College of Engineering, Business and Education

School of Education

Ten programs, CAEP-accredited, preparing more Connecticut educators than any other institution in the state.

10
Programs
65+
Partner districts
CAEP
Accredited

The school that staffs Connecticut's classrooms

Extensive school partnerships

University of Bridgeport is home to the nation’s first tuition-paid internship model, collaborating with more than 65 school districts across Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

Accredited excellence

Every teacher preparation program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Connecticut State Department of Education.

The First Tuition-Paid Internship in the Nation

University of Bridgeport is home to the first tuition-paid internship model in the United States and prepares more Connecticut educators than any other institution in the state. Partnering with more than 65 school districts across Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, graduate interns work side by side with experienced educators while earning an accredited master’s degree with zero tuition costs.

Full Tuition Coverage

Participating school districts cover the full cost of your 33-credit master’s degree coursework. You pay only standard institutional student fees, saving over $25,740 in total tuition.

Year-Long Practical Residency

Interns spend a complete 10-month academic school year embedded in a cooperating district, gaining daily classroom management, curriculum planning, and co-teaching experience.

Flexible Evening Schedule

Graduate seminars meet two to three evenings per week, allowing interns to dedicate standard school hours entirely to their classroom responsibilities and student mentoring.

Key Benefits

Program Highlights and Structure

A collaborative pathway designed to launch your professional teaching career without graduate tuition debt.

Financial Benefit

Save Over $25,740 in Tuition

Partner school districts fund your 33 credits of master’s coursework throughout your internship appointment.

100% Tuition Covered

Accelerated Pathway

Complete in 12 Months

An intensive 1-year graduate sequence combining academic rigor with immersive classroom practice.

1-Year Completion

Regional Placements

65+ Partner School Districts

UB coordinates placements in public and specialized school systems across Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.

Direct Placement

Class Format

Evening Graduate Courses

Convenient evening class schedules designed specifically to accommodate daytime teaching responsibilities.

Evening Classes

Timeline, Responsibilities, and Admissions

Coursework and Credit Completion

The 33 credits of master’s level coursework must be completed during the student’s two-semester, 10-month internship in a school district. Elementary or Secondary teacher certification requires an additional 12 to 14 weeks of student teaching residency (6 credits).

Daily Intern Responsibilities

Interns serve full-time in their assigned partner school during normal school hours for the entire academic year. Responsibilities include working alongside mentor faculty, assisting with classroom projects and curriculum delivery, mentoring small student groups, supporting differentiated instruction, and serving as a substitute teacher when needed.

Eligibility and District Interviews

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with an appropriate major and meet School of Education graduate admissions criteria. An interview with the School of Education internship coordinator and cooperating school district administrators is required prior to placement.

Financial Support

Dedicated Education Scholarships

Competitive endowed funds and memorial awards supporting future educators and career changers.

Single Mothers in Education

Richard Conant Harper Scholarship

Established by Dr. Richard C. Harper after 20 years of dedicated service to the School of Education. Assists single mothers in their quest to become certified public school teachers.

Endowed Award

Career Changers

Peter Gehrig Linabury Memorial Fund

Established in 2012 by his family to support career changers who are returning to school to become certified elementary school teachers.

Elementary Focus

Faculty Nomination

Lauren Rousseau Passionate Educator Award

Honors the memory of Lauren Rousseau (2005 alumna) who lost her life at Sandy Hook Elementary. Awarded to students demonstrating exceptional dedication to children and teaching.

Faculty Committee

National Accreditation and State Approval

The School of Education adheres to rigorous educator preparation standards affirmed by national accrediting bodies and state departments of education.

CAEP National Accreditation

All initial-licensure and advanced educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through fall 2032, affirming adherence to evidence-based educator quality standards.

Connecticut State Approval

Approved by the Connecticut State Board of Education for all initial teacher certifications, administrative endorsements (092), and reading specialist credentials (097 and 102).

NECHE Institutional Accreditation

University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), with accreditation confirmed through 2035.

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