The Connecticut Full-time (FTE) Staffing Report Card revealed that for 2022-23, the state had 35,621 certified general education teachers and 6,562 certified special education teachers and instructors. While these numbers sound good, they don’t tell the whole story. 

As CT Insider reported in late November 2023, Connecticut’s wealthy school districts are doing well, but rural and urban districts remain desperate for quality educators. The shortage is hitting them hard, leaving some school districts with 70-100 vacancies, totaling over a thousand unfilled positions across the state. 

Every child deserves a quality education. As a country, we are stronger when we invest in all our youth. Like all of the US, Connecticut needs more people to take up the vocation of teaching to raise the nation’s next generation. 

Connecticut is one of the top-paying states for teachers. In this guide, we’ll explore the skills and responsibilities the vocation entails. We’ll also outline the various pathways to teaching, including alternative routes for career changers. 

Kids writing a test and teacher

Is Teaching the Right Career for You?

Teaching is an impactful and inspiring vocation. The demands are high, and the challenges are many, but it is life expanding. 

Teachers interact with many kinds of people, including their colleagues, students, parents, guardians, grandparents, and religious and community leaders. There is a constant exchange of knowledge, opinions, and points of view. Thus, teachers must utilize their communication and interpersonal skills and add a generous dose of diplomacy. 

But learning doesn’t flow in one direction. While teachers must be knowledgeable in their field and continuously update their skills, they are also learning and gaining greater perspective from their students, parents, and community members. 

So, teaching does require an open mind, critical thinking, flexibility, and an abundance of energy. But the rewards and opportunities the vocation creates abound. 

Admittedly, monetary wealth isn’t a perk of teaching. But the career comes with pretty good job security, respectable benefit packages, nice long vacation breaks, and family-friendly work hours, and the profession is mentally stimulating. 

In addition, Connecticut pays its teachers well. Every state has its own salary range, and in 2024, Connecticut was ranked sixth-best in the country. The state pays its teachers an average of $81,185, which is considerably more than nearby Maine’s $58,757. 

State Requirements for Teaching In Connecticut

In the US, individual states dictate the requirements for becoming a certified teacher. As the teaching shortage has worsened around the country, many states have made it easier to become an educator. 

However, the process of being a teacher is also impacted by an educator’s career objectives. Requirements can differ within a state depending on if a candidate wants to teach primary, secondary, or high school.

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) oversees the teaching certification and licensing requirements for the state. 

1. Bachelor’s Degree

All US states require a bachelor’s degree to teach as a full-time, certified teacher. Even those using an alternative teaching route must have a standard four-year degree. 

Those choosing the traditional route are advised to select an education-focused bachelor’s degree or an integrated bachelor’s/master’s teacher education program. 

In Connecticut, many programs encourage prospective teachers to take a degree that is paired with an accredited teacher preparation program. These are designed to give candidates the knowledge they’ll need in their subject field while learning practical tools and strategies for working in a classroom. 

Skills and key learnings may entail:

  • Content area knowledge.
  • Youth development.
  • Develop ethical professional judgment and leadership.
  • Provide skills and theory that will enable success in the classroom.

Bachelor’s degrees in education can lead to various teaching careers. Examples include: 

  • Elementary Education (1-6 grades).
  • Secondary Education (7-12 grades) with subject focuses (i.e., Math, History, Science).
  • Special Education (PK-12 grades). 
  • Music Education (PK-12 grades). 

2. Complete an Accredited Teacher Preparation Program

Having a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough to teach in a Connecticut public school. To be fully certified, candidates must complete an accredited teacher preparation program approved by the CSDE. 

Many Connecticut colleges and universities provide this as a 5th year to a candidate’s bachelor’s degree. Some even integrate it with their graduate program, after which candidates are awarded a master’s upon completion. However, those using an alternative route will have to select a program that best serves their needs and goals. 

The certification program is designed to provide the necessary theory, tools, strategies, and practical experience to become licensed in a particular teaching area, such as high school English or music education. 

