From the Educator Certification Blog
September 2022 Certification Updates
Mon, Oct 3 2022
Certification Changes and Updates
Updates to Certification Rules
Elementary Foreign Language, K-8
Endorsement Information
Overview: The Elementary Foreign Language, K-8 Endorsement authorizes the holder to teach a world language other than English in grades K-8. This endorsement shall automatically renew with the certificate to 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, andR7-2-621.
Out-of-state certificate or National Board Teaching Certificate: If you hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing, or a comparable National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, 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 "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: You hold a valid Arizona Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education Certificate.
- Application & Fee: Complete the 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 Transcript: Official transcript documenting the required coursework.
- If you completed coursework from an institution outside the United States, a course-by-course evaluation from a Department-approved agency is required. Please see the Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agency list.
- Verification Letter: Verification (on official letterhead) of proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English from the appropriate college/university administrator or the appropriate tribal authority. Please have the verification letter submitted directly by the verifying authority to [email protected] .
The Elementary Foreign Language, K-8 endorsement requires all of the following:
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education Certificate; -AND-
- Verification Letter: Verification from a Department Chair or designee at an accredited college or university verifying that the applicant is proficient in speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English. American Indian language proficiency shall be verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe; -AND-
- Coursework: Three semester hours in methods for teaching a foreign language at the elementary level.
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 Letter: Please have the verifying authority email the letter (on official letterhead) 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.
