In Connecticut, Relay offers Master of Arts in Teaching programs through a partnership between Connecticut and Colorado called NC SARA (learn more here).  Students who pursue certification will do so through an online Colorado-based educator preparation program. After completing qualifying clinical experiences in Connecticut and all program, testing, and licensure requirements, they are eligible to apply for a Connecticut teaching certificate as an out-of-state program completer.

Join our community of practitioners focused on achievement, and well-being of students and teachers. 

The Relay Connecticut Approach

Since Relay Connecticut opened its doors in 2016, we have supported the development of over 380 highly effective educators. Our campus prioritizes building positive relationships with all stakeholders, including graduate students, resident advisors, school administrators and district representatives. Elementary education is the most popular program, and we are proud of our alumni Facebook page, which alums use to share experiences, teaching materials, job opportunities, and other resources.

Faculty

Relay faculty are experienced classroom teachers who blend theory with real-world application and build supportive communities of adult learners.

State Requirements

Each state has its own admissions requirements for students applying to Relay Graduate School of Education. This section will help you understand what's needed for the program you're interested in, so you can feel prepared and confident as you begin your application.

Understanding your GPA admissions requirements

All students must be admitted to Relay Graduate School of Education in order to enroll in coursework.

If you plan to pursue teacher certification or licensure, you will also need to meet the admissions criteria for Relay's Educator Preparation Program (EPP) — requirements that are separate from Graduate School admissions and based on state-specific certification guidelines.

In short:

• If you are pursuing a degree only, you must meet Graduate School admissions requirements. 
• If you are pursuing a degree with certification or licensure you must meet both Graduate School and Educator Preparation Program requirements.

The sections below explain what this means for each program option. 

Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers

Applicants are required to acknowledge the Code of Professional Responsibility for Teachers which serves as a basis for decisions on issues pertaining to licensure and employment. It applies to all teachers licensed by or individuals seeking licensure from the State of Connecticut.

Applicants will be asked to disclose any felony convictions. Relay is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and actively anti-racist institution. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply to our programs. A felony conviction will not result in automatic denial of admission to Relay. Responses will be reviewed in the context of the overall application and the program to which you are applying. We ask that you answer these questions honestly so that we can best support you. 

Requirements for admission to our Master of Arts in Teaching Program

To be eligible for our Master of Arts in Teaching Program with or without certification/licensure you will need to:

• Complete your application
• Complete your admissions checklist
• Submit your official, degree-conferred transcript with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (Relay offers limited exceptions for applicants with a GPA below a 2.5 GPA who meet other criteria. Email support@relay.edu for details.)‍
• Obtain a program-aligned instructional role prior to beginning clinical practice coursework

If you are planning on pursuing certification/licensure, you will also need to:

• Complete Transition Point 1 requirements for the program, which will be added to your admissions checklist
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (Relay offers limited exceptions for applicants with a GPA below 2.5 GPA who meet other criteria. Email support@relay.edu for details.)‍

In Connecticut, the Educator Preparation Program for Master of Arts in Teaching candidates is the Colorado Traditional Teacher Licensure Program.
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GPA Requirements

Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) is recognized as an approved, out-of-state educator preparation program in the state of Connecticut. Eligible students at the Connecticut campus will be enrolled in a Colorado-based educator preparation program and complete qualifying clinical experiences in Connecticut. After completion of the educator preparation program (4 terms), and meeting all Connecticut testing and other licensure requirements, students can apply for a Connecticut teaching certificate as an out-of-state program completer. Read more in the Connecticut Out-of-State Licensure Guide 

Requirements for admission to our Colorado Traditional Teacher Licensure Program 

To be eligible for our Colorado Traditional Teacher Licensure Program, you will need to:

• Complete your application
• Complete your admissions checklist
• Submit your official, degree-conferred transcript with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
  
  • Relay requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher for the graduate school, and the educator preparation program in Colorado also requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5
  • Relay offers limited exceptions for applicants with a GPA below the requirements who meet other criteria. Email support@relay.edu for details.
• Obtain a program-aligned instructional role prior to beginning clinical practice coursework
• Complete Transition Point 1 requirements for the program, which will be added to your admissions checklist

In Connecticut, the Educator Preparation Program for Licensure candidates is the Colorado Traditional Teacher Licensure Program.

Relay Graduate School of Education (Relay) is recognized as an approved, out-of-state educator preparation program in the state of Connecticut. Eligible students at the Connecticut campus will be enrolled in a Colorado-based educator preparation program and complete qualifying clinical experiences in Connecticut. After completion of the educator preparation program (4 terms), and meeting all Connecticut testing and other licensure requirements, students can apply for a Connecticut teaching certificate as an out-of-state program completer. Read more in the Connecticut Out-of-State Licensure Guide

School and District Partners

Relay Connecticut partners with over 24 public school systems and schools across the state. Here is just a sample:

• Achievement First Schools
• Capitol Preparatory Harbor
• East Hartford Public Schools
• Great Oaks Charter
• Hartford Public Schools
• Manchester Public Schools
• Meriden Public Schools
• Middletown Public Schools
• New Britain Public Schools
• New Haven Public Schools
• Waterbury Public Schools
• South Windsor Public Schools