Durational Area Shortage Permit (DSAP)

Overview 

A Durational Shortage Area Permit, or DSAP, allows a Connecticut school district to employ an educator who is completing requirements for certification in the area being taught. The hiring district initiates the DSAP application, while the university verifies the candidate’s enrollment in an approved educator preparation program. Districts apply for a DSAP using the ED 177 application.  

A supervision plan for students who are not yet certified and are hired by a district under a DSAP is designed to provide structured support for DSAP candidates. Strong emphasis is placed on the importance of mentorship by experienced educators during the initial phases of the DSAP and extends into the final semester of the candidate’s DSAP, which serves as the student teaching experience. 

Eligibility 

• DSAP candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution, and 12 semester hours of credit must be completed in the area to be taught. 
• DSAP candidates must enroll in an approved educator preparation program before qualifying for a DSAP. 
• DSAP candidates MUST complete at least 9 credit hours of their Planned Program each academic year. 

Process 

1. DSAP candidate creates an account on the Connecticut Educator Certification System (C.E.C.S.). This generates an Educator Identification Number (EIN), which the Certification Officer requires to complete and submit the university portion of the DSAP application to the Connecticut State Department of Education. 
2. Next, the DSAP candidate completes Parts I–III of the application. The hiring district completes Parts IV and V and submits the completed application to the State. 
3. The DSAP candidate emails their EIN number to Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill, Assistant Dean & Certification Officer at dtorres-hill1@ccsu.edu for completion of the last page: Evidence of Enrollment. Once completed, this part of the application will be submitted directly to the State on the DSAP candidate's behalf.  

Required Courses 

• ED 582 Supervision (first semester) 3 credits 
• ED 583 Supervision of Student Teaching (final semester) 3 credits 

Prerequisite: ED 582] 

To meet teacher certification program requirements, DSAP candidates must complete ED 582 and ED 583 and earn at least a C in each course.  

For DSAP candidates in the Special Education and Intervention Program, ED 582 may be taken in one semester and ED 583 in another semester in lieu of Student Teaching courses SPED 521 & 522. 

In accordance with CT law, districts will require criminal background and/or DCF child abuse and neglect registry checks. DSAP candidates are required to follow the background check policies of the district in which they are placed and are responsible for all associated fees. CCSU is not responsible for district policies. 

Observations:  3 formal in each course 

First Semester  

1. A school district offers a DSAP position to the DSAP candidate. The candidate and district collaborate with Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill, Assistant Dean and Certification Officer, to complete the ED 177 application. 
2. The DSAP candidate contacts Ashley Fournier, Administrative Faculty Program Associate, a.fournier@ccsu.edu,  to indicate their intent to register for ED 582. Ashley is responsible for assigning ED 582 DSAP Supervision I. 
3. The Dean’s Office coordinates the candidate’s enrollment in ED 582 under the designated University Supervisor’s section and completes all required documentation.  
4. The University Supervisor conducts three formal on-site observations, along with a midterm reflection and a final evaluation. The DSAP candidate is expected to prepare all observations, maintain regular communication with the University Supervisor, and incorporate feedback into their instructional practice. 

Please note: DSAPS do not transfer from school to school. 

Final Semester 

1. The DSAP candidate notifies the Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill, Assistant Dean and Certification Officer of their intent to continue in their DSAP position.  
2. The Dean’s Office contacts the Program Coordinator to confirm placement in ED 583 and to arrange for the assignment of a University Supervisor.   
3. The DSAP candidate contacts Ashley Fournier, Administrative Faculty Program Associate, a.fournier@ccsu.edu,  to indicate their intent to register for ED 583. 
4. The Program Coordinator instructs the DSAP candidate to register for the corresponding student teaching seminar course, if applicable.  
5. The University Supervisor conducts three formal on-site observations, along with a midterm reflection and a final evaluation. An additional three visits may be conducted as formative observations, aligned to the DSAP candidate’s individual needs.  
6. The DSAP candidate is expected to prepare all observations, maintain regular communication with the University Supervisor, and incorporate feedback into their instructional practice.  
7. DSAP candidates in the Department of Special Education and Interventions must pass the Praxis II assessment prior to a DSAP renewal. 
8. Should any concerns arise, the DSAP candidate is advised to notify the Program Coordinator and the Certification Officer. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Certification and DSAP Application Questions 

Dr. Daisy Torres-Hill 
Assistant Dean and Certification Officer 
dtorres-hill1@ccsu.edu 

ED 582 and ED 583 Supervision Assignments 

Ashley Fournier 
Administrative Faculty Program Associate 
a.fournier@ccsu.edu