Reading Specialist, 6-12 Endorsement
Overview
The Reading Specialist, 6-12 endorsement authorizes the holder for the positions of reading specialist, reading coach, or a similar role in grades six through 12. 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.
1. Prerequisite Certificate
You must hold a valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education teaching certificate to add this endorsement.
2. Application and Fee
Submit the Application for Certification and the required $60 non-refundable fee.
3. AZDPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
A valid Arizona Department of Public Safety IVP fingerprint clearance card. Verify that your IVP card is on file through the ADE Educator Portal or include a photocopy of the card with your application.
4. Teaching Experience (3 Years)
Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-Grade 12. Please have your district/school human resources office(s) complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form.
5. Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from an accredited college or university documenting all applicable coursework. Electronic official transcripts must be sent directly by the college or university to [email protected] or through Parchment. If you are using college coursework completed outside of the United States a foreign credential evaluation from an Arizona Department of Education approved agency is required.
6. Supporting Documents, if required
If applicable, submit supporting documents needed to qualify for the endorsement (e.g., exam score report, approved Literacy endorsement training certificates)
All requirements listed below must be met.
1. Prerequisite Certificate
A valid Arizona Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, or Special Education teaching certificate.
2. Teaching Experience (3 Years)
Verification of three (3) years of full-time teaching experience in preschool through grade 12.
3. Reading Practicum
Completion of three semester hours of secondary practicum in reading completed in grades six through 12.
4. Science of Reading Course or Approved Training
Completion of three semester hours of college coursework or 45 clock hours of Arizona Department of Education (ADE)-approved training in the science of reading instruction, including systematic phonics instruction.
5. Reading Intervention/Dyslexia Course or Approved Training
Completion of three semester hours of college coursework or 45 clock hours of Arizona Department of Education (ADE)-approved training in reading instruction, including assessments, instructional practices, and interventions to improve student reading proficiency for struggling readers, including students with the characteristics of dyslexia. For applications received on or after October 1, 2027, the course must include a focus on improving reading proficiency for struggling readers in grades six through 12.
6. Coursework or Subject Knowledge Exam (Option A or B)
One of the following:
- Option A - Coursework. Completion of 15 semester hours of reading courses to include all of the following:
- Three semester hours in the essential elements of reading and writing instruction for adolescents (Grades 6-12);
- Three semester hours in the elements of content area reading and writing for adolescents (Grades 6-12);
- Three semester hours in reading assessment systems;
- Three semester hours in administration and supervision of a reading program at the secondary level;
- Three semester hours of elective course(s) in an area of focus that will deepen the knowledge in the teaching of reading such as adolescent literature or teaching reading to English Language Learners.
- Option B: Reading Endorsement 6-12 Exam. This option requires one of the following:
- Arizona Exam: A passing score on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) Subject Knowledge Reading Endorsement 6-12 (AZ047) exam.
- Out-of-State Exam: A passing score on a similar subject knowledge exam from another state.
- Degree: A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree from an accredited institution in Reading, 6-12.
- Reading Specialist Experience: Verification of three years of full-time experience as a Reading Specialist/Reading Interventionist in grades 6-12. Experience may be in any state, including Arizona.
- Note: Experience as a reading specialist in a foreign country or as a substitute teacher will not be accepted.
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] 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.
- Out-of-State Exam Score Reports: If you are using out-of-state exams, include a copy of the out-of-state score report with your application and have exams verified as follows:
- Forward the Verification of Out-of-State Exams form to the state agency that accepted the exam. This form must be completed and submitted by an official with the state agency.
- If you are using Praxis exam(s), have your scores reported by ETS to the Arizona Department of Education (8517).
- Verification of Teaching Experience: Request that your district/school human resources office complete and submit the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form directly to our Online Contact Form.
Accepted Photocopies From the Applicant
- AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.
- Arizona Exams: Submit a photocopy of the official score report.
- Certificates of Approved Training(s): The certificate(s) showing completion of ADE-approved training in the Science of Reading and/or Reading Intervention.
