Two teacher certification programs are offered through the Isabelle Farrington College of Education: the Elementary School Program prepares teachers of children in grades 1-6; and the Secondary School Program prepares teachers of an academic subject in grades 7-12.

The Isabelle Farrington College of Education offers a professional curriculum approved by the State of Connecticut for certification in elementary and secondary education. Prospective teacher candidates must major in an academic discipline, in addition to completing the teaching certification sequence.

The state of CT requires that elementary education candidates pass a Praxis II test and a CT Foundations of Reading exam. Secondary candidates must pass a subject area praxis test. 

The National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) states that "the conceptual framework establishes the shared vision for a unit's efforts in preparing educators to work in P-12 schools."

The College of Education at Sacred Heart University actively
uses its conceptual framework to develop, implement, monitor, and assess it's programs and to articulate and evaluate candidates' competencies in content mastery, skill development, the integration of technology, and diversity; and the development of dispositions in which the intellect and heart are focused on a greater good in teaching, leadership, and serving others.  

The overarching theme of our conceptual framework is “Promoting a Culture of Excellence in a Changing World” and itis based on our belief that a culture of excellence is promoted when four underlying principles are met: the educational practitioner possesses a comprehensive, integrated and context-dependent professional knowledge base; the educational practitioner effectively utilizes natural and acquired personal and professional skills; the educational practitioner cultivates and consistently demonstrates professional dispositions and commitments; the educational practitioner is responsive to cultural and technological influences that affect change in the educational environment.

We further contend that to be an educator committed to promoting a culture of excellence; the candidate must demonstrate proficiency in each of the five domains of professional excellence identified by the College of Education. The five domains are: context, content, learner, pedagogy, and educator. Our system of assessing the learning outcomes of our candidates is based on these five domains.

Teacher Certification Requirements 

Candidates must meet the following state-mandated entrance requirements:

• Pass the Praxis I Exam or qualify for waiver by meeting the following alternative testing requirement: A waiver may be granted to candidates furnishing official proof of achieving high scores on the SAT, ACT or PAA tests. Complete information and test registration materials may be obtained from the School of Education.
• Present an essay demonstrating a command of the English language, explaining reasons for wanting to enroll in the program and emphasizing experience relevant to teaching.
• Present at least two letters of recommendation from people able to testify to the candidate's suitability as a prospective teacher.
• Be interviewed by faculty members from the School of Education.
• Present an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.

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