OLR Report 2014-R-0128 answers the questions: Has Connecticut addressed master teacher certification in recent legislation or law? Have any other states created this certificate?
Connecticut has a “distinguished educator designation,” which teachers who hold the highest level teaching certificate may voluntarily pursue. This designation is similar to other states’ master teacher certification programs because it honors teachers for classroom experience and post-graduate education, and it gives them the opportunity to pursue additional mentorship duties. However, unlike some states, it does not provide any additional pay to those who earn it.
In addition to this designation, established in PA 12-116, §§ 37 & 38, the General Assembly has considered other variations of master teacher programs. Over the past 25 years, legislation has proposed master teacher programs that select skilled educators to assist in evaluating and mentoring other classroom teachers. It also has proposed a program that extends master teachers’ certification validity for those who have demonstrated expertise in a particular subject area.
At least eight other states have some type of master teacher certification designation or program.
For more information, read the full report.
