How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Connecticut

Connecticut has a high demand for elementary school teachers, with the state projecting 6.5% growth in jobs for elementary teachers by 2032, compared to 2022. That’s an average of 1,230 openings every year.

If you have a passion for working with young students, elementary education could be a great career for you. And — whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a career changer looking to move into education — there are multiple pathways to becoming a certified elementary school teacher in the Constitution State.

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Connecticut 

The process of becoming an elementary school teacher in Connecticut is similar to the process of becoming a teacher at any other level. You’ll earn a bachelor’s degree, complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP), and take certification exams specific to the grades you want to teach.

For more information on the steps to becoming a certified teacher in CT, check out our Guide to Teacher Certification in Connecticut. There are a variety of pathways to earning your certification; this guide explains requirements and offers tips and advice for an easy transition into teaching.

What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Connecticut?  

Connecticut teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and to complete an EPP. They must also clear a background check and pass the required Praxis exams.

If you’re a high-school graduate and you know you want to be a teacher, the most common route is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from a 4-year college or university.

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 an alternative or 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. Now, it’s important to note that TEACH-NOW is an out-of-state EPP in Connecticut, so you would earn your teaching certification in another state and use Connecticut’s reciprocity process to transfer the credential.

Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Connecticut

Reciprocity 

If you choose an out-of-state EPP, like Moreland’s online TEACH-NOW program, you could earn your teaching license in another state or the District of Columbia and use Connecticut’s enhanced reciprocity process to transfer the credential. Connecticut has streamlined the process for educators from more than 20 states and territories (including D.C.).

Here’s an example of that process, going through D.C.:  

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree. It does not necessarily have to be in education.
2. Complete an EPP, like Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW program.  
3. Pass the required certification exams for D.C. To become an elementary school teacher, for example (grades 1-6), you might take the Praxis content exams for elementary teachers (reading, math, social studies, and science) along with the K-6 Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test.
4. Submit your fingerprints for a background check and apply for your D.C. teaching license.  
5. Apply to transfer your D.C. credential to Connecticut.  
6. Complete any additional requirements. For example, if you’re missing any certification exams or coursework required in Connecticut, you would complete those at this time.    

It’s important to note this is just one example of a potential path through an out-of-state EPP in Connecticut. For more detailed information, visit the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Bureau of Certification website. 

In-State Pathway 

If you choose an in-state EPP in Connecticut, you’ll follow a similar process:  

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree. 
2. Complete an EPP. The Connecticut DOE has a guide to EPPs that includes a list of approved programs as well as information about the state’s Alternative Route to Certification (ARC).
3. Pass the required exams. The most common Praxis test for K-6 teachers is the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects exam which covers language arts, math, social studies, and science.
4. 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. For more information, visit the state department of education website.  

Why Reciprocity Might Make Sense for You 

Depending on your specific situation and goals, reciprocity could be the ideal path to earning your Connecticut teacher certification. You might consider this path if: 

• You hold an active teaching license in a different state and are planning a move to Connecticut.
• You want more flexibility in your EPP provider. For example, because Moreland’s TEACH-NOW program is 100% online, with a live, virtual class once a week, it’s a strong option for career changers and/or those already working full-time jobs.

There really is no right or wrong answer. It’s about finding the certification path that most aligns with your needs.  

Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Connecticut Without a Teaching Degree?  

Yes! Many Connecticut teachers have a degree in a non-education field, and Connecticut welcomes teachers with a range of backgrounds and experience. Bringing a different professional or academic background into the classroom can actually be a significant advantage, and schools actively look for educators who can draw on real-world experiences to make learning more engaging.  

---

Ready to take the next step? Earn your teaching certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland University. Our TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is 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.