Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University, New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) and New Haven Promise, have partnered to address critical teacher shortages in high-needs areas throughout the New Haven district. Supported by a $10 million investment from Yale, the partnership not only aims to fill and retain essential teaching positions, but also to increase teacher diversity and create more accessible pathways for aspiring teachers, current educators, paraprofessionals and support staff.
At the start of the 2024 academic year, the New Haven district faced 77 classroom vacancies, with nearly 60% concentrated in math, science and special education. Recognizing the need for an innovative and sustainable solution, the Yale Teaching Fellowship will provide fully funded graduate study in exchange for a three-year commitment to teach in New Haven.
“Southern is proud to play a lead role in this historic partnership,” said Dr. Dwayne Smith, SCSU’s interim president. “Since our inception as the New Haven State Normal School, we have been committed to training the next generation of educators. This collaboration ensures that our K-12 students receive the quality, consistency, and continuity of teaching they deserve, and that the educators serving them have the support and opportunities for growth they need.”
Over the next four years, Southern will prepare more than 100 educators to teach in New Haven schools, offering master’s degrees, teaching certifications and cross-endorsements.
Dr. Adam Goldberg, professor and chair of the Department of Curriculum & Learning in Southern’s College of Education, emphasized the importance of Southern’s involvement.
“We are proud that Yale came to us to be the education providers,” said Goldberg. “Southern has a long and storied history in teacher education, and we know it is a great responsibility to turn out the very best teachers. This project goes to the heart of Southern’s social justice mission.”
Southern’s roots in education run deep, beginning as a two-year teacher training school in 1893 before expanding to a bachelor’s degree granting institution in 1937. In 1947, Southern partnered with Yale’s Department of Education to offer a Master of Science, a program Southern fully took over in 1954.
For over 130 years, Southern has upheld Connecticut’s legacy as a “teacher school” and now offers more than 245 minors, majors and pre-professional programs as well as 110 graduate programs.
Fellowship Tracks and Program Highlights
There are three fellowship tracks, all covering full tuition and leading to teacher certification and a master’s degree in a high-need shortage area.
- The New Teachers Track is open to 10 college graduates per fellowship year, with participants receiving a $46,000 living stipend, mentorship and a cohort experience while they take classes full time.
- The Paraprofessionals and Support Staff Track offers a pathway to teacher credentialing for up to 11 current full-time NHPS paraprofessionals and student-facing support staff annually. Students will receive a $46,000 living stipend, adjusted for current salary, mentorship and a cohort experience.
- The Current Teachers Track will help up to five full-time NHPS teachers annually earn a cross-endorsement in special education.
SCSU has developed specialized academic maps for each track to ensure an accelerated route to completion.
Addressing Diversity and Long-Term Retention
The fellowship aligns with efforts by the Connecticut State Department of Education to increase the representation of educators from diverse backgrounds. By creating pathways to advance within the education system, the program fosters a homegrown talent pipeline for NHPS, helping to retain educators long-term in the district.
“The Yale Teaching Fellowship presents an incredible opportunity to not only address the immediate needs of New Haven Public Schools but also to shape the future of education in our community,” said Christopher Trombly, interim dean of Southern’s College of Education. “By collaborating with Yale and New Haven Promise, Southern is committed to preparing educators who will make a lasting difference in the lives of their students and help build a stronger, more equitable school system for the next generation.”
The program is on pace to launch in May 2025. Applications will be accepted through January 1. Learn more.
