Are you considering a rewarding career in education and wondering about the Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) teacher certification program? Specifically, you might be asking, “Where Do I Submit My Care Program Information Ecsu?” This article provides a comprehensive guide to the teacher certification admissions process at ECSU, ensuring you know exactly where and how to submit your application and necessary documents.
Eastern Connecticut State University is a fantastic place to pursue your dream of becoming a certified teacher in Connecticut. The Committee for Admission and Retention in Education (CARE) is the body that oversees the entire teacher certification program at Eastern, managing admissions, student progress, and program completion for all candidates—undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate. Understanding the CARE process is crucial for a smooth application experience.
Understanding the CARE Application Process at ECSU
To begin your journey towards teacher certification at ECSU, it’s essential to understand the application procedures managed by the CARE committee. The application process is streamlined and primarily online, making it accessible for all aspiring educators.
Online Application Platform: Tk20
The primary platform for submitting your CARE program information at ECSU is Tk20. All undergraduate applicants are required to apply online through this electronic data management system.
Direct Link to Undergraduate Application: Undergraduate Application (due Feb. 15)
This online application system is user-friendly and allows you to complete your application in stages. You don’t have to finish it all at once. You can save your progress and upload materials as you gather them, provided that your application is complete by the specified deadline. Remember, only complete applications will be reviewed by the CARE committee.
You can apply for various certification programs through Tk20, including:
- Early Childhood Education (ECE): Pre-K – Grade 3 certification with a special education endorsement.
- Elementary Education (ELE): Grades 1-6 certification.
- Secondary Education (SEC): Grades 7-12 certification.
- Physical Education (HPE): Pre-K-12 certification.
Important Application Deadlines
Knowing the deadlines is crucial to ensure your application is considered for your desired semester.
For Fall Admission:
- February 15: General Deadline
- August 1: Transfer Students Only
For HPE Admission:
- August 1, October 1, December 1, February 15: Multiple deadlines throughout the year.
Generally, undergraduate applicants are eligible to apply once they have earned 45-60 credits, typically around the middle of their sophomore year.
Required Application Materials for CARE Program
When submitting your CARE program information through Tk20, you will need to include several supporting documents. Make sure you have these materials prepared to ensure a complete application:
- Unofficial Transcript from Eastern: You can request this from the registrar’s office. Unofficial transcript from Eastern
- Official Transcripts: Submit official transcripts from any other colleges or universities you have attended, if applicable.
- Praxis I, SAT, ACT, or GRE Score Report: You need to demonstrate basic skills competence through standardized test scores. See the accepted tests and minimum score requirements below.
- Three Recommendation Forms: These forms should be submitted to the Education Office in sealed envelopes. Three recommendation forms
- Service Clock Form: Document your experience working with children. Service Clock Form or Summary Form
Service Hours Requirement Explained
Prior experience working with children is a valuable component of your application. ECSU requires undergraduate program applicants to have at least 20 hours of experience working with children before applying. This experience helps you confirm your passion for teaching and provides practical insights into the profession.
Key points about service hours:
- The children you work with should be diverse and ideally within the age range you intend to teach.
- Up to half of the 20 hours can be paid experience (e.g., camp counselor, daycare employee).
- The remaining hours should be voluntary (e.g., unpaid coach, tutor, volunteer in community programs).
- Important Note: Babysitting does not count towards the service hour requirement.
Standardized Test Score Requirements
The Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE) requires teacher candidates to demonstrate basic skills competency. You can fulfill this requirement by submitting scores from one of the following standardized tests:
- Praxis I Core (5752):
- Reading (5713): Minimum score of 156
- Writing (5723): Minimum score of 162
- Mathematics (5733): Minimum score of 150
- SAT:
- Reading and Writing: Minimum score of 540
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 530
- ACT:
- Reading: Minimum score of 21
- English: Minimum score of 20
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 20
- GRE:
- Verbal: Minimum score of 150
- Mathematics: Minimum score of 144
- Writing: Minimum score of 4.5
- Combined Verbal/Math score of at least 297
If you do not meet the minimum scores, you have options:
- Re-take the specific section(s) of the test.
- Complete alternate courses offered by Eastern and pass with a grade of “C” or better. For Reading/Writing deficiencies, the Stage 2 Writing requirement can be taken. For Math deficiencies, courses like MAT 135, MAT 135P, MAT 139P, MAT 195, or MAT 243 are acceptable. These courses must be completed before student teaching.
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
Once you submit your CARE program information through Tk20, the Committee for Admission and Retention in Education (CARE) evaluates your application. CARE is composed of faculty members from the Education Department representing all education programs. They are responsible for overseeing admission, student progress, and program exit.
Decisions are typically made within six weeks after the application deadline as CARE meets monthly to review applications. Patience is key, and you will be notified of your application status as soon as possible.
What If Your Application is Not Accepted?
If you are not admitted to the undergraduate Education Program, ECSU provides feedback explaining the reasons for the decision. This feedback is valuable for improving your application for future submissions.
Options to consider if initially not accepted:
- Reapply as a Senior: If applying in your sophomore year, you can reapply as a senior for the Early Start Option.
- Graduate Program: After graduating from Eastern, you can apply to the traditional graduate program, which generally takes three semesters to complete.
- Consult with Faculty: Discuss your options with an Education Department faculty member to create a plan for future application success.
Explore the Early Start Option
For students who decide to pursue teaching later in their undergraduate studies, the Early Start Option is an excellent pathway. This option allows seniors to begin introductory education courses in the spring semester of their senior year. After graduation, you’ll continue with graduate-level courses during the summer and then enroll as a full-time graduate student in the fall. You will complete the program in the spring, earning a Master of Education degree and teacher certification eligibility.
Early Start Application: Early Start Option (due on the 1st of each month from Sep. to Jan.)
Priority Deadline for Early Start: October 1
Cross-Endorsement Opportunities
Eastern Connecticut State University offers numerous opportunities to expand your teaching credentials through cross-endorsements. After earning your initial certification, you can pursue additional endorsements in areas such as:
- Secondary English, Mathematics, History/Social Studies, Biology, and Earth Science
- PreK-12 Art, Music, Special Education, and TESOL
For detailed information on cross-endorsement requirements, contact Dr. Mark Fabrizi or inquire with the Education Department. It is also recommended to contact the CT State Department of Education to ensure you meet all content coursework requirements for your desired endorsements.
By understanding the application process and utilizing the Tk20 online platform, you can confidently submit your CARE program information to ECSU and take the first step towards your teaching career. Eastern Connecticut State University and the CARE committee are dedicated to supporting aspiring educators like you.
Alt text: College of Distinction badge highlighting Eastern Connecticut State University’s recognition for excellence in education programs.
