School of Education

Teacher Preparation: Professional Program and Certification

School of Education sign
Student reading a book
Staff reading book to student
Students making game
Group photo
Group photo

Ready to turn your passion into a career in education? 

At Central Connecticut State University, you can prepare for Connecticut teacher certification across three certification levels. Explore the pathway that matches the students and age groups you want to teach!

  • Elementary Education (PK-6)

    Prepare to teach students from Prekindergarten through Grade 6. This pathway is ideal if you enjoy working with younger learners and want to build a strong foundation across multiple subject areas. 

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  • Secondary Education (4-12)

    Prepare to teach students in Grades 4-12 in a specific content area. This pathway is a great fit if you have a passion for a particular subject and want to share that expertise with students.

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  • All-Level Education (PK-12)

    Prepare to teach students across the entire PK-12 spectrum in specialized content areas. This pathway offers flexibility to work with learners at different grade levels.

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Did You Know…

As you explore a pathway into teaching, it is important to understand the difference between earning a degree from Central Connecticut State University and obtaining a teaching certificate from the State of Connecticut. While your degree provides the academic foundation for your career, certification is the credential required to teach in Connecticut’s public schools.

Students pursuing a degree in education should also be aware of the subject-matter major requirement, which applies to all teacher candidates.

The State of Connecticut awards a teaching certificate once a candidate has successfully:

  • Completed a bachelor’s degree and an approved educator preparation program
  • Passed all required teacher certification examinations
  • Has received an institutional recommendation from the university where the educator preparation program was completed. At CCSU, your institutional recommendation will be provided by the Certification Officer in the Dean’s Office of the School of Education.

Teacher Preparation at a Glance:

  • CAEP Accredited: Our initial and advanced teacher education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) the national standard for excellence in educator preparation. CAEP accreditation reflects our commitment to preparing highly qualified, effective educators through rigorous academic programs, meaningful clinical experiences, and continuous program improvement.
  • National Recognition: In early summer 2026, graduate and undergraduate elementary teacher preparation programs earned A grades from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTR) for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students.
  • Cohort Model: Students’ progress throughout the professional program in a cohort model fostering collaboration and peer support.
  • 216 students were accepted into the Teacher Preparation Program during the Fall 2025–Spring 2026 academic year.
  • 164 Student Teachers placed in Spring 2026.
  • 156 Host teachers mentoring student teachers.
  • 49 PK–12 public school districts across Connecticut partnered with CCSU.

Find Your Path. Make an Impact.

Not sure which certification area is right for you? Start by thinking about what you want to teach, who you want to teach, and the age group you connect with most. Then explore CCSU’s programs to find the pathway that aligns with your goals.