As our nation’s fourth most densely populated state with its strategic position in the bustling Tri-State area of southern New England, there are many top teaching colleges in Connecticut that offer numerous avenues to become a teacher. Currently, there is a strong need for Connecticut’s public and private K-12 school districts to add to the 36,964 certified teachers currently employed in order to continue providing high-quality education to more than 564,000 diverse students statewide. In fact, the number of certified teaching positions has increased dramatically by 55% in the past two years across Connecticut! If you are interested in fulfilling this increasing demand in teacher shortage areas, below we have provided details about the wide array of degree options that are available at the top teaching colleges in Connecticut.
Albertus Magnus College
Department of Education and Teacher Preparation
Within the 115th best regional college in the North as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report, the Department of Education and Teacher Preparation at Albertus Magnus College consists of acknowledged educators from local schools who come to campus to guide students in facilitating others’ learning. With personalized attention from a student-faculty ratio of just 13:1, the Department offers outstanding field practicum beginning in students’ very first course to ensure at least 100 hours of classroom experience before student teaching.
Undergraduate Programs
• Middle Level Education Grades 4-8 (English, General Science, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, or Spanish)
• PreK-12 Education (Art)
• Secondary Level Education Grades 7-12 (Biology, Business, Chemistry, General Science, English, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, or Spanish)
Graduate Programs
• Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
• Post-Graduate Advanced Alternative Preparation (AAP) for Literacy Specialist in Reading/Language Arts Certification
Accreditations
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
700 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 773-8501
jvenditto@albertus.edu
http://www.albertus.edu/academics/
Central Connecticut State University
School of Education & Professional Studies
With a long-standing tradition at Central Connecticut State University dating back to 1849 as the state’s first teacher training institution, the School of Education & Professional Studies prides itself on offering accredited teacher education and educational leadership programs to prepare leaders for service in diverse communities. In the SEPS, students are encouraged to participate in an annual Passport to Global Citizenship Trip with other education majors to learn more about the shared concerns of teachers around the world.
Undergraduate Program
• Initial Teacher Certification (Art, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Elementary Education, English, French, History/Social Science, Italian, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Physical Education, Spanish, or Technology)
Graduate Programs
• M.A.T. Teacher Education (English, Mathematics, Sciences, Spanish, or Technology and Engineering Education)
• M.S. Art Education
• M.S. Early Childhood Education
• M.S. Educational Leadership
• M.S. Educational Studies: Policy and Secondary Education Strands
• M.S. Educational Technology
• M.S. Elementary Education
• M.S. Mathematics for Certified Elementary, Middle, or Secondary Teachers
• M.S. Music Education
• M.S. Physical Education
• M.S. Special Education
• M.S. STEM Education
• M.S. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06053
(860) 832-2101
schlenkc@ccsu.edu
http://web.ccsu.edu/seps/departments/default.asp
Connecticut College
Education Department
Currently recognized as the 45th best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News and World Report, Connecticut College builds upon a strong liberal arts foundation by allowing students to pursue Teacher Certification programs housed in the Education Department beginning in the second semester of the sophomore year. Since being founded in the spirit of social justice in 1911, the Department goes beyond simply certifying teachers to develop ethical citizens.
