Resident Educator Certificate
The College of Education at Southern Connecticut State University offers the Residency Program in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Elementary Education/Bilingual Education, Sciences (7-12) in collaboration with Bridgeport Public Schools and New Haven Public Schools
This program will prepare candidates for CT certification and completion of a Master’s degree (Master of Arts in Teaching), while working in one of Connecticut’s two largest and most diverse school systems.
We are now recruiting for Fall 2025. Spaces are limited, so please apply soon!
For the Masters of Arts in Teaching program, select the concentration in which you are seeking certification.
Testimonials
"I signed up for the MAT program at a time in my life when everything around me seemed to be falling apart. I was curious to know how I would manage it all with classes, family, and working full time. My experience in my first semester was incredible despite my many personal challenges. I received so much support from my professors and classmates. It made my transition back into school less stressful and a more enjoyable learning experience."
Russhell McDuffie-Vines
Cohort 2, Davis Street School
"After the pandemic, I decided that it was time to leave my career in healthcare after 27 years. Initially, the thought of entering Grad school after being out of college for 26 years, changing professions, being a mom, and continuing to work per diem in my previous career was very intimidating. The design of the MAT/REC program has given me the opportunity to work and learn alongside a veteran teacher as I pursue my second career as a Special Education Teacher. The program has given me the training and confidence needed to be a Special Education teacher while being able to carry on with day-to-day life."
Lauren Pollio
Cohort 1, Wilbur Cross H.S.
Program Highlights
- Candidates complete their courses in the MAT program as a cohort, providing an opportunity to form meaningful relationships with other participants and their professors.
- Candidates gain important practical experience while working in one of Connecticut’s two largest and most diverse school systems while completing the program.
- All of the program-required field work will be completed in the district. In addition, candidates in this program will not complete a traditional student-teaching experience. They will use their teaching experience under REC in lieu of student teaching.
- The program is intentionally designed to be completed in 2-3 years (depending on the area certification.) The courses are mapped out with no more than two courses a semester during the school year to allow candidates to dedicate the required time to their classrooms while serving as teachers of record.
How It Works
- In the first year, candidates will work as a para-educator or teacher assistant in one of the school districts (New Haven), while completing core courses at SCSU.
- Then, candidates will work as a teacher-of-record under a Residency Educator Certificate while completing remaining course requirements of the MAT.
- Districts provide candidates with some financial assistance for tuition during the first year of the program (amount varies by district.)
To Apply, Complete Two Steps
- Apply for admission to the SCSU MAT program in Special Education, Sciences or Math for Fall 2025. Application Link
- Apply to be hired by New Haven Public Schools under the Resident Teacher Certificate program.
Contact
- For NHPS recruitment info, contact Typhanie Jackson at Typhanie.Jackson@new-haven.k12.ct.us.
- For more information about the program, contact us at coeadmissions@southernct.edu.