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How to become a teacher in Connecticut
Steps drawn from the state's data
- Earn a bachelor's degree. At least one initial credential requires one.
- Complete a teacher preparation program. Connecticut has 17 Title II providers.
- Complete clinical experience such as student teaching.
- Pass the tests the state requires (Title II reports that tests are required, not which ones).
- Complete a background check or fingerprinting.
- Apply to Connecticut State Department of Education for an initial credential, such as Initial Educator Certificate; Provisional Educator Certificate.
- Career changers can use one of 7 alternative routes instead of a traditional program.
Teacher preparation providers in Connecticut
| Provider | Program types | Enrollment | Completers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus College | Traditional | 15 | 5 |
| Alternate Route to Certification | Alternative, not IHE-based | 110 | 87 |
| CAPITOL REGION EDUC COUNCIL | Alternative, not IHE-based | 44 | 32 |
| Central Connecticut State University | Traditional | 386 | 136 |
| Charter Oak State College | Alternative, IHE-based | 37 | 25 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Traditional | 287 | 95 |
| Fairfield University | Traditional | 94 | 43 |
| Mitchell College | Traditional | 15 | 2 |
| Quinnipiac University | Traditional | 213 | 63 |
| Relay Graduate School of Education-CT | Traditional | 90 | 41 |
| Sacred Heart University | Traditional | 256 | 126 |
| Southern CT State University | Traditional | 616 | 225 |
| University of Bridgeport | Traditional | 202 | 53 |
| University of Connecticut | Traditional | 543 | 142 |
| University of Hartford | Traditional | 358 | 119 |
| University of Saint Joseph | Traditional | 150 | 64 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Traditional | 200 | 46 |
About teacher preparation in Connecticut
The Connecticut State Board of Education developed the Comprehensive Plan for Education 2023-28 to set forth the state's vision for education and to provide direction for policy consideration and administrative actions designed to help meet the challenge of effectively preparing each student for learning, life and work beyond the classroom. The Board has identified four critical priorities. The four priorities include two that continue strategic commitments of the previous Connecticut State Board of Education Comprehensive Plan 2016-2021. While the Board believes that progress has certainly been made in both, work continues in these areas. The continued priorities are ensuring equitable access to education and ensuring healthy and safe learning environments. Two new areas of focus are elevating Connecticut's curriculum frameworks and creating opportunities for students to explore multiple career pathway options.
A strong teacher and principal corps starts with Connecticut’s educator preparation programs, the universities and other institutions that prepare college students pursuing careers in education. The State Board of Education works with and approves these institutions to ensure the recruitment of capable candidates and the preparation of high-quality teachers and principals so that new educators are learner-ready and school-ready when they arrive in the classroom. This includes a focus on expanding the pool of talented educators and recruiting and preparing a broad spectrum of teachers and principals.
As Title II tracks certain data about preparation programs, Connecticut has also developed an Educator Preparation Data Dashboard to publicly report on a set of indicators on the quality of teacher preparation.