Overview

The CSDE Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification is pleased to announce an additional pathway for educators to apply for and obtain certification if they hold a valid out-of-state fully licensed educator certificate equivalent to at least Connecticut’s initial educator certificate. In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, Section 10-146c, effective April 18, 2022, Connecticut’s recognition statement for “Enhanced Reciprocity” recognizes the following select states located in the Northeastern Region and territories to streamline the application process for certification.

  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Puerto Rico
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
The difference between the recognition statement for Enhanced Reciprocity & the NASDAC Inter-State Agreement

Applying the pathway for enhanced reciprocity will streamline the application process by accepting a valid fully licensed out-of-state educator certificate, in order to apply and qualify for a comparable Connecticut endorsement area.

In comparison, the Interstate Agreement provides options for qualification based upon submission of documentation verifying the successful completion of an approved educator preparation program for licensure; successful completion of teaching and/or service under a valid out-of-state certificate within the last ten years; and a determination of whether assessments are required for qualification.

Upon submission of an application packet, this option allows the Bureau to recognize a valid out-of-state fully licensed certificate for teaching, special services and/or administration to apply and obtain minimally a Connecticut three-year initial educator certificate in the closest comparable endorsement area.

Also, for certified educators applying from a state in the Northeastern Region and territories who have completed at least 20 school months of successful experience (documented on an ED 126) under an active, full certificate within the last ten years, an educator may qualify for a higher level of certification known as an eight-year provisional educator certificate.

School/District administration and integrated early childhood/special education certification holders may require further evaluation to determine eligibility for Connecticut certification.

Please Note: Educators must hold a valid certificate from Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, and/or Vermont to be eligible for a certificate based on enhanced reciprocity (temporary, emergency, or interim certificates will not be accepted).