Are you passionate about shaping the future and helping students succeed in technical education? The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is looking for dedicated professionals to join our team of instructors and educators. Our schools and education centers provide hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers, and we need talented individuals like you to make it happen.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a teacher or instructor with CTECS, including:
- Minimum Requirements for various teaching positions
- Instructor Benefits and professional growth opportunities
- Information about Our Schools and the communities we serve
Whether you’re an experienced educator or a skilled professional looking to transition into teaching, CTECS offers a rewarding career where you can make a lasting impact. Explore the resources below and take the first step toward inspiring the next generation of technical professionals.
Understanding Connecticut Educator Certifications
To teach in the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS), you’ll need the right certification. Connecticut offers three main types of educator certificates, each designed for different stages of your teaching career.
The Initial Educator Certificate is the starting point for most teachers and is valid for ten years. It is typically issued to candidates who have completed a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university, hold a valid equivalent certificate from an enhanced reciprocity state, have a valid certificate from another state with at least thirty months of successful teaching experience, or can document at least twenty months of successful teaching experience in another state along with a transcript evaluation.
The Interim Educator Certificate is a temporary certificate that allows you to begin teaching while completing certain requirements. It may be issued as a nonrenewable Interim Initial Certificate valid for three years with a testing deferral, or as an Interim Initial Certificate valid for one year with specific coursework deficiencies.
The Professional Educator Certificate is Connecticut’s highest certification level and is valid for ten years. To qualify, you must complete fifty months of successful teaching in a Connecticut public or approved nonpublic school under an Initial or Provisional certificate, meet TEAM program requirements or be exempt, and fulfill all degree and coursework requirements as prescribed by state regulations.
Humanities or Related Subjects
| Dept. Head for Humanities | 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision or 105 Department Chairperson AND any of the Endorsements below |
| Art | 042 Art, PK–12 |
| English/Language Arts | 015 English, 4–12 |
| Music | 049 Music, PK–12 |
| Reading | 097 Reading and Language Arts Consultant or 102 Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts, 1–12 |
| Social Studies | 026 History & Social Studies, 4–12 |
| TESOL (English Language Development) | 111 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), PK–12 |
| World Languages - Spanish | 023 Spanish, 4–12 |
STEM or Related Subjects
| Dept. Head for STEM or Related | 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision or 105 Department Chairperson AND any of the Endorsements below |
| Mathematics | 029 Mathematics, 4–12 |
| Physical Education and Health | 043 Health, PK–12 or 044 Physical Education, PK–12 |
| Sciences | 030 Biology, 4–12 or 031 Chemistry, 4–12 or 032 Physics, 4–12 or 034 General Science, 4–12 |
Other Academic Subjects
| Library Media | 062 School Library Media Specialist |
| Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) | Any Active Secondary teaching certificate |
| Special Education (Dept. Head) | 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision or 105 Department Chairperson AND Special Education (Instructor) Qualifications |
| Special Education (Instructor) | 065 Comprehensive Special Education, PK–12 or 165 Comprehensive Special Education, PreK–12 or 265 Comprehensive Special Education, 1–12 |
Before reviewing the specific subject areas and qualifications, please note the following general requirements:
- All Skilled Trades Instructors must hold the 090 Occupational Subject endorsement.
- In lieu of the endorsement, candidates may qualify with trade experience:
- 8 years of experience in the trade or technical field
- 6 years of experience with an associate degree in the subject area
- Department Heads must meet all qualifications required for the Instructor level AND hold one of the following endorsements:
- 826 Vocational Department Head: Trade Technology
- 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision
Pathway for Experienced Skilled Trade Professionals
Individuals who meet the years of experience requirement but do not yet hold a teaching endorsement will have the option to begin as substitute teachers. CTECS will actively support these candidates by providing guidance and resources as they work toward obtaining their Connecticut teaching license. This pathway allows experienced professionals to enter the classroom and start making an impact while completing certification requirements.
| Subject | Requirements |
| Aviation | FAA Powerplant and Airframe License AND ten (10) years of experience as an Aerospace Technician |
| Culinary | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND an ANSI-approved Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate (Obtained within the last 5 years) AND an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts |
| Electrical | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND an E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractor license |
| Hairdressing and Cosmetology | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND a Current license as a Hairdresser issued by the Department of Public Health |
| Health Technology | 109 Health Occupations – Vocational Technical Schools AND a License or temporary permit as a Registered Nurse in Connecticut OR hold a Multistate or Compact Registered Nurse license. |
| HVAC | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND an S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor license |
| PHC (Plumbing, Heating and Cooling) | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND a P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor license AND an S-1 Unlimited Heating, Piping, and Cooling Contractor license |
| Plumbing and Heating | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND a P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor license AND an S-7 Limited Contractor license (Obtained within the last 2 years) |
| Veterinary Science | 090 Occupational Subject, Vocational Technical Schools AND be a Credentialed Veterinary Technician or be a Licensed Veterinarian |
CTECS Program Subject Areas:
Expand a category below to view the full list of program subject areas taught by CTECS instructors. Click here to view all of CTECS program offerings.
Construction Trades
Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing & Heating, PHC (Plumbing, Heating & Cooling), HVAC, Architecture
Transportation & Automotive
Automotive Technology, Diesel & Heavy Duty Tech, Collision Technology, Aviation
Manufacturing, Robotics & Engineering
Automated Manufacturing, Precision Machining, Robotics & Automation, MDET (Mechanical Design & Engineering Technology), Mechatronics, Bioscience & Environmental Tech, Welding
Electrical, Electronics & IT
Electrical, Electronics, IT
Media, Business & Marketing
Digital Media, Graphics, Sound Production, Business, Management & Administration, Marketing, Management & Entrepreneurship, Tourism, Hospitality & Guest Services, Guest Services, Culinary
Health & Human Services
Health Technology, Criminal Justice & Protective Services, Hairdressing & Cosmetology
Animal & Agricultural Sciences
Veterinary Science, Landscaping
Positions approved for a DSAP require candidates to meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution (Not required for Skilled Trades Instructors)
- Completion of at least 12 semester hours of credit in the subject area to be taught
- Enrollment in an approved educator preparation program
The DSAP allows qualified individuals to teach in designated shortage areas while completing certification requirements, providing an opportunity to gain classroom experience and contribute to student success.
CTECS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and professional growth:
✅ Comprehensive Health & Dental Coverage
Affordable plans for you and your family, including prescription drug coverage. Choose from multiple plans and options during annual open enrollment.
✅ Secure Retirement Plans
Enjoy peace of mind with Teachers’ Retirement System or State Employees Retirement System, plus retiree health benefits after 15 years of service.
✅ Tuition Reimbursement
Advance your education and earn additional endorsements with financial support for approved coursework. (In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement)
✅ Work-Life Balance
A 188-day work year, generous sick and personal leave, and family leave options give you flexibility and time for what matters most.
✅ Extra Income Opportunities
Earn additional compensation through supplemental programs and activities, including summer school, evening programs, adult education, coaching, and class advising.
✅ Professional Development
Access workshops, in-service training, and career growth programs to keep your skills sharp and your career moving forward.
Learn more about:
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) operates 17 diploma-granting technical high schools, two aviation maintenance technician schools, and an adult education center. CTECS graduates are career and college ready, and able to immediately support the skilled-labor needs of Connecticut business and industry.
Interactive School Map
Use the map below to explore all CTECS schools. Click on any location to learn more about its programs, address, and contact details.
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