3. Gain Student Teaching Experience

Teacher preparation programs include student teaching experience in addition to coursework. Each program has its own stipulations regarding student teaching or fieldwork. However, due to CSDE regulations, the program will require 10 weeks or more of full-time student teaching 

The CSDE outlines potential ways student teachers may be used in a school, including: 

  • Modifying instructional materials for online.
  • Provide additional support to students who require extra attention.
  • Conduct instruction in small groups. 
  • Grade student work and provide feedback. 
  • Modify lessons to meet the needs of students, including translating instructions. 

4. Pass a Background Check

Many states require a background check before a candidate can be certified or gain employment at a public school. However, Connecticut also requires a background check for those working in independent schools and candidates undergoing student teaching or fieldwork. 

The background check involves being fingerprinted and having these run through state and federal law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) registry. Candidates’ employment history will also be checked, contacting any school an applicant has worked in the past. 

The purpose of CSDE required background check is to ensure student and staff safety. The process will flag any record of child abuse, assault, or neglect. The checks also look for instances where a license or certificate was revoked, even in another state. The latter creates another layer of safety, flagging offenses that might not have been recorded in law enforcement registers. 

5. Get Certified

The final step before certification is passing the CSDE required exams for the area or field a candidate wishes to teach. Connecticut uses the following providers for their exams:

Once candidates have completed all the steps, they can apply online for teacher certification. 

At the start of 2024, the Connecticut Education System (CECS) required:

  • ED 170A application form. 
  • $50 non refundable payment
  • University transcripts mailed or emailed to: teacher.etranscript@ct.gov
  • Any additional fees. These are dependent on a candidate’s certificate and endorsements. For instance, $200 is required for the initial teacher certificate. 

Applications typically take 2-3 months to process. 

6. Consider Getting a Master’s Degree

Connecticut does not require a master’s degree for initial licensure. Afterward, teachers have three years to participate in a two-year induction program called TEAM. After completion, a teacher can apply for their Provisional Educator Certificate for eight years. The next tier is Professional Educator Certification, which is valid for 10 years. 

To maintain or advance a certificate, Connecticut teachers are required to undergo professional development training and course requirements. These credits add up, leading to many Connecticut teachers earning their master’s, if they have not already done so through an integrated program. 

A master’s degree in teaching opens career opportunities, including in administration, and places educators at the higher end of the pay scale. It also gives candidates an edge when applying for jobs, especially in wealthier school districts that pay greater salaries. Thus, it is beneficial to gain a master’s degree during a teaching career, even though it is not required initially. 

Alternative Route To Teaching In Connecticut

Connecticut has Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification (ARC). The program allows those who already have a bachelor’s degree to enter a teaching preparation program without having to go back to university and obtain a second bachelor’s. Thus, the alternative program saves candidates time and money. 

The program allows candidates to enroll in various programs, including:

The approved Connecticut alternative pathways vary in length of time, scheduling, and costs. All will assist candidates in becoming certified, but only some will award a master’s. It is essential to consider your needs, availability, finances, and goals. 

For instance, some programs take around 9 months, whereas others may exceed 18 months. Some have demanding programs with classes held during the day, making it challenging to work and have a paying job. Others offer night and weekend courses. Some programs are flexible, allowing you to go at your own pace, while others follow a strict schedule. 

In addition, some ARCs get candidates into the classroom quickly in paid, mentored positions. Others use the traditional student-teacher model, which means working full-time without income.

Lastly, ARCs only offer certain areas of licensure. If you have a specific area you wish to teach, such as early childhood education or high school math, you must ensure that the program you pick offers that option. 

Getting Hired as a Teacher

Getting hired as a teacher in Connecticut requires completing the essential educational and training requirements and certification. Candidates who develop additional skills will also have an edge when applying for the most desirable positions. 

Here are the main steps to gaining teaching employment in Connecticut. 

Polish Your CV

Polish up your CV and save it as a template. Before sending it off, tailor it to each job opportunity. Research their desired skill set, most sought-after qualities, and their school culture and philosophy so your CV shows off the parts of you that meet their job description. 

When polishing your CV, take time to find current examples. If anyone in your network is already teaching in Connecticut, ask to see their CV. Also, look for inspiration online, seeking out relevant and up-to-date tips and examples. 

