| REACH to Teach REACH to Teach is a graduate program at Saint Joseph College that combines initial secondary teacher licensure with a Master of Arts Degree in one streamlined, cohort program. In just five semesters, from spring to spring, REACH candidates complete their certification requirements and earn a professional license to teach in Connecticut's public schools. With just one additional semester, students can complete their Master's degree. To create the most competitive program for the strongest teacher candidates, the REACH program provides students with a scholarship that waives graduate tuition for nine credits of student teaching, making it financially competitive with any program. Saint Joseph College graduates are consistently recognized among Connecticut's top teachers and instructional leaders. With significant shortages already present in the secondary schools, it is an opportune time to become an exceptional secondary teacher.
Students are eligible to apply if they hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, earned a minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA and as well as in the major, and have passing scores on the PRAXIS I test or hold a PRAXIS waiver letter. During a meeting with Certification Officer Jill Mack, REACH applicants will be able to review the REACH program and receive detailed information on materials required for acceptance in the Department of Education.
Please call the Certification Office, 860.231.5330, to schedule an appointment to discuss the REACH to Teach Program. Before your appointment, please send an official copy of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts as well as your PRAXIS I Score Report or PRAXIS I waiver letter to: Certification Officer, Department of Education, Saint Joseph College, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117.
REACH prepares prospective high school teachers for today's inclusive secondary classroom with students of diverse needs and cultures in an accelerated cohort program. Saint Joseph College rewards such highly motivated, aspiring teachers with a scholarship award for nine credits in student teaching.
Eligible candidates who sign a REACH to Teach program agreement will be accepted into the program in limited-size cohort groups that begin each January. Full financial aid is available for two years.
REACH Candidates:
- Submit a singular application into The Graduate School and the Education Department.
- Learn together in a cohort under the personalized attention of Saint Joseph College faculty.
- Pre-register for summer and fall classes as a cohort.
- Experience a comprehensive, specialized, yet accelerated program.
- Meet with an academic advisor who has expertise with the REACH program.
- Receive a scholarship for 9 credits of student teaching.
- Network with prior REACH graduates.
- Receive both secondary teacher licensure and a Master of Arts degree in one accelerated program.
You will complete the process for admission to the Department of Education after meeting with the Certification Officer who will provide you with all necessary information. The REACH to Teach faculty will evaluate your application and notify you of your acceptance to REACH at the same time as your admission to the Department of Education. You will sign and return a REACH to Teach agreement with a $150 non-refundable check payable to Saint Joseph College that will be applied to your first course in the cohort.
You may transfer all your completed courses to the traditional program with no loss of course credits. You will complete a new planned program of study for licensure as well as a new plan of study for the MA. An additional 3-credit course for the MA is required. The scholarship for student teaching credits does not apply to the traditional program.
Yes, please contact one of the following people who will be happy to talk with you.
Checklist
Application Process
Plan of Study Posted 08/20/08. | 
