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Middle Grade, 5-9 Endorsement

Endorsement Information

Overview: The Middle Grades, 5-9 endorsement authorizes the holder to teach the approved subject areas(s) posted on their certificate in grades 5-9. This endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached. Requirements for certification are subject to change and fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules.

Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable educator certificate or endorsement in another state, please see the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for information on applying under reciprocity rules.

Application Checklist

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: You hold a valid Arizona elementary or secondary certificate.
  • Application: A completed Application for Certification.
  • Fee: The fee for this endorsement is $60. Fees are non-refundable.
  • AZDPS IVP Card: Verify through the My Certification Portal that your valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) IVP fingerprint clearance card is on file with ADE or include a photocopy of the AZDPS IVP card with your application.
  • Official Transcripts: Official transcripts documenting the required coursework.
    • Note: If you completed your coursework at an institution outside of the United States, you must submit an evaluation from a Department approved foreign credential evaluation agency. Please see the Approved Foreign Credential Evaluation Agencies list. 
  • Teaching Experience, (if applicable): Verification of one year of full-time teaching experience.  Please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form.

Requirements

Prerequisite Certificate

  • A valid Arizona Elementary or Secondary teaching certificate.

Coursework 

  • Six semester hours of middle grades education to include both of the following:
    • A course in early adolescent psychology; -AND-
    • A course in the middle-grade curriculum.

Practicum or Experience

  • One of the following:
    • Official transcripts documenting a practicum in grades 5-9; -OR-
    • Verification of one year of full-time teaching experience in grades 5-9.

How to Submit Official Documents

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

  • Verification of Teaching Experience: Request that the district/school human resources office complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience following the instructions on the form.
  • 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] or through Parchment.
    • 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.

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.