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 you are interested in teaching in your specific subject area and sharing your experiences working with students or young people.
B. Provide contact information for three references who will be contacted to comment on your qualifications, work experience and potential as a teacher. Please note that references cannot be friends, neighbors or family members. Once you submit your application these references will receive an email with an ARC reference form to complete.
C. Attach your resume.
D. If necessary include a GPA waiver.
E. If applicable, submit a Praxis Core Waiver Application.
F. Pay an application fee of $125.00 ( refundable).
2. Request official college transcripts from all institutions attended to be sent to ARC either in sealed envelopes or electronically to ohe.arc@ct.gov. If you receive transcripts in sealed envelopes yourself please mail them unopened to the ARC Office.
3. Obtain passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test Scores or meet the requirements, for a Praxis Core Waiver.
Please ensure that you gather all required materials and follow these guidelines when applying.
Please refer to the ARC Testing Requirements. To be considered for the ARC Program year all application materials, including completed reference forms and passing test scores must be received by the specified application deadline(s).
It is your responsibility as an applicant to keep track of your application status and ensure that all required documents are received through your account. Once we have received your application and non refundable application fee you will be able to view the status of your application. Please note that only complete applications, including all required documents and passing test scores will be reviewed to determine if you meet ARCs eligibility requirements.
Admissions Process
1. Eligibility Review
For your application to be considered complete we must receive all required documents and passing test scores. Only complete applications will undergo a review by our Admissions Committee to assess if you meet ARCs eligibility requirements. The committee considers factors such, as academic strength/content knowledge transcript analysis, work experience, teaching and other experiences involving youth, communication skills, personal references and required testing.
2. Interview
Before making an admission decision ARC conducts interviews with all qualified candidates. Additionally they may ask for proof of your English language proficiency. If you are not an English speaker you might need to provide evidence of your proficiency in English. You can find the requirements here. Please note that failing to respond to an interview request or not attending a scheduled interview could have an impact on your admission decision.
3. Offer of Admission
Admission notices are sent electronically. It is important to respond to acceptance letters and submit the deposit by the specified due dates; otherwise your admission to the program will be forfeited.
Please be aware that the ARC Program does not offer the option to defer admission, to a program year as program requirements, tuition fees, certification offerings and other factors may change for future programs. We encourage applicants who are not accepted or unable to enroll in this program to consider re applying for a program if they wish. Application documents will not be returned to applicants. ARC retains submitted test scores and official transcripts for two application years. Previous applicants must re apply for programs in order for ARC to have their updated online application, resume, current references and any additional recent application documents.
To be considered for admission to the ARC Program you must meet the following eligibility criteria by the application deadline of the program year. We recommend starting to fulfill these requirements early as possible.
1. Degree Requirement
You should hold a Bachelors Degree. Higher from an institution of higher education that is accredited by a recognized regional authority. If you earned your Bachelors degree outside of the United States please ensure that your credentials are evaluated by Connecticut State Department of Education approved agencies (course by course analysis is necessary).
The approved agencies for evaluation are;
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Global Credential Evaluators, Inc.
Josef Silny & Associates
SpanTran; The Evaluation Company
2. GPA Requirement
You need to have achieved a minimum grade point average (GPA) of “B” (equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale). In your undergraduate degree program or in at least 24 semester hours of graduate study. If you do not meet these requirements you may apply for a GPA waiver through the application, for consideration.
3. Praxis Core Academic Skills Test
Passing scores on the Praxis Core tests are required; reading (156) writing (162) and math (150). Alternatively you can qualify for a Praxis Core Waiver if you have achieved minimum scores on the SAT, ACT, GRE or PAA.
Please refer to the ARC Testing Requirements for all the information and testing requirements.
4. For Subject Area Test(s)
Either a passing score on the Praxis II test or ACTFL (World Language) tests is mandatory. Please consult the ARC Testing Requirements document for details on testing requirements and other relevant information.
Additionally it is a requirement from the CT State Department of Education that every candidate being recommended for CT teacher certification must have completed a 3.00 credit course in US History. The transcript audit will be conducted during the admissions process.
If the CSDE US History course requirement is not fulfilled it will not hinder progress in the admissions process or acceptance into the Alternate Route to Certification Program long as all other admission requirements have been met. However certification recommendation cannot be made for an ARC teacher candidate until this requirement has been satisfied. Therefore enrolled candidates must fulfill this requirement by May 15 2024.
To meet this requirement candidates can choose to enroll in any of the Approved Courses, in US History to complete the 3.00 credit course. Alternatively they may opt to take a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam as a way to fulfill this specific requirement. Successful completion of a CLEP exam should then be reflected on a transcript from an institution that holds regional accreditation.
Charter Oak CLEP offers a test that grants 3.00 credits either in History of the United States I or History of the United States II. If you want details about the CLEP exams you can reach out to Charter Oak State College at (860) 832 3800 for assistance, with Charter Oak Testing.
