If you’re interested in a rewarding career focused on the nation’s youth, you should consider becoming a teacher. Whatever level in which you teach, you’ll instruct your students and help them to achieve long-term academic success. Teachers are important to every state in the country, including the great state of Arizona.
To make sure its teachers are of the highest quality, Arizona holds very strict requirements for becoming a teacher. Before you can become a teacher, you need to learn about these requirements and find out how you can complete them effectively.
Arizona Teacher Certification Requirements
Arizona Teacher Certification Types
Aspiring teachers in Arizona are required to apply for a Provisional Teacher Certificate in their chosen teaching field. These certificates expire after three years and must be upgraded to a Standard Teaching Certificate two months before expiration.
Arizona Teacher Education
The minimum educational requirement for Arizona teachers is a Bachelor’s degree in Education. You will also need to complete a teacher preparation program. Some programs will award you a degree upon completion and others will be a combined part of your degree. In addition, you must obtain the Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement and complete courses on Arizona history and the U.S. Constitution.
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Arizona Teacher Certification Exam
Arizona teachers must pass a Professional Knowledge Exam. This exam will test your basic teaching knowledge and skills. After passing this exam, you must also pass the Subject Knowledge Exam. Both exams have three levels—Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary. The level you take will depend on your desired teaching level.
Teacher Experience
There is no set amount of teaching experience needed to be hired in Arizona. Generally, your teacher preparation program will provide some dedicated time where you will gain practical teaching experience.
Background Check
As part of your Certificate application, you will need to submit your fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.
Alternative Certification and Other Requirements
- Arizona Alternative Teacher Certification: Arizona allows for alternative certification for those without a background in education. To receive alternative certification, you will need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree, enroll in a teacher preparation program and receive your SEI Endorsement.
- Teacher Certification Renewal: Your Standard Teaching Certificate will expire every six years. You can apply for renewal six months before your expiration date. To receive your renewal, you will need to submit proof of employment, proof of professional development, submit a new fingerprint card and pay any required fees.
- Arizona Substitute Teaching: You can receive a Substitute Teaching Certificate in Arizona if you pass a background check. You cannot work for more than 120 days for one school in one year. You also cannot accept a contract teaching position.
- Reciprocity: Arizona allows for certification through reciprocity. Simply provide proof of your credentials earned in another state and you can be certified in Arizona.
Discover teacher certification programs in Arizona that are a match for you!
What Does a Teacher Do in Arizona?
Teachers in Arizona are responsible for several important tasks. While instruction will be your primary duty, you will also need to perform classroom management, develop both short-term and long-term lesson plans, coordinate with school administrators and evaluate individual student progress.
Arizona Teacher Salary
The easiest way to learn about your potential salary as an Arizona teacher is to examine the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Your salary will largely be determined by your teaching field. According to the BLS, an Elementary School teacher in Arizona in 2015 could expect a median salary of $42,730. Middle School teachers could expect a salary of $42,830 and a Secondary School teacher could earn $48,020.
Arizona Teacher Certification Links
- Arizona Department of Education
- Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments
- Arizona Teacher Preparation Programs
Teacher Certification Programs in Arizona
Teacher Certification Programs in Arizona
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. Becoming a teacher is an important decision that requires commitment, dedication, and passion. Teacher certification requirements vary by state. However, there are a number qualifications that every state requires to teach at the public school level. Request information from multiple schools to find the best program and educational opportunity for you!