CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Orientation to Certification

CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Orientation to Certification for Teacher Candidates Material provided is subject to regular updates and/or changes. Educators are encouraged to check for updates by visiting the State Department of Education website and/or contacting our department.

CERTIFICATION PREREQUISITES Bachelor’s degree Regionally accredited institution General academic course work Subject area major AND Teacher Preparation Professional education program Praxis II/ACTFL/Foundations of Reading Institutional Recommendation

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION Coursework is only acceptable if it has been completed through an institution accredited by one of the following agencies; these bodies ensure that post-secondary institutions meet basic quality standards. • • • Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges New England Association of Schools and Colleges Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Southern Association of Colleges and Schools The Higher Learning Commission [North Central Association of Colleges and Schools] Western Association of Schools and Colleges www. collegesource. org

APPLICATION FORM (ED 170 A) INITIAL EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE • Fully completed application form, bearing your original signature • Application cannot be submitted electronically through CECS • $200 money order or bank-issued check (no personal checks) • ALL official transcripts • Experience form (ED 126), if needed for your endorsement

HOW TO AVOID DELAYS • Print All Information Clearly and Legibly • Answer ALL Questions • Sign and Date Application Form • Accurate Social Security Number (SSN) • Include Correct Date of Birth • Provide Street Address (not just a P. O. Box) • Include a permanent Email Address • No Personal Checks (bank-issued checks or money orders only) • Mail Complete Packet (Application Form, Transcripts and Payment to Address Printed at Top of Application

MANDATED BACKGROUND CHECKS CRIMINAL HISTORY A state criminal history records check is conducted on ALL applicants seeking certification DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY (DCF) C. G. S. 10 -221 d(g) requires a records check for ALL applicants seeking certification • If additional information or forms are requested, respond promptly to avoid delays • Note: If an applicant is listed on the DCF registry, the authorization or permit must be denied

MANDATED BACKGROUND CHECKS DISTRICT FINGERPRINTING • School districts are required to fingerprint each person hired within 30 days of employment. • Hiring district will direct you on where to have this done.

CERTIFICATION CONTINUUM LEVELS OF CERTIFICATION Professional Educator Certificate Valid for 5 years Provisional Educator Certificate Valid for 8 years Initial Educator Certificate Valid for 3 years (public school educators must enroll in and complete TEAM) Please review Maintaining CT Educator Certification www. ct. gov/sde/cert

VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATES • Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Grades: • May teach only in grade levels and subject area(s) covered by the certificate • May NOT teach up or down a grade level • Secondary Subjects, Grades 7 -12: • May teach subject down to grade 5 in a departmentalized setting • World languages may teach down to grade 4 If you are unsure whether your certificate authorizes you to serve in a position, contact the State Department of Education.

CROSS ENDORSEMENTS • Apply online directly to the Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification • State determines all coursework and assessment requirements to add the majority of additional endorsement areas to an existing certificate • Some approved courses for cross-endorsements are listed on our website • Administrative and Special Services endorsements are issued separately, not as cross-endorsements; these require a separate planned program

CROSS ENDORSEMENT AREAS Endorsement areas available: • Elementary • Middle Grades Subjects • Secondary Subjects • Special Subjects (Health, PE, World Languages, Art, Music) • Special Education • TESOL • Bilingual – Note: requires candidate to hold endorsement in content area/grade level for which bilingual certification is sought. All bilingual coursework must be completed at one regionally accredited institution. Endorsements requiring completion of a state-approved program, leading to an institutional recommendation: • Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education (#112/#113) • Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (#102)

DESIGNATED SHORTAGE AREAS 2016 -2017 SCHOOL YEAR • Bilingual Education • Comprehensive Special Education, K-12 • Mathematics, 7 -12 • Science, 7 -12 • Technology Education, PK-12 • School Library Media Specialist • World Languages, 7 -12 • School Psychologist • Speech and Language Pathologist • Intermediate Administration or Supervision

FINDING YOUR FIRST POSITION • Websites: • www. ctreap. net • www. cea. org • Join statewide/national association related to your teaching area • Network with principal and human resources director during student teaching and substitute teaching • Consider adding an endorsement in a shortage area

INTERSTATE CERTIFICATION AGREEMENT Facilitates certification for teachers seeking employment outside of Connecticut Generally: • Requires educator to hold a Connecticut certificate • Allows acceptance of preparation program in teaching or special services areas • Does not waive testing, experience or advanced course work requirements • For specific information, contact the appropriate education agency in the state where you are seeking certification

CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY This Educator Code of Ethics provides: • Guiding principles for safe and productive learning environments • Responsibilities to students, profession and your community • Expectations for appropriate conduct both inside and outside of the classroom • Educators held to higher standard of behavior

EXPECTATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT You represent the education profession in all that you do – both in and out of the classroom. Present yourself as a professional at all times: • Appropriate speech and dress • Use of Social Media • Be aware that information provided on Facebook, Twitter and other personal web accounts are accessible to everyone • Be cautious of statements and pictures which might be misconstrued • Limit personal information that you share with your students • Obey all laws • Avoid misrepresentation of your credentials • Be aware of district employment policies As an educator, you are held to a higher standard of behavior!

AVOID SITUATIONS THAT MIGHT BE INTERPRETED AS INAPPROPRIATE You have worked hard to obtain certification. Do not let “perception” jeopardize your career. • Avoid isolating yourself with a student • Do not engage in personal exchanges with students via telephone, personal email, texting, twitter, etc. • Avoid inappropriate physical contact with students; maintain professional level of personal space • Avoid transporting students in your own vehicle • Notify administration in an emergency situation

CONTACT INFORMATION • Website: www. ct. gov/sde/cert • Access Connecticut Educator Certification System (CECS) • Print paper forms • Email: teacher. cert@ct. gov • For specific questions regarding your certification • Average response time 7 -10 business days • Address: 165 Capitol Ave. , Rm. 243, Hartford • To drop off materials only • Phone: (860) 713 -6969 • Consultants available for general questions only Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri (noon – 4 pm) • Fax: (860) 713 -7017 (Average response time 7 -10 days)

CONNECTICUT EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION SYSTEM (CECS) Log in to the CECS at: www. ct. gov/sde/cert • Check the status of a pending application • Submit applications • Apply for additional endorsements • Apply to upgrade and/or renew an existing certificate • Pay fees • Print unofficial copy of your current certificate(s) • Order duplicate “official” certificate(s) • Update contact information • Get your Educator Identification Number (EIN)

SERVICES AVAILABLE • Specific questions and/or course descriptions should be submitted in writing via email, regular mail, FAX, or in person • Course approval cannot be provided over the telephone • Materials may be dropped off at our office • Individual consultations cannot be provided to walk-in applicants • Consultants are available during public phone time to provide general information and/or check the status of a pending application Please Note: • Certificates cannot be printed on the day payment is made or upon request – official certificates are printed weekly. • Eligibility for certification and/or course approvals cannot be determined without an application and fee on file.