Do you know someone looking to make a career change? Do you know someone who wants to become a teacher with the help of UConn’s nationally acclaimed Neag School of Education? Graduates of Neag School’s Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates earn an MA, state certification and the know-how to make a difference in the lives of middle and high school students.

Each year, 70-80 new certified teachers graduate from UConn’s one-year, accelerated Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates. A bachelor’s degree is one of the primary entry requirements.

Information sessions at UConn’s three Teacher Certification Program locations will take place in September and October in West Hartford, Waterbury and the newest location, Avery Point. The Avery Point program will lead to an additional 20 teachers certified annually in math and science.

Information sessions will include:

Avery Point (math and science focused)

Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Academic Building, Room ACD 308

For more information and to RSVP:

ellen.clinesmith@uconn.edu or 860-420-7653.

Greater Hartford Campus, West Hartford (all subject areas)

Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Library Building Auditorium

For more information and to RSVP:

monica.gat@uconn.edu or 860-570-9283

Waterbury Campus (all subject areas)

Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m.

Multi-purpose Room 113

For more information and to RSVP: ann_marie.niesobecki@uconn.edu or 203-236-9926.

Applications for the Teacher Certification Program will be accepted until Dec. 1, 2012. Each location will be comprised of a cohort of  students, entering the following summer and attending full time. Part time students are not accepted.

“It’s a rigorous program, but the benefits are clear,” said David Moss, interim director of Teacher Education. “Not only is UConn’s Neag School of Education the No. 1 public school in the Northeast, but we frequently get feedback from superintendents who say Neag grads are their first choices for hires. Our graduates are exceptionally educated and tend to stay in education far longer than the state or national average. What we do for teachers, students and really education as a field is pretty special. There’s definitely a Neag difference.”