Certification Pathways in Connecticut

Current Certification Highlights:
  • Current teachers with an active Teaching Certificate (including Vocational Certificates) can earn a cross endorsement in Computer Science through a growing list of Graduate programs (listed below) or applying for the Unique Endorsement (#110) through the CECS portal. 
  • Teacher Endorsements are offered in the Elementary K-6 and Secondary 7-12
  • At the moment there is no pathway for a Professional outside Academics, or an educator teaching without a Teaching Certificate to earn a Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Computer Science.
  • Currently the ARC program does not offer a pathway for certification in Computer Science.
The Computer Science (Unique Endorsement #110)
== The following is taken from the Department of Education website. ==
 
Please note: the Computer Science cross endorsement requires coursework OR a passing score (149) on the Praxis II assessment.
 
Coursework Requirement:
A major in computer science or at least 30 semester hours of credit related to computer science including study in each of the following areas:
  • Computing Systems, which may include devices; hardware and software; troubleshooting
  • Networks and the Internet, which may include cyber security; network communication and organization
  • Data and Analysis, which may include storage; collection; visualization; transformation; inference and models
  • Algorithms and Programming, which may include algorithms; variables; control; modularity/decomposing; program development
  • Impacts of Computing, which may include culture/history; social interactions
Note: At least 12 semester hours of credit must be specific to computer science.
Connecticut Department of Education Resources
 
The CSDE has a page hosting a plethora of resources related to:
  • Progress towards making Computer Science official in CT.
  • Identifying the Computer Science Standards for Connecticut
  • Guidance on implementing Computer Science in your schools.
  • Important links to organizations (like us!) who wish to help you make Computer Science possible in your schools!
 
Cross Endorsement information page.
 
For questions and assistance please contact the amazing Jennifer Michalek at the information provided below.
 
Jennifer Michalek
K-12 Math Education Consultant
Connecticut State Department of Education 
Academic Office 
450 Columbus Boulevard, Suite 603 
Hartford, CT 06103-1841 E-mail: Jennifer.michalek@ct.gov 
Phone: (860) 713-6557
Praxis Preparation
The CT CSTA has created a Memo of Understanding with CompuScholar to provide Connecticut educators 180 day access to their Praxis Prep platform for the 5652 exam.
 
Please visit this link to register!
Programs in Computer Science Education awarding Cross Endorsement
Sacred Heart University
 
The Computer Science Education Endorsement sequence is designed to equip certified classroom teachers with the skills and pedagogy to teach computer science successfully leading to a “unique endorsement” in computer science education from the Connecticut State Department of Education at either the elementary (K-6) or secondary (7-12) level.
 
For more information click here.
Southern CT State University
 
Southern's Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations is a flexible 2-semester approach that will help you to learn the foundational knowledge required for entry-level employment, more advanced studies in computer or data science, or the required content for teachers to pursue the CS endorsement.  
 
For more information click here.
University of Bridgeport
 
The 12 credit program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters in person or online. 
 

  • For more information on the elementary school cross-endorsement program, click here and scroll down for details on the computer science cross-endorsement.

  • For more information on the secondary (grades 6-12) cross-endorsement program, click here and scroll down for details on the computer science cross-endorsement.

Programs in Computer Science Education
(which are not awarding Cross Endorsement)
Central Connecticut State University
 
CCSU does not have a program leading to cross endorsement.  However, non-matriculated students may take courses from the Computer Science Department.
 
The Computer Science Department at CCSU offers two bachelor degree programs in computer science.  The Honors B.S. degree is accredited by ABET, the national organization that accredits engineering and technology. The Alternative degree is designed for students seeking a second degree or changing from another major.
 
Further information is available here.
 
CCSU also offers a MS in Computer Information Technology with a specialization in Computer Science.  This degree is intended for individuals with an undergraduate degree but not in computer  science. Further information is available at
 
Further information is available here.
 
The College of St. Scholastica 
 
The College of St. Scholastica offers both a "Certificate in Computer Science Education" and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Computer Science Education.
 
This is also the home of the National Center for Computer Science Education who offers a variety of services including credit for approved Professional Development opportunities.