Teaching Math in Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the country, and thus many teachers enjoy higher than average salaries and an unparalleled quality of life. Connecticut offers a diverse array of teaching opportunities. For those looking to teach in a well-funded and successful district, Connecticut offers many such opportunities. For teachers looking to have a huge impact on low-income communities, Connecticut also offers great opportunity in areas like Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven. These school districts serve a large population of low-income students and face many of the same challenges as other larger urban school districts.

Connecticut offers traditional and alternative routes to draw high-quality teachers to the state. Highly qualified professionals can pursue an alternative route to certification, and veterans can also take advantage of the Troops to Teachers program. With salaries higher than the national average and diverse teaching opportunities, Connecticut has a lot to offer teachers.

Math Teacher Certification in Connecticut

Math Teaching Qualifications

Connecticut requires certified teachers to complete college coursework, a teacher preparation course, student teaching and pass the required examinations.

Credentials & Exams

There are three tiers of certification in Connecticut.

• The first is the Initial Educator Certificate (valid for three years). In order to obtain this certification, teachers must meet the eligibility and testing requirements and either: (a) complete an approved teacher preparation program; or (b) complete 20 months of successful teaching in an approved non-public school.
• The second tier of certification is the Provisional Educator Certificate (valid for eight years). This certification is issued after 10 months of successful teaching under an initial certificate in a Connecticut public school or 30 months in a nonpublic school.
• The third tier of certification is the Professional Educator Certificate, which is renewable every five years. The Professional Educator Certificate is given after at least 30 months of successful teaching in a Connecticut public school and the completion of any coursework required for the appropriate endorsement.

Prospective teachers in Connecticut must also pass the Praxis I-CBT test in reading, writing and mathematics, and the Praxis II: Subject Test for the desired subject area.

Alternative Certification for Math Teachers

Connecticut offers an alternate route to teacher certification in order to encourage professionals to become educators. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a major in the appropriate subject area and can complete requirements either full-time in the summer or on weekends throughout the school year. In addition, Connecticut offers an alternative certification route specifically for veterans, the Troops to Teachers program.