Teacher groups say they are angry after the state Board of Education approved a controversial new fast-track program to certify new teachers.

Teachers unions say they are afraid the move will put unqualified teachers in the classroom.

The state Board of Education approved the new fast-track program, called Relay, on Wednesday. The program lets people who are already working in schools become certified in one year, without taking time away from work.

For now, the program will be free. There are 250 unfilled teaching positions across Connecticut, mostly in poor, urban districts like Bridgeport.

Backers say Relay will get more certified teachers in the classroom faster.