Alternate Route to Certification

ARC classes are held in person and online. The program courses include 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 complete a 40-consecutive school day practicum within the program year and the edTPA assessment. Practicum begins in late winter.

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, candidates are eligible to apply for a Temporary 90-Day Certificate from Connecticut’s State Department of Education (CSDE) once hired by a CT public school district. Upon completing the 90-Day Certificate, candidates apply for their Initial Educator Certification with the recommendation of the employing district.

Certification areas offered:

• Grades 4-12: Business Education, English, Math, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science, and Physics)
• World Languages: K-12: French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and other World Languages
• PreK-12: Family Consumer Science, Music, and Technology Education

ARC was established as part of the Education Enhancement Act of 1986, and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education has overseen the program since its inception in 1988. Approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education, ARC is designed to prepare professional adults for careers in education. The program focuses on addressing critical teacher shortages, with its offerings based on the shortage areas identified by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). ARC has successfully prepared over 5,500 teachers to enter Connecticut classrooms.

ARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any certification area to a later program cycle. These changes depend on hiring patterns, the number of qualified applicants, and practicum placement availability. If a certification area cannot be offered, application fees will be refunded to applicants for that certification area.

If you need support, our partners at TEACH Connecticut host information sessions twice a month through June. Receive $100 fee reimbursements towards application and testing expenses. Register below to attend an event. You can choose the date that works best for you!

TEACH Connecticut also has free tools to help you navigate the ARC application. Sign up for a free account to apply to ARC with confidence.

The mission of Connecticut’s Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) Program is to provide a time-condensed pathway to teaching credentials for adults who have a strong desire to become teachers and who possess strong academic and content backgrounds as well as a wide array of life and professional experiences. ARC is a teacher preparation program that is designed to support the learning styles of adults.

Address:
Attn: Alternate Route to Certification
Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103

Hours of all Divisions:
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Email: ohe.arc@ct.gov