To fully understand the teaching programs in the School of Education and Professional Studies, the distinction between obtaining a degree from Central Connecticut State University and obtaining a teaching certificate from the State of Connecticut must be made. Also, it requires an understanding of the differences between completing a subject-matter major and completing a degree in education.
Central Connecticut State University has the authority to grant a bachelor’s degree to any student who successfully completes all the requirements of a particular program of study. A degree, however, does not automatically lead to a teaching certificate.
The State of Connecticut grants the teaching certificate after a candidate completes a bachelor’s degree and an approved program of professional study, passes required tests for teachers and is recommended by the Office of the Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies.
School teachers in the State of Connecticut are required to have a major in a particular subject field. This is referred to as the subject-matter major. The various subject matter majors are listed elsewhere in this catalog under elementary, secondary and all-level subjects education.
Teacher candidates at Central Connecticut State University, in addition to acquiring a subject matter major, are required to fulfill professional course work and fieldwork experiences in education which lead to a degree in education and to certification.
Certification is the process of getting a license to be a teacher in the public schools of a state. It is also the professional term used to refer to the license itself. When a student completes a teacher education program, the student should apply for certification through CCSU [if the student completed an approved program here].
Students holding a certification who seek an additional license to teach another area, field, or grade level, are seeking a cross endorsement to their initial certification. Advising and approval of courses to meet cross endorsement requirements can only come from a state evaluator at the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Certification and Professional Development. Their phone number is (860) 566-5201. They should call after 1:00 p.m. to speak with an evaluator.
Connecticut certification: Individuals who wish to become teachers in Connecticut's public schools are required by state law to be licensed [certificated] by the State of Connecticut prior to employment. Students who complete a teacher education program at CCSU and complete a certification application may be recommended by the University's certification officer for certification, but the final decision is that of the State Department of Education, Bureau of Certification and Professional Development.
All graduates and post-graduate certification completers should definitely obtain their Connecticut certification as quickly as possible. Since certification rules change constantly, if a student delays too long, he/she may no longer be eligible for Connecticut certification!
Out of State Certification: Students who wish to teach out-of-state must obtain certification from the state or regional entity in which they want to teach. State certification regulations differ from state to state. Students can get information from the state or dependency to which they are going. Addresses and phone numbers can be obtained from Career Planning in Willard Hall.
Write or call that certification bureau or department for out-of-state certification requirements and an application. Part of that application may need to be completed by the Dean's office. If not, the state will contact CCSU directly. To make out of state certification go smoothly, please do obtain a Connecticut Teaching Certification as soon as you are eligible! It may affect the requirements that you will have to meet in other states!
If you have further questions please contact: Dr. Anne Pautz - Assistant Dean