Teacher Only Certification Program
Richard Bellesheim, Coord. of Certification Only Program
bellesheimr@wcsu.edu
WS 239/249, Westside Classroom Building
(203) 837-8739/8611
(203) 837-8413 (fax)

Individuals holding a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution who wish to earn initial teacher certification in Connecticut can do so by enrolling in WestConn's Certification Only Program. Applicants are required to meet all current admissions criteria for teacher education programs as mandated by the State of Connecticut and the University. These requirements currently include:

1. Passing score on Praxis 1 Basic Skills Examination (or combined SAT score of 1,000 (1,100) with at least 400 (450) on both the verbal and math sections respectively, depending on date of administration).
2. Overall GPA of 2.8 for all undergraduate courses taken at ALL institutions attended.
3. Thirty-nine (39) SH general education distribution requirements.
4. Two letters of reference attesting to potential as an educator.
5. A written essay describing reasons for seeking a teaching career.
6. An interview with members of the Education Department faculty.
7. Additionally, an audition, an essay, a music theory test (if the candidate does not have a music background) and specific music skills and course work are required for admission into the Certification Only Program in Music Education. In most cases, students will take a planned program of undergraduate courses leading to certification in:

   Elementary Education (grades K-6);
   Secondary Education (grades 7-12) in Math, English, Social Science/History, Chemistry, Biology, Earth Science and Spanish;
   Health Education (PK-12);
   Music Education (K-12); and, on the graduate level, School Counseling (K-12).
   Other requirements may include general education courses lacking in a student's undergraduate background that are required by the University and/or the State Department of Education. At the end of the Certification Only Program, and prior to being recommended for teacher certification, all students must take and pass Praxis II (content exams in the appropriate field of study). Candidates may not register for more than two courses without being formally admitted to the Certification Only Program, which requires meeting all entrance requirements as noted above.

Effective May 1, 2004, students who wish to have their transcripts evaluated to determine program requirements must pay a $75.00, non-refundable transcript evaluation fee. For complete information and for an application on the Certification Only Program, contact the Education and Educational Psychology Department's Office WS #249 (203-837-8510).