Employees and Volunteers

For School Employees

Do you work or volunteer in a Connecticut school? Turn your current job into a rewarding teaching career. Sign up to learn more!

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Calling all paraeducators, substitutes, support staff and volunteers!

We know you already have classroom experience and a commitment to education—that makes you uniquely qualified to become a teacher. TEACH Connecticut and our partner educator preparation programs offer support and resources to get you started on the path to earning your teacher certification.

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  • 3,000

    New teachers hired every year.

  • $78,000

    Average teacher salary.

  • 16

    Partner educator preparation providers.

Here’s What it Takes

To become a teacher in Connecticut, you need at least one teacher certification endorsement. To get it, follow the steps below.
  1. 1

    Earn your degree.

    If you haven’t earned your bachelor’s degree, several programs allow you to earn it and your certification at the same time. If you’re thinking about a master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate program, we’ve got you covered there too. 

  2. 2

    Complete an educator preparation program.

    Decide the grades and subjects you want to teach, and explore the prep programs offered by our 14 partner providers, including programs for working professionals and school employees.

    For more details about getting certified to teach, check out our About Certification page.

  3. 3

    Pass state certification assessments.

    We’ve got a good intro to the different assessments you may need, along with resources for test preparation in our Guide to Assessments. Your program can guide you in deciding which tests you’ll need to take and when.

Paths to Teaching

You need a pathway to certification that works for your unique background and lifestyle. For many school employees and volunteers, that means finding programs that allow you to continue working (and won’t leave you in debt).

You don’t need to quit your job in order to earn your teacher certification.

Strategies to consider:

  • If you need to earn an undergraduate degree, some degree programs offer part-time options that allow you to keep your job. You may choose to earn your degree first, then enroll in an educator preparation program for school employees or one with a paid internship.
  • If you already have a degree, consider an alternate route to certification or graduate program through one of the programs featured below.
  • Consider getting certified in a state-designated shortage area, such as special education or world languages. This may qualify you for a special permit to teach and earn while you complete your certificate.

Some school employees may be able to use professional development time or tuition reimbursement programs to complete an educator preparation program.

Strategies to consider:

  • Ask your supervisor about available professional development time, especially if you’re a paraprofessional or you’re getting certified for a critical needs subject area such as special education or English as a second language.
  • Many schools and districts in Connecticut offers tuition reimbursement for employees taking courses to advance their careers. Your undergraduate or postgraduate educator preparation program may count. Check your employment contract or ask your supervisor!

You’ll have more job opportunities and more ways to fund your education if you teach in a state-designated shortage area.

Strategies to consider:

  • If you’re already serving in a special education setting, you’re a great candidate for certification in comprehensive special education, K-12.
  • If you’re fluent in a language other than English, consider English as a second language (TESOL), bilingual education or world languages—they are all certification shortage areas.
  • You may be eligible for a Durational Shortage Area Permit, or DSAP. A DSAP allows you to teach full-time (and earn a salary!) while you complete your certification.
  • You’ll have additional options for loan forgiveness teaching in a high-needs area, so you can feel more confident if you need to take education loans for your program.

Are you a special education paraeducator with at least 20 months of successful service? If so, you can waive your special education coursework and start teaching—and earning money!—under a DSAP or as a long-term substitute.

If you're still exploring your options, talk to a coach for personalized advice.

Featured Programs

  • ARC Logo

    Connecticut Office of Higher Education

    The CTOHE Alternate Route to Certification program is an accelerated, nine-month weekend program for working adults.

    Explore ARC
  • Relay GSE

    Relay Connecticut Alternate Route to Certification

    Relay's Alternate Route to Certification program is a part-time residency program designed for staff members employed within partner schools.

    Learn About Relay
  • UBridgeport

    University of Bridgeport

    The Tuition-Paid Internship Program allows participants to intern full-time for a school while earning a master’s degree and teaching certificate through part-time evening courses.

    Learn More
  • UCONN

    University of Connecticut

    UCONN's Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates offers a full-time, 11-month program at three regional campuses.

    To UCONN
  • TFA

    Teach for America-Connecticut

    TFA corp members start earning a full teaching salary after an initial summer training and receive intensive resources and support.

    Explore TFA
  • SCSU

    Southern Connecticut State University

    SCSU's post-baccalaureate program has full-time and part-time options leading to certification in as little as 18 months. 

    To SCSU

Talk to a TEACH Connecticut Coach

We get it—becoming a teacher is a big decision with many choices to make along the way. You don’t have to do it alone. A coach can walk you through program options, application steps, and answer any questions you have along the way.

If you’re not sure about your path quite yet, you can talk to a Connecticut teacher to get advice, weigh career options and feel encouraged to make an informed choice.

Megan Kellogg

From paraprofessional to teacher, Megan Kellogg recounts her unique experience in pursuing her passion.

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