Requirements for Teaching in Connecticut, CT
So, you want to become a teacher in Connecticut, the highest per capita income state and one of the oldest in the union? Need some help getting a push in the right direction? Well congratulations, you landed here and that’s a good start. Let’s begin by looking at the overview of the teaching industry in Connecticut. As of last year there were approximately 574,000 students in the state. Connecticut has 1,271 public schools, broken down into 663 elementary, 192 middle, and 202 high schools. Teachers in Connecticut had the highest average salary in the United States of $57,760 in 2009-2010 (according to bls.gov), with incrementally higher salaries going to those with higher qualifications. Connecticut is currently hiring new educators as there has been a shortage of them, and with the most economically persuasive salary in the nation, now’s the time to join the force. Let’s take a look at what acquiring the license takes.
Initial Educator License:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution.
- Pass the Praxis I PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Assessments) Test.
- Pass the Praxis II Subject Assessment test relative to your desire in subject matter.
- Complete the Application for Certification.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Some schools and districts may have additional requirements.
Provisional Educator Certificate
Connecticut Teacher Certification
May be applied for after 10 successful months of appropriate experience under the initial educator certificate
Professional Educator Certificate
May be applied for after 30 successful months of appropriate experience under the Provisional Educator Certificate
Applying for Accreditation
After satisfying these requirements, you must then submit the packet for your Connecticut Teaching Certification and pay a required $50 fee, as well as go in for fingerprinting by a state agency.
What next?
Once you have fulfilled these requirements and submitted the appropriate paperwork, you should look into receiving national board teacher certification, as most schools offer financial incentive to those who have one.