Alternate Route to Teacher Certification
 

Alternate Route to Certification

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2024-2025 Program Admission Dates and Costs

Admission Requirements & How to Apply

Program Components

Program Costs & Financial Resources

Obtaining Certification as an ARC Graduate

Job Openings with ARC

Contacts

Accreditation


 

 






 

Alternate Route to Teacher Certification

Program Overview

The Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program is an accelerated hybrid program for highly-motivated adults who wish to enter the teaching profession. An innovative and challenging program, ARC was created as part of the Education Enhancement Act of 1986. It has been offered since 1988 and is administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education and is approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education. ARC has prepared over 5,000 teachers since the program’s inception. Most current ARC offerings seek to prepare graduates for jobs in critical teacher shortage areas as determined each year by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).

The ARC hybrid program includes subject-based methods and foundations of teaching coursework including, but not limited to, the Common Core State Standards, classroom management, differentiated instruction, lesson planning, assessment of student learning, special education and Section 504, English Language learners, and integrating technology in the classroom. ARC faculty members have extensive experience working in the field as public school teachers, administrators, and professors. Candidates are also required to complete a full time 40-consecutive school day practicum placement within the program year and the edTPA assessment. Practicum is for 40-consecutive school days and is individually scheduled to start in late winter or early spring.


Upon completion of all program requirements, teacher candidates are eligible for a Temporary 90-Day Teaching Certificate from Connecticut's State Department of Education. After successfully completing the 90-days teachers apply for their Initial Educator Certification with the recommendation of the employing district.


Tuition and other costs average $7,500.

Program Highlights

  1. Accelerated 9 month certification-only program (not credit or degree granting).

  2. Hybrid model that supports working adults. Virtual classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights and in person classes approximately two Saturdays per month.

  3. DSAP, LTS, and education opportunities shared with candidates to support teaching experience during program duration.

Certification Areas

The ARC Program currently offers* the following certification areas:

Secondary Education, Grades 7-12

  • Business Education, 7-12
  • English, 7-12
  • Math, 7-12
  • Sciences, 7-12 (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science & Physics)
  • Grades K-12

  • World Languages, K-12 (French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese,
  • Russian, Spanish & Other World Language)

    Grades PreK-12

  • Family Consumer Science, PreK-12
  • Music, PreK-12
  • Technology Education, PreK-12
  • *ARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule training to a later program cycle in any subject area depending on hiring patterns, the number of qualified applicants, and availability of candidate practicum placements. If a subject area cannot be offered, application fees will be refunded to applicants for that subject area.

    If you have questions or need support in applying to ARC, reach out to our partners at TEACH Connecticut.