Teacher Leader, PreK-12 Endorsement Training Approval Process and Approved Trainings

The Teacher Leader, PreK–12 endorsement is optional but recommended for individuals serving as mentor teachers, consultants, instructional coaches, professional development facilitators, or a similar leadership role.

The Teacher Leader endorsement allows certification applicants to substitute college coursework with Board-approved trainings. This application is intended for professional education organizations seeking Board approval to offer trainings that count toward the Teacher Leader endorsement. The Arizona Department of Education reviews each application and makes a recommendation to the Board. Trainings are evaluated for alignment with the Arizona Teacher Leader Professional Standards outlined in R7-2-602.02 and for rigor equivalent to college-level coursework.

Required Training Topic Areas (45hrs per topic)

Each equivalent training submitted must focus on one of the topics below:  

• Principles and facilitation of adult learning;
• Data analysis and the use of current educational research;
• Collaboration and continuous improvement strategies;
• Professional learning, coaching principles, and constructive feedback;
• School culture, climate, and professionalism.

Required Submission Materials

Educational organizations must submit the following for each training topic:

• Completed Teacher Leader Endorsement Training Program Application Form;
• Syllabi, agendas, and learning objectives for all training components;
• Alignment matrix demonstrating how training objectives align to the applicable Teacher Leader topic area;
• Instructor qualifications (names, credentials, and relevant experience);
• Evidence of participant learning and training quality;
• Additional supporting documentation if applicable.

Initial Submission Window

To support the launch of the new Teacher Leader Endorsement, ADE is currently accepting training applications from September 1st, 2026, until October 15th, 2026. Following this initial submission period, applications will be accepted annually during the review window of January 1st through March 1st.

How to Request & Submit Materials

Email [email protected] for the required forms and documentation.

A link to the Approved Training List will be posted and updated regularly.

Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) that offer courses leading to an Arizona Teacher Leader, PreK-12 endorsement do not need formal approval to be accepted towards the Teacher Leader endorsement requirements. It should be noted that there is no State Board of Education approval process for endorsement programs at any level. To assist the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Certification staff in evaluation applications for the Teacher Leader endorsement, IHEs will need to complete a course matrix. To receive a course matrix, please contact ADE staff: [email protected]

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