Want to become a teacher in the great state of Connecticut? If so, you have come to the right place. Below you will find a short article that lists the steps to becoming a teacher in Connecticut.

Step 1: Complete an Approved Teacher Preparation Program

All U.S. states require that certified teachers have at least an undergraduate degree. Also, Connecticut candidates must successfully complete a state-approved educator program of general academic and professional education at a regionally accredited college or university.

Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curriculum and field experiences. Curriculum typically includes instruction on teaching foundational skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching), and preparing students to research, create, and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Field experiences often include field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three. A list of accredited teacher education programs can be found on the Connecticut Department of Education website.

Step 2: Complete the Required Exams

Connecticut requires the Praxis I Core academic skills exams in reading, writing, and mathematics and the Praxis II Subject Test for your subject area to show subject area competence. Foreign Language educators are required to complete the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Assessments.

Connecticut has three levels of licensure: the Initial Educator Certificate (good for 3 years), the Provisional Educator License (good for 8 years), issued after at least  10 months of “appropriate successful teaching experience” in a Connecticut public school or 30 months of comparable experience elsewhere, and the Professional Educator License (renewable every 5 years), issued after at least 30 months of successful teaching in a Connecticut public school and completion of additional class requirements.

Step 3: Complete an Application for Licensure

CSDE’s Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS) maintains a comprehensive database designed to help educators complete the certification process. Through CECS, candidates can:

• Apply for, renew and/or update licensures online
• Check the status of educator application
• Update profile and contact information
• View Connecticut teaching licenses
• Request duplicate copies of teaching licenses
• View testing history
• Apply for Praxis I exam waiver