Undergraduate Teacher Certification Programs
• Elementary Education (K-6)
• Music Education (K-12)
• Secondary Education (7-12) – English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, Mathematics, General Science, Earth Science, or History/Social Studies
Accreditations
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
270 Mohegan Avenue
New London, CT 06230
(860) 439-2760
donna.graham@conncoll.edu
http://www.conncoll.edu/academics/majors-departments-programs/departments/education/
Eastern Connecticut State University
School of Education and Professional Studies
At Eastern Connecticut State University, the School of Education and Professional Studies builds on the liberal arts base by providing a variety of experiences for students to acquire the skills, attitudes, values, and knowledge needed for successful teaching careers. The School has received recognition from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) for offering the 8th highest quality elementary and secondary education programs that help students get classroom-ready from day one.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. in Liberal Studies (with concentrations in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences for Early Childhood of Elementary Education)
• B.S. in Physical Education (PreK-12)
• B.S. with Early Child Education Certification
• B.S. with Elementary Education Certification
• B.S. with Secondary Education Certification (with majors in Biology, English, Earth Science, History/Social Studies, or Mathematics)
Graduate Programs
• M.S. in Early Childhood Education/Certification
• M.S. in Educational Technology
• M.S. in Elementary Education/Certification
• M.S. in Reading and Language Arts
• M.S. in Secondary Education/Certification
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
83 Windham Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 465-4543
tarkmeel@easternct.edu
http://www1.easternct.edu/educationandprofstudies/
Fairfield University
Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions
Based in the coastal town of Fairfield within just one hour outside of New York City, the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions offers aspiring teachers nationally accredited programs that are as affordable as effective. With the university’s strong Jesuit traditions, the GSEAP provides faith-based training to achieve career endeavors in education with engaging classrooms, flexible course schedules, and top-notch field experiences.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. in Music Education with Initial Teacher Certification (K-12)
• Five Year B.A./M.A. in Teacher Certification (Elementary or Secondary Education)
Graduate Programs
• M.A. in Bilingual/Multicultural Education
• M.A. in Educational Technology with School Library Media Specialization
• M.A. in Elementary Education
• M.A. in School Counseling
• M.A. in Secondary Education (in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, or World Languages)
• M.A. in Special Education
• M.A. in Teaching and Foundation
• M.A. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 254-3334
sstorms@fairfield.edu
http://www.fairfield.edu/academics/schoolscollegescenters/graduateschoolofeducationalliedprofessions/graduateprograms/
Quinnipiac University
School of Education
Named the #1 best up-and-coming school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report, Quinnipiac University is located in the quaint suburbs surrounding New Haven with a high-achieving School of Education that has been fully accredited for excellence by the NCATE. With an average class size of just 15 students, the School is home to an expert full-time faculty with doctoral degrees to closely mentor students in honing their skills as teachers and leaders.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A./M.A.T. Five-Year Program in Elementary Education
• B.A./M.A.T. Five-Year Program in Secondary Education (with a major in Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Sociology, or Spanish)
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Programs
• Certificate of Completion in Special Education
• Five-Semester M.A.T. Program in Elementary Education
• Five-Semester M.A.T. Program in Secondary Education
• Master of Science in Instructional Design (Online)
• Master of Science in Teacher Leadership (Online)
• Six-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
370 Bassett Road
North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 582-3497
Kevin.Basmadjian@quinnipiac.edu
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/academics/colleges-schools-and-departments/school-of-education/
Sacred Heart University
Isabelle Farrington College of Education
Drawing on the rich resources of New England and New York City, the Isabelle Farrington College of Education at Sacred Heart offers performance-based programs that seek to develop the capacities, talents, and abilities of aspiring educators through an integration of theory and practice. In a truly innovative close-knit community founded in the Catholic traditions, the Farrington College is recognized for being the top preparer of educational administrators and school technology specialists in Connecticut.
Undergraduate Programs
• Teacher Certification in Elementary Education (1-6)
• Teacher Certification in Secondary Education (7-12) – in Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies/History, Special Education, or Spanish
• Five-Year B.A./M.A.T. Program in Elementary or Secondary Education
Graduate Programs
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – with concentrations in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Educational Technology, Literacy, or Professional Enrichment
• Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Administration
• Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Technology
• Certificate of Advanced Studies in Literacy Instruction
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 365-4791
carlj@sacredheart.edu
http://www.sacredheart.edu/academics/isabellefarringtoncollegeofeducation/
Southern Connecticut State University
School of Education
Boasting over 60 tenure-track faculty members dedicated to optimizing the teacher-scholar model by engaging in cutting-edge research, the School of Education at Southern Connecticut State is highly regarded for preparing the largest number of education graduates for teaching positions in Connecticut. With over 2,000 full and part-time students, the School offers high-quality learning experiences in education through classroom, hybrid, and online courses.
