QUESTIONS Has Connecticut addressed master teacher certification in recent legislation or law? Have any other states created this certificate?

SUMMARY

Connecticut has a “distinguished educator designation,” which teachers who hold the highest level teaching certificate may voluntarily pursue. This designation is similar to other states' master teacher certification programs because it honors teachers for classroom experience and post-graduate education, and it gives them the opportunity to pursue additional mentorship duties. However, unlike some states, it does not provide any additional pay to those who earn it.

In addition to this designation, established in PA 12-116, §§ 37 & 38, the General Assembly has considered other variations of master teacher programs. Over the past 25 years, legislation has proposed master teacher programs that select skilled educators to assist in evaluating and mentoring other classroom teachers. It also has proposed a program that extends master teachers' certification validity for those who have demonstrated expertise in a particular subject area.

At least eight other states have some type of master teacher certification designation or program.

CONNECTICUT DISTINGUISHED EDUCATOR DESIGNATION

State law requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to award a renewable distinguished educator designation to applying teachers who:

1. completed at least five years of teaching in a public school or SBE-approved private special education facility;

2. earned professional educator certification, the highest Connecticut teaching certificate;

3. acquired additional, advanced education beyond a master's degree from a degree- or non-degree-granting institution, possibly in mentorship or teacher coaching; and

4. met other performance requirements that the State Department of Education (SDE) establishes, with special consideration given to demonstrated distinguished practice.

Teachers must pay a $200 nonrefundable fee when applying for this certificate designation, which the education commissioner can waive if the applicant demonstrates an inability to pay. The designation is renewable every five years if SDE or another approved entity verifies continued distinguished practice (CGS § 10-145s(b)-(c)).

CONNECTICUT MASTER TEACHER LEGISLATION

Over the past 25 years, the General Assembly has occasionally considered establishing a master teacher program in Connecticut in various bills. Table 1 describes three bills that proposed different types of master teacher programs and certificates.

Table 1: Previous Master Teacher Legislation

MASTER TEACHER CERTIFICATION IN OTHER STATES

At least eight other states have some form of master teacher certificate or program. Six of these require teachers to become nationally certified or complete an additional rigorous state assessment process before earning the master teacher title (Alaska, Colorado, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Others assign master teacher honors to those who teach in a particular subject area (New York, Texas) or have taught a number of years and show evidence of student achievement (Georgia). Table 2 describes each state's program, eligibility requirements, financial or professional benefits, and associated laws.

Table 2: Master Teacher Certificates and Programs in Other States

Table 2 (continued)

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