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Elementary Education Degrees in Connecticut

Childhood is a time of life that helps individuals meet dozens of goals. Not only does it prepare children for adulthood, it ensures that they have the foundational social skills needed to build strong, healthy relationships with peers, adults, family members, and friends.

The work of an elementary school teacher covers academic subjects, social skills, and the process of learning itself. Earning a teaching degree in Connecticut can help you build the skills needed to effectively teach elementary school students in your community.

Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Connecticut

At top elementary education programs across the state, you can begin your education and follow an evidence-based curriculum of teaching courses.

Take the first step now by reaching out to Connecticut teaching programs below.

When you become an elementary school teacher, you complete your training in a variety of academic areas. Your education should also cover specific techniques for each topic of study, since children absorb information in different ways.

One area of focus in Connecticut is STEM, which includes science, technology, engineering, and math courses (Patch, 2016). Students in this state are falling behind in science when compared to peers in other states, and elementary school teachers with the latest training in science teaching methods can be a huge help to their students and their school districts.

Are you ready to find out how you can earn a teaching degree in Connecticut?

Use the list of accredited teaching programs below to get started.

Getting Your Elementary Education Degree in Connecticut

Each state licenses educators in its own specific way. If you want to teach in Connecticut after graduation, you must attend a program that follows one of the certification paths of this state. The traditional licensure path involves earning a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. If you go this route, you earn 120 credits over a period of eight to ten semesters.

While studying teaching theory and research, you test your new skills and knowledge in local classrooms. Getting experience in elementary and middle school classrooms may help you further narrow your focus and decide which grade levels best suit you. Your curriculum should include courses in general academic subjects and specialized teaching courses.

Elementary School Education Coursework

  • Teachers, Schools, and Society
  • Science Education for the Elementary School
  • Integrated Curriculum in the Primary Classroom
  • Responsive Curriculum and Assessment
  • English Language Learners in the Classroom
  • Best Practices in Classroom Management

If this isn’t your first venture into postsecondary education, you may be able to pursue another certification path. Alternative certification programs are designed for Bachelor’s degree graduates. These accelerated programs focus on getting you licensed as a teacher in approximately one year or less. A Master’s degree in teaching may be a viable option for you if you have a Bachelor’s degree in child development, education, or a related subject.

Throughout your training, you are assessed in a variety of ways. Although you are expected to perform well on tests, it is even more important to do well in the classroom. Getting strong recommendations and feedback from supervising teachers may help you when you are ready to begin the job search.

After graduation, licensure is the next step. This process goes through the Connecticut State Department Of Education. They require that you pass two separate exams before you qualify for licensure. The first is the Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test. The second is the Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects Praxis II exam.

Why not use this opportunity to learn more about earning an elementary education degree?

Check out Connecticut schools below and request information from those that interest you.

Working as an Elementary Educator in Connecticut

Once you are officially a licensed teacher, you can begin working in public and private school elementary classrooms. No matter how much practice you get as a student, working independently as a teacher can be a huge adjustment. It’s important to use all the resources you have at your disposal, including mentors, continuing education classes, and advice from experienced teachers. Joining the Connecticut Education Association is an excellent way to explore local professional resources.

Your salary may be determined by a number of factors. Overall, the average salary for a Connecticut elementary school teacher is $75,700 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Between 2014 and 2024, job openings for elementary school teachers may increase 2% (O*Net, 2016).

With the list of Connecticut teaching programs below, it is easy to find a degree in elementary education that fits you.

Contact local programs to get started.