Upgrade Your Skill Set

Strengthen your CV by upgrading your skill set. Those who have only worked in education as a student teacher can still demonstrate that they’ve acquired essential skills by volunteering. Consider donating your time at:

  • Church 
  • Community or youth centers
  • Animal shelters
  • Homeless shelters
  • Assisted living centers or nursing homes

Essential skills you want to acquire or develop further include:

  • Communication skills: Teachers need to go beyond connecting with their students. They must also be excellent communicators with colleagues, members of the school board, parents and guardians, and community members. 
  • Empathy: School environments are diverse. Students and colleagues come from various cultures, family structures, religions, economic levels, and backgrounds. It is essential to have empathy for people who may not have been raised like you or see the world from your point of view. 
  • Time management: Teachers must guide students through the curriculum, attend essential meetings, and keep up with communication and grading. Schedules are hectic, and unexpected events and circumstances are commonplace. It takes excellent time management skills to stay on task and maintain organization in a dynamic, demanding, and varied environment. 
  • Creative Problem Solving: Schools routinely toss up challenges and problems that require creative solutions. In addition, budgets are tight, so resources are often scarce. Teachers must think outside the box to find ways to fill in gaps so the needs of students are met. 
  • Diplomacy: Schools attract strong personalities. There are strong opinions within the student body, parents and guardians, school staff, members of the community, and local and national press. It is impossible to please everyone, but tact and diplomatic direction will be required to positively move forward. 

Begin Your Job Search

Excellent places to find teaching positions in Connecticut include:

You can also look for job openings at specific school districts by visiting their website or contacting them through email or phone. Feel free to ask them to keep your CV on file, even if they are not hiring at the moment. 

Join a Professional Organization and Network

Joining a professional organization and network can enhance an education career. Developing contacts in the industry provides support and guidance while widening the scope of opportunities, including hearing about job opportunities. 

Professional organizations in Connecticut to consider include:

Ace Your Job Interview

A job interview is one of the last steps to securing a teaching position in Connecticut. Prepare for the day in advance and consider using some of these helpful tips:

  1. Research the school. Every school district and educational institution has its own culture, dynamic, and outlook. It’s essential to find out their teaching philosophy, the community of students they serve, and what makes the school unique. The knowledge will help you understand which of your skills, background, and qualities they’ll most be interested in. 
  2. Be an active listener. Yes, the interview is about you and your abilities. But, teaching requires cooperation and mutual understanding. It’s essential for you to actively listen to what others have to say and engage with follow-up questions or respond with an appropriate comment, joke, or story that relates to their words. 
  3. Bring up your interests and hobbies. Schools are interested in employing individuals who have passions and interests. Your hobbies and extracurricular activities, like cycling, signing at the church choir, or playing chess, could be valuable additions to some schools. Maybe in addition to a history teacher, they’ve also been hoping to find someone to start a mountain bike club, assist with the school talent show, or start a chess team. 
  4. Show enthusiasm for professional development. Teaching is a commitment to lifelong learning. Demonstrate your eagerness to continue to grow and improve. Too many educators view expanding their skill set and updating their knowledge as a state-mandated chore. Make it clear that you are eager for the opportunity to seek out new ways to uplift your teaching and better serve your students. 

Career Outlook & Salary in Connecticut

Connecticut is serious about attracting more teachers. Not only are they one of the highest paying states for educators to work in, but they continue to increase pay. From 2019 to 2020, the state’s average pay rose by 5.5%. 

At the start of the 2023-2024 school year, it was reported that Connecticut still had 1,300 vacant teaching positions. The state is experiencing the most need in STEM, bilingual, and special education teachers. In addition, according to data collected by Zippia, the US will have a 4% teaching job growth from 2018-2028. 

Connecticut also provides assistance to qualifying teachers. For instance, the Connecticut Higher Education Supplement Loan Authority (CHESLA) can help qualifying teachers reduce their student loan payments through subsidies and reduced interest rates. There is also the Connecticut Teachers Mortgage Assistance to help educators buy a home. 

Become a Teacher In Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the top-paying states for teachers to work in, and their public schools offer attractive benefits packages. Job security is fairly high due to the teaching shortage sweeping the nation and expanding job growth. 

More importantly, teaching is a fulfilling vocation that makes a difference in the lives of the next generation. Uplifting our youth is uplifting our nation. 

If you are ready to embark on a rewarding career as one of Connecticut’s top teachers, contact Teachers of Tomorrow today. We’re always happy to help.