Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Connecticut offers its alternate route candidates streamlined preparation that meets the immediate needs of new teachers.
The Alternative Route to Certification requires 205 clock hours of coursework. Core sessions are provided on the foundations of education, and methods classes are subject-specific and focus on planning instruction, instructional methodology, classroom management and assessing student learning. A series of support seminars for beginning teachers is also provided.
The ARC has two tracks. Students in track I must practice teach for a minimum of four weeks with a cooperating teacher in the summer prior to placement. Track II candidates are required to participate in a five-week field placement during the spring before they enter the classroom. Most beginning teachers are assigned a mentor by the district. In addition, ARC also provides ongoing coaching to teachers on request.
Connecticut allows candidates to complete their requirements in an appropriate time frame with the track I program running full time for nine weeks during the summer. Track II is a weekend program that runs from October through May.
Connecticut recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.