From the Educator Certification Blog
September 2022 Certification Updates
Mon, Oct 3 2022
Certification Changes and Updates
Updates to Certification Rules
Specialized Secondary Certificate STEM, 6-12
Certificate Information
Overview: This is a specialized certificate and authorizes the holder to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics in Grades 6-12 as indicated on the certificate. Additional approved areas and endorsements may not be added EXCEPT for the full SEI, full ESL, or full Bilingual endorsements. Teachers who already hold a valid Secondary teaching certificate or Career and Technical Education certificate in a STEM area do NOT need this certificate. This certificate is valid for 12 years and is renewable. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code R7-2-606; R7-2-607; R-2-601.01; R7-2-610.01 (A)(B); R7-2-621.
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.
- Application: A completed Application for Certification
- Fee: The required $60 fee. Per Board rule, certification fees are non-refundable.
- AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
- Official Transcript(s): Official Transcripts documenting a Bachelor's or more advanced degree and all applicable coursework.
- Note: If you completed your degree and applicable 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.
- Verification of STEM Industry Experience: A verification letter from your current or former employer verifying five years of work experience in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field (e.g., electrical engineer, research scientist).
- Verification of Postsecondary Teaching (if applicable): If you are using college/university experience to meet subject matter proficiency requirements, a verification letter from a Department Chair or Dean
Work Experience. Verification of at least five years of work experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Submit a letter of verification on official letterhead from a Supervisor or Human Resources representative to verify employment.
-AND-
Subject Matter Expertise. Demonstration of Expertise in a STEM subject area through one of the following (Option A or B):
- Option A: Degree in STEM area. A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree and completion of twenty-four semester hours of coursework in an academic subject that is specific to science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from an accredited institution. Submit official transcripts documenting the required degree and coursework.
-OR-
- Option B: Postsecondary Teaching Experience. Verification of teaching experience for the last two consecutive years, and for a total of at least three years at one or more accredited postsecondary institutions in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
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 Postsecondary Experience: Verification of at least five years of work experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Submit a letter of verification on official letterhead from a Supervisor or Human Resources representative to verify employment, and submit it to [email protected].
- Verification of Work Experience: Submit a letter of verification on official letterhead from a Supervisor or Human Resources representative to verify employment and submit it 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.
