Connecticut: Teacher Credentialing in Connecticut

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Goodwin College

Associate
Early Childhood Education
East Hartford

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University of Phoenix

Associate, Master, Doctorate, Bachelor
AA in Paraprofessional Education, MA in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-English and Language Arts Ed., MA in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-Mathematics Ed., MA in Education/Curriculum and Instruction-ESL, MA in Education/Curriculum and Instruction, ..

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Becoming a teacher in Connecticut involves several steps. The first is to meet all necessary coursework requirements. Individuals who wish to become a teacher in Connecticut need to meet all of the requirements put in place by the Connecticut State Board of Education. Although these requirements are similar to other states, it is important to check the details of the particular state board since they can change from time to time. Also, keep in mind that becoming a teacher here may also involve continuing education.

Step One: Obtain Necessary Coursework

The first step in the process to become a Connecticut teacher is to enroll in an accredited college or university. You will want to focus your attention on schools offering an educational degree program. You will need to obtain at least a bachelor's level degree in education to become a teacher. There are various types of degrees, such as degrees for special education, primary education, early education, and secondary education. Select the area you would like to teach in.

Complete all of the required coursework to obtain your bachelor's degree. The state does not have specific undergraduate credit hour requirements so long as you meet the necessary requirements to obtain your bachelor's degree through the accredited school's program.

Step Two: Teacher Preparation

The next step is to obtain the necessary preparation study. This portion of the education of a teacher is based on developing key skills and foundational knowledge that is more on-the-job training. You will develop a curriculum (through researching and design tips provided through the curricula) and then you will implement this within the classroom.

Most students will work in a classroom as a student teacher for a quarter or a semester of education. This is your on-the-job training. You will work with a certified teacher within the type of environment typical of what you should expect when you obtain your degree. During this time of student teaching, you will learn the fundamentals of working with children, far more so than what could be learned in a textbook.

Step Three: Certification

Once all of this has been completed, the next step for the individual wishing to become a teacher in Connecticut is to pass all of the required teacher certifications or testing requirements. Connecticut requires all teachers to take a Basic Skills Test called the Pre Professional Skills Test or PPST. Then, if you have a specific specialty area, you will also need to take the Praxis II Subject Test. In addition, you may need to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language Proficiency Assessment if this is a specialty area you have. With this complete, you can then apply to the Connecticut Board of Education to obtain your official certification. Drug screening and background checks are required. If you happen to have another degree in an area outside of education of at least a bachelor's level, you may qualify for an alternative certificate. Check with the board of education to determine if your qualifications meet these needs.

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