How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Connecticut
| by Hannah Sparling
Connecticut needs special education teachers who can work with students and provide specially designed instruction that meets their needs. Special education is a designated shortage area in Connecticut, and the U.S. Dept. of Labor is projecting 470 open jobs every year for special education teachers in CT.
If you’re interested in becoming a special education teacher, this blog post will cover the requirements, timeline, and steps you could take to earn your teaching certification in the Constitution State.
Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Connecticut
The process of becoming a special education teacher in Connecticut is similar to the process of becoming a general education teacher. One of the main differences will be in the specific certification exams you take, but from a high level, the basic steps are the same for any type of teacher certification.
For a step-by-step breakdown, check out our How to Become a Teacher in Connecticut guide. There are a variety of pathways to certification; this guide explains requirements and offers tips and advice for an easy transition into teaching.
What Do You Need to Be a Special Education Teacher in Connecticut?
Connecticut teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Then, they must pass the required Praxis exams and clear a background check.
If you have a high school degree, then earning a bachelor’s degree is your next step. It will likely take about 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may be able to get into a Connecticut classroom much faster. You could complete a graduate-level EPP and earn your certification that way. For example, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months, 100% online.
It is important to note that TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Connecticut, so you would earn your teaching license in another state and use Connecticut’s reciprocity process to transfer the credential. Connecticut has streamlined the process for educators from more than 20 states and territories.
Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Connecticut
Out-of-State Educator Preparation Program
Connecticut offers multiple pathways to certification, including traditional undergraduate programs in education and alternative routes for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. You could also complete an out-of-state EPP and earn your Connecticut certificate through the state’s streamlined reciprocity process.
If you choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program, here’s an example of the steps you might take, earning your certification through Washington, D.C., and then transferring the license to Connecticut:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. It does not necessarily have to be in education, so if you already have a bachelor’s, you can skip down to step 2.
- Complete an EPP. The TEACH-NOW program can be completed in as little as 9 months.
- Pass the required certification exams for D.C. For a license in special education, you might take the Special Education: Foundational Knowledge test along with the Principles of Teaching and Learning (PLT) test.
- Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teaching license.
- Apply to transfer your credential to Connecticut. Remember, this process is streamlined for applicants going through D.C.
- Complete any additional requirements, such as any missing certification exams or coursework required in Connecticut.
This is just one example of a potential path. For more detailed information, visit the CT Department of Education website.
In-State EPP
If you choose an in-state EPP, you’ll follow similar steps to get your license:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Complete an EPP. The Connecticut Department of Education has a guide to EPPs that includes a list of approved programs as well as information about CT’s Alternate Route to Certification.
- Pass the required certification exams. You might take the Special Education: Core Knowledge and Application test, Special Education: Foundational Knowledge, and specialized tests like Mild to Moderate or Severe to Profound. The Praxis website has more information about testing.
- Submit your Connecticut application. As part of the application process, you will submit a background check.
Again, this is just one example of a potential path to certification in Connecticut. For more information, visit the Connecticut Department of Education website.
Why Reciprocity Might Make Sense for You
Reciprocity could be the ideal path for you if:
- You already have a teaching license in another state and are planning a move to Connecticut.
- You prefer an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW program.
Every teacher is different, so it’s important to align your path with your career goals and needs. If you need a little help getting started, download The Teacher’s Guide to Finding Your Right-Fit Educator Preparation Program. You’ll learn 10 factors to help you evaluate programs and find the right one for you.
Can You Become a Special Education Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes! Many Connecticut teachers have a degree in a non-education field, and Connecticut welcomes teachers with diverse backgrounds and work histories (and supports them through multiple certification pathways).
If you have a non-teaching bachelor’s degree, and being a special education teacher is your dream, you could be just months away from making it a reality.
Ready to take the next step? Earn your teacher certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is fully accredited and 100% online, with rolling admissions and monthly start dates.
Once you complete the TEACH-NOW program, you have the option to add on a master’s degree in just 3 additional months.
Apply for free (the application only takes about 15 minutes), and you’ll hear back within 2 business days.
