As a teacher candidate at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education Alternate Route to Certification (ARC), you will be enrolled in a Foundations of Teaching course and a Methods course (in your content area). All candidates will be required to complete a full time 40 consecutive school day practicum placement during the second semester. The placement will be arranged with a CT public school.

The ARC 2025-2026 hybrid program will be held between September 2025 to May 2026. Graduation will be held in June 2026.

ARC candidates are required to arrange and complete observation hours with local CT schools during the first two months of the program. You will complete a 40 consecutive school day practicum (student teaching) during the second semester. The practicum placement is arranged and assigned by the ARC Program and is determined by your certification path, geographic location and in consultation with the school district. You will be evaluated by TEAM-trained Cooperating Teachers and ARC Student Practicum Evaluators.

ARC believes all teachers must value and respect the diverse learning needs and cultural backgrounds of students and their families to create a positive learning environment which is reflected in ARC’s curriculum. Teachers must understand the differing needs of their students and care, motivate, and actively engage all students in learning. All candidates must complete the CT English Language Proficiency (CELP) and Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) assignments as a part of ARC's program requirements.

ARC is committed to support you during your participation in the ARC Program. We have put support in place to help you be successful. ARC’s primary responsibility is preparing future teachers for the classroom. Therefore, expectations of performance and disposition are set high. 

Each enrolled teacher candidate will have a Foundations and Methods instructor for the entire program year. ARC instructors are tenured CT public school teachers and/or administrators. With the ARC program’s smaller class sizes, instructors are able to assist directly and provide more quality feedback, time, and support to each candidate. ARC also has a Candidate Support Specialist who is available to provide you with any additional support and assistance as needed. Once you begin practicum, you will be assigned an ARC Evaluator who will serve as an additional mentor and resource during your practicum.

Additionally, ARC provides candidates employed in a DSAP with additional resources and support to assist with the start of your teaching role.

ARC strives to continuously improve the program by using information gathered in student/faculty surveys. Faculty are required to provide the ARC Administration with their plans for improvement based on student feedback.