Lead Instruction. Elevate Practice. Advance Your Career.

Unlock your potential with our Sixth Year Certificate in Classroom Teacher Specialist—a rigorous, post-master’s program designed for experienced educators who are ready to lead instructional improvement and support teacher development. Whether you’re mentoring colleagues, designing curriculum, or guiding school-wide initiatives, this certificate equips you with the advanced skills to influence teaching and learning at scale.  Housed within the College of Education, this program prepares educators to serve as instructional leaders, curriculum specialists, and professional development facilitators. With a focus on equity, innovation, and evidence-based practice, you’ll be empowered to drive meaningful change in classrooms and across school systems.

Why Choose Our Program?

Career Prospects: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teacher specialists are projected to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033 [1]. While this growth is slower than average, there are expected to be over 20,000 job openings annually, largely due to retirements and career transitions [1]. Schools increasingly rely on teacher leaders to support curriculum implementation, instructional coaching, and professional learning.

Competitive Salaries

Educators with advanced credentials such as a Sixth Year Certificate often qualify for higher salary tiers, leadership stipends, and administrative pathways within school districts.

Program Highlights:

• Designed for certified teachers with a master’s degree and classroom experience 
• Emphasis on instructional leadership, curriculum design, and teacher development 
• Aligned with state standards for advanced educator certification 
• Flexible course delivery to accommodate working professionals 
• Can be applied toward leadership roles 

How This Certificate Enhances Your Career

This Sixth Year Certificate is more than a credential—it’s a strategic investment in your leadership journey. Whether you’re mentoring new teachers or shaping school-wide instructional goals, this program will help you:

• Strengthen Instructional Expertise: Deepen your knowledge of pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. 
• Advance Toward Leadership: Prepare for roles such as instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, or department chair. 
• Improve Teaching Outcomes: Lead initiatives that enhance student learning and teacher effectiveness. 
• Expand Your Role: Position yourself for district-level leadership or specialized consulting roles. 
• Collaborate Across Systems: Work with administrators, specialists, and educators to implement school improvement strategies. 

Join a community of educators committed to excellence, equity, and innovation. Your journey to becoming a classroom leader and instructional change agent starts here.
[1]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Instructional Coordinators

Next Steps
     

     
Contact Us
     
EducationGrad@SouthernCT.edu

College of Education

Department of Curriculum and Learning

Application Requirements

Application Submission
Application Fee ($50)
Official Transcripts

Cost of Program

Use our Paying for College Calculator to estimate the cost of your program.

Virtual Tour

Discover Your Future with Our Virtual Campus Tour!

Are you ready to explore the possibilities? Our virtual campus tour offers a unique opportunity to experience our vibrant community from the comfort of your home. Dive into interactive 360-degree views of our state-of-the-art facilities, picturesque grounds, and dynamic learning environments.

Join us and see firsthand why our institution is the perfect place to start your graduate journey. Whether you're interested in cutting-edge research or a supportive and inclusive community, our virtual tour has it all.