Across Connecticut, schools are facing a historic shortage of qualified educators. As of August 2025, there are 2,500 educator vacancies statewide, including more than 1,000 paraeducator openings and about 370 vacancies for special education teachers. The Connecticut State Department of Education has also listed 11 shortage certification areas for 2025-26, with top needs in Special Education, Math, Science, and Bilingual/TESOL. This translates to one clear truth: teaching in Connecticut offers guaranteed job demand for those entering the field.
How UB prepares you for success
At University of Bridgeport, our education programs are designed to match this demand — helping students graduate career-ready while reducing financial barriers:
- Tuition-paid internships: UB pioneered the nation’s first tuition-paid internship model. Students complete a full academic year of hands-on classroom experience while taking evening classes. In return, tuition is waived, saving students more than $25,000 in tuition costs.
- Accelerated program options: Students can complete certification in as little as 15 months, meaning you enter the workforce faster — right when schools need you most.
- Strong district partnerships: With placements in more than 65 school districts across Connecticut and beyond, UB ensures students gain real-world classroom experience and professional networks that lead directly to jobs.
- Preparation in shortage areas: From special education to math, science, and bilingual education, UB prepares graduates for the exact areas where schools are hiring.
Choosing to teach means choosing a profession with a purpose — one where your impact is immediate and lasting. With Connecticut’s strong and ongoing demand for teachers, UB graduates are entering a field with unparalleled opportunities for both career stability and meaningful work.