter Oak State College
- Location: New Britain, CT
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1 with concentrations
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Average Tuition and Fees: $7,656 (In-state); $10,056 (out-of-state)
- Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with these emphases:
- Early Childhood Teacher Credential
- Infant and Toddler
- Preschool
- Montessori
- Program Administration and Leadership
- Alternate Route to Certification – Early Childhood Education
University of Bridgeport
- Location: Bridgeport, CT
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 6
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Average Tuition and Fees: $35,760
- MEd in Teacher Leadership
- MS in Elementary Education
- MS in Secondary Education
- MEd in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership
- EdD in Educational Leadership
