May 2019 Certification Updates

Announcing our New Director

We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new Certification Director, Michelle Brady.  Ms. Brady comes to us with 18 years of experience in education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University, a Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Phoenix. Ms. Brady brings her experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach,  assistant principal and principal to the Department of Education.

School Counselor Certificate Update

On April 29, 2019, the Board of Education approved a rule change to the Standard School Counselor Certificate.  Under the revised rule, applicants may qualify for the certificate if they have a master’s degree and one of the following:

• Completion of a graduate program in guidance and counseling;
• Completion of a graduate program in counseling, social work, psychology, or academic advising;
• A valid Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners license as an associate or professional counselor, master or clinical social worker, or marriage and family therapist;
• A valid, comparable school counselor certificate from another state that is in good standing.

Applicants who qualify for the Standard School Counselor Certificate with a graduate program in counseling, social work, psychology, or academic advising, or with a Board of Behavioral Health Examiners license, must also complete both of the following allowable deficiency requirements within three years:

• Practicum/Experience: A school counseling practicum, two years of experience as a school counselor, or three years of full-time teaching experience.
• Semester Hours of Coursework:  Completion of six semester hours of specified coursework in school counseling.

A Standard School Counselor Certificate with allowable deficiencies will be temporarily suspended if the certificate holder does not correct the deficiencies within three years; however, a suspension for failure to meet allowable deficiency requirements is not considered a disciplinary action and the certificate holder may correct the deficiencies within the remaining timeframe of the certificate.

Required Signatures Guidance Documents

Certification applications frequently require a verification form, letter, or request from an appropriate administrator in a school district or charter school.  To ensure compliance with State Board rules and prevent delays in the processing of applications, please review the guidance document which outlines the required signature for verification and request forms.

Please contact the Certification Unit if you have any questions.  Thank you for your service to Arizona students.