Deferrals Unfortunately the ARC Program does not offer the option to defer admission to a program year. This is because program requirements, tuition fees and certification offerings may change in the future. However we encourage applicants who’re unable to accept admission to re apply for a future program. CHESLA Loans For those admitted into the… Continue reading Financial Assistance, Program Costs & Refunds
Category: ARC
Alternate Route Certification
The Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program offers a paced and flexible pathway for motivated adults who aspire to become teachers. This innovative and demanding program was established as part of the Education Enhancement Act of 1986. Has been available since 1988. It is overseen by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education. Approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education. Over the years ARC has successfully trained than 5,000 teachers. The current focus of ARC is to prepare graduates for teaching positions in areas where there is a shortage as determined annually by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE).
The ARC hybrid program encompasses subject specific teaching methods and foundational courses, such as the Common Core State Standards, classroom management techniques, differentiated instruction strategies, lesson planning approaches, student learning assessment methods, special education and Section 504 regulations supporting English Language learners and integrating technology effectively in classrooms. The ARC faculty members possess experience working in public schools, as teachers, administrators and professors. Candidates are also required to complete a full time practicum placement consisting of 40 school days within the program year. Additionally they must undergo an edTPA assessment. The practicum is individually scheduled to begin either in winter or early spring.
Upon fulfilling all the requirements of the program aspiring teachers become eligible to receive a Temporary 90 Day Teaching Certificate from the Connecticut State Department of Education. Once they have successfully completed the 90 day period teachers can then apply for their Initial Educator Certification with a recommendation from their employing school district.
The average cost for tuition and other expenses is around $6,500.
The ARC Program currently provides certifications in the following areas;
- Secondary Education, Grades 7 12
- Mathematics teaching for grades 7 12
- Science teaching for grades 7 12 (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science & Physics)
- Business Education for grades 7 12
- teaching for grades 7 12
- Grades K 12
- Teaching World Languages from Kindergarten to grade 12 (French, German, Italian Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese,
Russian, Spanish & Other World Languages)
- Teaching World Languages from Kindergarten to grade 12 (French, German, Italian Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese,
- Grades PreK 12
- Technology Education from PreK to grade 12
- Family Consumer Science teaching from PreK to grade 12
- Music teaching from PreK to grade 12
Highlights of the program include;
- An certification only program that spans over 9 months (not granting any credits or degrees).
- A hybrid model designed to support working adults featuring classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights as well as in person classes on approximately two Saturdays per month.
- Candidates will have access to DSAP (District School Assistance Program) LTS (Leadership Training Series) and various educational opportunities aimed at supporting teaching experience, throughout the duration of the program.Certification Areas
*ARC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule training in any subject area based on hiring trends the number of qualified applicants and availability of candidate practicum placements. If a specific subject area cannot be offered application fees will be refunded to applicants in that area.
If you have any questions or need assistance, with your application to ARC please reach out to our partners at TEACH Connecticut.
ARC Program Catalog
Download the complete ARC Catalog here. Overview Background on the ARC Program, dates and hours. Subject Area Course Requirements for Admission Required coursework, by subject area, and transcript analysis and cross endorsement. Waivers GPA and Core exam waivers. Note there are no waivers for Praxis II. How to Apply Application procedures and an application checklist. More… Continue reading ARC Program Catalog
The RC Program in the News
Hooray! 99 amazing individuals from backgrounds including engineers, scientists, business executives, journalists and medical professionals have decided to make a mid career switch to education through the states Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program. They come from age groups with an average age of 42 and approximately 15 percent belong to minority groups. These incredible… Continue reading The RC Program in the News
ARC Graduates News
Professionals Find Fulfillment, Give Back Through Non Traditional Teaching Path David Autencios educational journey was never a smooth one. However he always had teachers who inspired him along the way. Their influence motivated Autencio to make a life altering decision at the age of 39 leaving behind his carpentry career to pursue teaching. Today he… Continue reading ARC Graduates News
ARC certification process
To obtain certification through the Alternate Route to Certification Program (ARC) candidates must fulfill requirements. These include completing core and methods program assignments participating in a student practicum passing the Praxis II or ACTFL exams meeting prerequisite coursework and application criteria and complying with any program policies and state certification regulations that may have been… Continue reading ARC certification process
ARC Job Openings
ARC is currently building a pool of applicants for teaching positions across various subjects. Some of the positions that may become available are; Technology Instructor (Friday Evenings and Saturdays); Responsible for presenting general technology applications in education. Providing support and guidance on technology applications, in different content areas. Potential opportunities for consultancy at a training… Continue reading ARC Job Openings
Eligibility Requirements
Here’s how you can apply Enrollment for the Program in 2023 2024 will open during the Spring of 2023. Once enrollment begins you can access the ARC Application for Admission. Here are the materials required for your application 1. Complete the Online Application; A. Write a statement (between 800 and 1,200 words) briefly explaining why… Continue reading Eligibility Requirements
Components of the Program
Program Components The program comprises an orientation session followed by foundational teaching courses subject specific methods courses based on a students enrollment area and a practicum, during the program year. edTPA edTPA is an assessment, for teachers that future certified educators must complete according to the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). This requirement is… Continue reading Components of the Program
News about ARC graduates
Beyond the Classroom; Stoningtons Mandarin Chinese Program Thrives Laughter and conversation filled the air as English and Mandarin Chinese blended harmoniously. The enticing aroma of comfort food mixed with the delightful fragrance of homemade dishes emanated from Feng Xue and Elisa Suns home on a pleasant evening in Mystic. To an outsider it might have… Continue reading News about ARC graduates
Frequently Asked Questions
With a free TEACH Connecticut account you can also receive a reimbursement of $100 for your application fee. Have the opportunity to apply for exclusive scholarships worth $1,000. To learn more about our custom ARC application checklist or to schedule an one on one coaching session with a TEACH Connecticut advisor please refer to the… Continue reading Frequently Asked Questions