The University of Hartford is teaming up with the Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT TRP) for a brand-new partnership that allows graduates of the program to enter a Master of Education program at the University while transferring in up to 15 credits from their residency coursework.
"The University of Hartford is excited to launch an innovative graduate degree pathway for completers of the CT Teacher Residency Program,” said Dr. Cesarina Thompson, Dean of the University of Hartford College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. “We are committed to addressing the severe teacher shortage across our State and to collaborating with our partners to enhance the diversity of our teacher workforce and equip teachers with the advanced knowledge and skills they need to provide equitable and inclusive learning opportunities that will benefit all learners.”
Under the new partnership, those who complete the CT TRP will have a head start on a M.Ed. degree focusing on Elementary Education. Applicants who meet the criteria for the program can transfer in the coursework from five CT TRP courses towards required credits for the M.Ed. The transferable classes include Applied Developmental & Learning Theories, Fundamentals of Reading Instruction, Foundations & Strategic Actions of Literacy Learning, PreK-Grade 6 Science and Technology in the Classroom, and Elementary Methods: Social Studies/Science/Art.
Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, Managing Director of Academic Programming for CT TRPWe are thrilled to continue dismantling barriers and providing opportunities for TRP's diverse candidates and Program completers via this partnership and degree pathway with the University of Hartford.
"We are thrilled to continue dismantling barriers and providing opportunities for TRP's diverse candidates and Program completers via this partnership and degree pathway with the University of Hartford,” said Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, Managing Director of Academic Programming for CT TRP. “This collaboration marks a significant stride towards empowering diverse educators to ascend academically and professionally. By bridging our program's challenging, innovative coursework with the University's esteemed academic resources, we are not only addressing the critical teacher shortage but also cultivating teachers equipped with the advanced skills necessary to advance TRP's vision 'to create opportunities for all children and transform schools to be diverse and inclusive environments'."
The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT TRP), managed by CREC in partnership with the RESC (Regional Educational Service Centers) Alliance, is focused on diversifying the teaching staff across the state of Connecticut. Adding a pathway to obtaining a master’s degree—with nearly half of the credits completed—is a significant step towards the goal of attracting and retaining these diverse teachers in the state. Advanced degrees such as a master’s, or the equivalent coursework, are one of the best ways for educators to gain valuable skills, increase teacher pay, and work towards leadership roles.
CT TRP, since its inception in 2019, offers a unique approach to training non-certified candidates with a bachelor’s degree by partnering with school districts to provide a residency model leading to State Teaching Certification. Residents and graduates give students windows and mirrors into their lived experiences and possibilities for their future. The program began in 2019 as a pilot in CREC’s Magnet Schools for elementary certification and is now offered in districts across Connecticut. In 2023 CT TRP added a pilot for Special Education certification, and in March 2024 received approval for a new Middle School Mathematics Certification program.