Teaching creates opportunities for everyone’s future, yours included. You become a trusted guide who helps students discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and build confidence as they develop into the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, artists, and innovators.
National trends in teacher shortages
In Connecticut and across the nation, teacher vacancies are on the rise, creating a strong demand for qualified educators at every grade level. Employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations, indicating a rising demand for teachers, particularly due to the need to replace retiring faculty members or those leaving the profession.
Across the US, many school districts are struggling to fill teaching positions, especially in high-need subjects such as math, science, and special education. The employment outlook for teachers is projected to grow by 114,000 job openings each year, driven by both retirements and increased demand.
Career outlook for teachers in Connecticut
Connecticut’s employment outlook for teachers mirrors the national trend, with nearly 1,221 educator vacancies reported statewide in 2025, representing approximately a 2.8% vacancy rate. While these numbers represent real staffing challenges, it’s worth noting that Connecticut ranks in the lowest quartile for teacher shortages nationally.
There’s still a need, however, for certified teachers, as districts such as Hartford, Waterbury, and New Haven face some of the largest staffing gaps, with many positions unfilled even as the school year begins.
Compounding this challenge, approximately 1,203 teachers are currently working without full certification for their teaching assignments, a number nearly equal to the total vacancies, underscoring the urgent need for fully certified, qualified teachers across Connecticut.
Teacher certification in Connecticut
To address this need, Connecticut offers a three-tiered certification system: Initial, Provisional, and Professional. New teachers typically begin with the Initial Educator Certificate, valid for three years, before advancing to the provisional level after gaining classroom experience and mentorship.
The highest level, the Professional Educator Certificate, requires a graduate degree, advanced coursework, and at least 30 months of teaching, and is the only renewable license.
Areas of highest demand
The Connecticut State Department of Education has identified critical shortage areas, including math, science, bilingual education, TESOL, and special education, highlighting not only where teachers are needed most but also where new graduates, especially those with a Master’s in Secondary Education, may find the strongest job prospects.
When reflecting on the career outlook for teachers, STEM subjects remain in high demand, reflecting the importance of preparing students for future careers. Bilingual and TESOL-certified teachers are urgently needed, as Connecticut classrooms grow more linguistically diverse each year. There’s also a growing demand for those with certifications in Special Education, as it remains one of the most pressing needs, largely due to schools requiring certified teachers to meet legal and instructional mandates for students with disabilities.
For aspiring educators, pursuing certification in these shortage areas, combined with a Master’s in Secondary Education, can provide a competitive edge in the educational job market.
Salary trends and career advancement
Many states have taken steps to make the profession more financially competitive, especially given the nationwide shortages. In Connecticut, proposals to raise the state’s starting teacher salary to $60,000 reflect the urgency of attracting and retaining talent in classrooms. Earning a Master’s in Elementary Education not only deepens your pedagogical expertise but also increases your earning potential and career mobility.
Nationally, teachers earn an average salary of about $72,030. Connecticut ranks sixth, with the highest average teacher salary at $86,511.
Earning a master’s degree or pursuing specialized certifications can open doors to roles such as instructional coach, curriculum specialist, or school administrator.
Pathways to educational leadership
For educators interested in administrative roles, the career outlook for teachers pursuing leadership positions is promising as well. Connecticut offers the Intermediate Administrator or Supervisor certification (endorsement #092). This credential and 092 certificate program prepares teachers to become principals, assistant principals, curriculum directors, and other school leaders.
To qualify for the 092 certificate program, you need a master’s degree, 18 additional graduate credits, and 50 months of successful teaching experience, along with passing the Connecticut Administrator Test.
Alternative routes to teaching
Not everyone who wants to teach follows the traditional path of earning an educational degree. Connecticut recognizes this, as well as the experience these alternative routes to teaching have to offer our students, and can recommend several alternative route programs (ARC) for career changers and professionals with bachelor’s degrees in other fields.
How UB prepares future educators and leaders
At University of Bridgeport, students can pursue teaching certifications designed to align directly with areas of highest demand. Our program also offers graduate and alternative route programs that prepare candidates for certification in elementary, secondary, and special education. So students benefit from mentorship, hands-on fieldwork, and strong connections with school districts across Connecticut.
University of Bridgeport’s School of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). All initial and advanced programs are fully approved by the State of Connecticut’s Board of Education, ensuring that candidates position themselves to meet critical workforce needs while building a rewarding and secure career.
Meeting the moment in education
Teacher shortages present both a challenge for schools and an opportunity for aspiring educators. With demand rising at both the national and local levels, now is an ideal time to begin the journey toward becoming a certified teacher.