Undergraduate Programs
• Bilingual Elementary Education Certification (Grades 1-6)
• Early Childhood Education Certification (Birth-Grade 3)
• Elementary Education Certification (Grades 1-6)
• Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)/Special Education (K-12) Certification
• Secondary Education Certification (Grades 7-12) – with a major in English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, or Sociology
Graduate Programs
• Master of Library Science (M.L.S.) with School Media Specialist Certification
• M.S. Art Education (K-12)
• M.S. Collaborative Education (K-12)
• M.S. Elementary Education (Grades 1-6)
• M.S. Physical Education (K-12)
• M.S. School Health Education (K-12)
• M.S. Special Education (K-12) – with a concentration in Adaptive Technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Early Childhood Special Education, Learning Disabilities, or Serious Emotional Disabilities
• Sixth-Year Diploma for Adaptive Technology
• Sixth-Year Diploma for Classroom Teacher Specialist
• Sixth-Year Diploma for Educational Coach
• Sixth-Year Diploma for Special Education
• Ed.D. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-5900
schoolofeducation@southernct.edu
https://www.southernct.edu/academics/schools/education/
The University of Hartford
Department of Education
Strategically located in central Connecticut at the midway point between Boston and New York City as a “private university with a public purpose,” the University of Hartford is home to a nationally accredited Department of Education that prepares students for entry-level and advanced teaching positions. Grounded in standards-based curricula, the Department is dedicated to training teacher candidates with relevant coursework to increase understanding of the best practices for educating young minds in urban, suburban, and rural schools.
Undergraduate Programs
• B.A. in English with Secondary Education Certification (7-12)
• B.A. in Mathematics with Secondary Education Certification (7-12)
• B.S. in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3)
• B.S. in Elementary Education (K-6)
• B.S. in Integrated Elementary-Special Education (K-6) and (K-12)
Graduate Programs
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (PreK-3)
• M.Ed. in Elementary Education (K-6)
• M.Ed. in Early Childhood or Elementary Education with Montessori Concentration
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 768-4252
lcarlson@hartfrod.edu
http://www.hartford.edu/enhp/academics/education/
University of Bridgeport
Graduate School of Education
Based in one of the fastest-growing universities in Connecticut and New England, the Graduate School of Education at the University of Bridgeport is focused on the development of experienced teachers, leaders, and practitioners for serving the needs of all children in public and private school systems. With its strategic seaside location in the state’s largest city, the School provides the opportunity for graduate students to intern for one full year in urban area schools and enjoy the reward of a tuition-paid master’s degree in education.
Graduate Degrees
• M.S. in Elementary Education (1-6)
• M.S. in Secondary Education (7-12) – in English, History/Social Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Music, Mathematics, or Physics)
• M.S.Ed. in Remedial Reading and Language Arts (1-12)
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
Sixth-Year Certificate Programs
• Elementary Education (1-6)
• Educational Administration and Supervision
• Music Education (K-12)
• Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (1-12)
• Secondary Education (7-12)
Accreditations
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
303 University Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 576-4219
paphilli@bridgeport.edu
http://www.bridgeport.edu/academics/schools-colleges/school-education/
University of Connecticut
Neag School of Education
As home to more than eight research centers and two labs in the only named college at the University of Connecticut, the Neag School of Education boasts developed relationships with 70% of the state’s school communities to prepare the next generation of professionals for education and sport fields. Not only has UConn been ranked as the 19th top public school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report, but the Neag School has also been acclaimed for being the 33rd best graduate school of education in the entire United States.
