Becoming an Educator in Arizona

Our Arizona schools need dedicated, passionate, and highly effective educators to inspire our preK-12th grade students.  If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of Arizona students, follow these steps and you will be on your way to joining the best profession in the world.

  1. Start by identifying the area of certification you would like to pursue (listed below).
  2. Select the best-matched pathway program that better describes the program type you want to complete.
    1. Traditional Bachelor's Degree Educator Preparation Program -

      I am a college student interested in completing a program that will require me to complete a 12-week student teaching experience and award me a bachelor's degree leading to certification that will be accepted by other U.S states.

    2. Traditional or Alternative Post-Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Program-

      I have a bachelor’s degree and want to further my education by completing a post-baccalaureate certificate program or a master’s degree program at an accredited institution. The program may include a culminating capstone 12-week student teaching experience leading to certification or may be completed while being employed full-time as an Arizona teacher. My certificate may be accepted by other U.S. states.

    3. Alternative Educator Preparation Certificate Program -

      I have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and want to enroll in a State Board approved Educator Preparation Program that will allow me to complete my program requirements for certification while being employed as a full-time Arizona teacher with an Alternative Teaching Certificate. Completion of the program requirements, certificate requirements and verified teaching experience will lead me to certification.

  3. Enroll and complete an Educator Preparation Program from your selected pathway.
  4. Pass all appropriate AEPA exams for your selected certificate.
  5. Once you complete the Educator Preparation Program, you will be issued an Institutional Recommendation indicating program completion.
  6. Already have an Institutional Recommendation? Apply for certification here.

I am interested in teaching:

Early Childhood Birth-Grade 3
Elementary K-8
Secondary 6-12
Arts Education K-12
Special Education K-12

I am interested in: 

School Administration

School Guidance & Counseling

School Psychology