Governor Lamont Announces ARC Program Graduates 90 New Teachers

Nationally Accredited Teacher Preparation Program Continues To Strengthen and Diversify Connecticut's Educator Workforce

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Higher Education Commissioner Timothy D. Larson today announced that the Connecticut Office of Higher Education's Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program will celebrate 90 new teachers at its graduation ceremony being held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Manchester Community College in its SBM Auditorium.

ARC is a nine-month accelerated hybrid teacher preparation program designed for highly motivated adults seeking to enter the teaching profession. Established in 1988 and approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education, ARC earned national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) in 2025 and has prepared more than 5,500 teachers for Connecticut classrooms.

The class of 2025-2026 reflects ARC's ongoing commitment to strengthening and diversifying Connecticut's educator workforce. Based on self-reported data, 31% of graduates identify as ethnically diverse; 4% are veterans, military-connected, or active-duty service members; 48% identify as female; and 51% identify as male.

"Teachers have one of the most important jobs in our society, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed," Governor Lamont said. "I congratulate the graduates of the Alternate Route to Certification program on this achievement and thank them for choosing a profession dedicated to service, leadership, and opportunity. ARC not only helps address critical teacher workforce needs but also expands opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to enter the profession, ensuring that Connecticut's classrooms increasingly reflect the rich diversity of our communities. Connecticut is fortunate to welcome these talented new educators into schools across our state, where they will help shape the next generation of learners."

During the 2025-2026 program year, 56% of ARC candidates were employed as full-time teachers while completing the program. Of those employed candidates, 62% worked in Connecticut's Alliance Districts.

Most candidates live, work, and raise families in Connecticut and plan to remain in the state, contributing their talents to local schools and communities.

"At a time when Connecticut schools continue to face teacher shortages in critical subject areas, ARC remains an essential pathway for attracting and preparing highly qualified educators," Commissioner Larson said. "These graduates have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and perseverance, and they are entering the profession ready to support student success from day one. The Connecticut Office of Higher Education is proud to celebrate their achievement and the important role they will play in strengthening our state's educator workforce."

"I feel passionately about this program because I sat in the same seat our candidates are in today when I graduated from ARC in 2008," Jennifer Delaney, program director for ARC and an ARC alumna, said. "ARC provides an excellent foundation for a career in education, particularly for those who need an alternative pathway into the profession. Many school and district leaders began their careers as ARC graduates, including myself. As the first Latina director of ARC, representing the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, I am proud of what our candidates have accomplished and excited about the impact they will have on students and schools across Connecticut. This certification is only the beginning of their journey."

This year's graduating class is prepared to serve students as educators in business, English, family and consumer sciences, mathematics*, music, science*, technology education*, and world languages*.

ARC offers an innovative and rigorous pathway to certification. Teacher candidates attend virtual evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, along with in-person classes two to three Saturdays each month in Hartford. Courses are taught by highly qualified certified educators, most of whom currently work in Connecticut public school districts.

*Designated teacher shortage areas by the Connecticut State Department of Education.