From the Educator Certification Blog
September 2022 Certification Updates
Mon, Oct 3 2022
Certification Changes and Updates
Updates to Certification Rules
Computer Science, PreK-8
Endorsement Information
Overview: The Computer Science, PreK-8 Endorsement authorizes the holder to teach Computer Science in grades PreK-8. This endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code: R7-2-607; R7-2-615 (A)(B)(C)(S); R7-2-621.
Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity.
A formal review is required to verify that all requirements have been met. Please visit the "How to Submit Official Documents" below for the proper submission of the required documents. Failure to submit documents as described could cause a delay in the processing of the application.
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Standard Professional Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, or PreK-12 Teaching Certificate.
- Application & Fee: A completed Application for Certification.
- Fee: The fee for this endorsement is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
- IVP Fingerprint Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Official Transcripts (if applicable): Official transcripts documenting the required coursework.
- If you completed coursework from an institution outside the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency list.
- Verification of Training (if applicable): Request that your district superintendent or personnel director complete and submit the Verification of Computer Science Endorsement Training Form to verify completion of computer science training in lieu of college/university coursework.
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Standard Professional Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, or PreK-12 Teaching Certificate.
- Computer Science Coursework and/or Trainings:
- Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science which addresses the following topics:
- Introduction to computer science;
- Inclusive recruitment, retention, and pedagogical strategies for computer science education;
- Computational thinking;
- Instructional planning based on the Arizona state standards for computer science, or comparable computer science.
- Six semester hours in computer science to include the following:
- Three semester hours in teaching and learning programming for educators; and
- Three semester hours in computer science electives which may include, but are not limited to, physical computing or mobile computing.
- Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science which addresses the following topics:
District/Charter School Training Option: Completion of a training program through an Arizona public local education agency (district or charter school) or an accredited college or university may substitute for the required semester hours of coursework. Fifteen clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of college coursework. Completion of training programs must be verified by a public school superintendent or personnel director, or by the appropriate administrator of an accredited college or university.
Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority
- Official Transcripts: Transcripts that are uploaded through the educator portal or emailed by the applicant are not official and will not be accepted. Official transcripts and foreign credential evaluations must be submitted as follows:
- Electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly by the college or university to [email protected].
- Paper official transcripts must be in a sealed envelope and mailed by the college or university to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit; PO Box 6490, Phoenix, AZ 85005-6490.
- Foreign credential evaluations must be sent directly by the approved foreign credential evaluation agency to [email protected] or mailed to the Arizona Department of Education - Certification Unit.
- Verification of Training: Request that your district superintendent or personnel director complete and submit the Verification of Computer Science Endorsement Training Form directly to [email protected].
Accepted Photocopies from the Applicant
- AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
Ready to apply - click here for step-by-step directions
Pursuant to section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes, an agency shall limit all occupational regulations to regulations that are demonstrated to be necessary to specifically fulfill a public health, safety, or welfare concern. Pursuant to sections 41-1093.02 and 41-1093.03, Arizona Revised Statutes, you have the right to petition this agency to repeal or modify the occupational regulation or bring an action in a court of general jurisdiction to challenge the occupational regulation and to ensure compliance with section 41-1093.01, Arizona Revised Statutes.