Undergraduate Program
• Integrated B.S./M.A. in Education (with concentrations in Agriculture, Elementary Education, English, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, World Languages, Special Education, or Music Education Comprehensive)
Master’s Degree Programs
• M.A. in Adult Learning
• M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction (with concentrations in Bilingual-Bicultural Education, Elementary Education, English, Mathematics, Music, Reading, Science, Secondary Education, History/Social Studies, or World Languages)
• M.A. in Education (with concentrations in Agriculture, English, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, or World Languages)
• M.A. in Educational Administration
• M.A. in Educational Psychology
• M.A. in Educational Technology
• M.A. in Gifted and Talented Education
• M.A. in Higher Education Student Affairs
• M.A. in Special Education
Sixth-Year Certificate Programs
• Adult Learning
• Bilingual/Bicultural Education
• Educational Administration
• Educational Psychology
• Educational Technology
• Gifted Education and Talented Development
• Post-Secondary Disability Services
• Professional Education
• Remedial Reading/Remedial Language Arts
• School Law
• Special Education
Doctoral Degree Programs
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
• Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction
• Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
• Ph.D. in Gifted and Talented Education
• Ph.D. in Instruction and Learning Technology
• Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy Studies
• Ph.D. in Special Education
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
249 Glenbrook Road Unit 3064
Storrs, CT 06269
(860) 486-2433
mary.doyle@uconn.edu
http://education.uconn.edu/
University of New Haven
Department of Education
First founded in 1920 in cooperation with the prestigious Yale University, the University of New Haven is a private top-tier institution ranked as the 98th best regional college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. With the university’s commitment to experiential learning, the Department of Education is focused on preparing future educators for meaningful roles in the intellectual, social, political, and ethical issues that comprise 21st century American schooling.
Undergraduate Program
• B.S./M.S.Ed. Combined 4+1 Pre-Education Program
Graduate Programs
• M.S.Ed. Elementary Education Certification (K-6)
• M.S.Ed. Secondary Education Certification (7-12)
• M.S. in Professional Education
• Sixth-Year Certificate in Instructional Technologies & Digital Media Literacy
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
600 Saw Mill Road
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 932-7037
eflannery@newhaven.edu
http://www.newhaven.edu/4486/academic-departments/education/
University of Saint Joseph
School of Education
Within just three miles from the state’s capital city, the University of Saint Joseph’s School of Education offers competitively priced degree programs that specifically prepare teachers to help diverse learners succeed in today’s changing global society. Students participating in the NCATE-accredited programs will benefit from one-on-one mentoring, small classes, active engagement, technology-rich resources, and an academically challenging curriculum.
Undergraduate Teacher Licensure
• B.A./B.S. Elementary Education (1-6)
• B.A./B.S. Secondary Education (7-12) with a major in English, Mathematics, General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Social Studies, or World Languages
• B.A./B.S. Special Education (K-12)
Graduate Programs
• M.A. Autism Spectrum Disorders
• M.A. Early Childhood Education (Nursery to Grade 3)
• M.A. Curriculum and Instruction
• M.A. Educational Technology
• M.A. Multiple Intelligences
• M.A. Reading/Language Arts (Elementary or Secondary)
• M.A. Special Education with Cross Endorsement or ASD Graduate Certificate
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 231-5331
annmonroe@usj.edu
http://www.usj.edu/academics/schools/school-of-education/
Western Connecticut State University
Education and Educational Psychology Department
Based in the historic district of downtown Danbury, the Education and Educational Psychology Department at WCSU in the School of Professional Studies is devoted to preparing innovative and creative teacher leaders to improve K-12 education across Connecticut. Focused on the values of Expertise, Diversity, Unity, Classroom Leadership, Attitudes, Technology, Organization, and Reflection (EDUCATOR), the Department maintains close relationships with many local school districts to provide hands-on opportunities for mentoring P-12 students.
Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs
• Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
• Bachelor of Science in Health Education (Grades PreK-12)
• Bachelor of Science in Music Education (Grades PreK-12)
• Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (Grades 7-12) – with a major in American Studies, Anthropology/Sociology, Biology, Communication, English, History, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, Social Sciences, or Spanish
Graduate Programs
• Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
• Master of Science in Education (with concentrations in Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology, Reading Specialist, or Special Education)
• Master of Science in Music Education
• Master of Science in School Counseling
• Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership
• Online Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate Program
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
New England Association of Colleges and Schools (NEASC)
Contact
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 837-8510
ocallaghanc@wcsu.edu
http://www.wcsu.edu/education/
According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, all aspiring teachers will need to achieve at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited post-secondary institution and demonstrate teaching proficiency by passing the Praxis I and II examinations. When you choose any one of these top teaching colleges in Connecticut, you will be on your way towards receiving initial or professional certification to discover your true calling in encouraging the development of youth in the “Land of Steady Habits.”
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