Alternative Teaching Certification in Arizona
Arizona offers multiple alternative pathways to teacher certification. For more information you can explore the various pathways by visiting the Arizona Department of Education’s Educator Certification webpagea>.
Interested in learning about the traditional approach? Contact schools offering teaching certification programs in Arizona.
Alternative Certification Requirements
Education Requirements
In order to qualify for Arizona’s alternative pathway to teaching certification, you must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
- Enroll in a two-year Arizona State Board approved teacher preparation program
- Complete 3 semester hours or 45 clock hours of state approved Structured English Immersion training for either the provisional or full SEI endorsement
Examinations
You must pass an Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment in your chosen subject knowledge area.
Criminal History Background Check
Arizona requires all applicants for teaching certification to submit to a criminal background check, which includes fingerprinting. Call the Arizona Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-2279 and request an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Card. You will be given instructions on where to go to complete this process. You must submit a photocopy of your valid IVP card with your Application for Certification.
Other Information
Once you have met the above qualifications and are enrolled in the teacher preparation program, you will be granted a Teaching Intern Certificate. This certificate is valid for one year, and may be extended for one more year if you meet the requirements to do so. After receiving your Teaching Intern Certificate, you may work as a teacher in an Arizona public school. A list of all Arizona public school districts may be found here.
Before the end of the second year of your Teaching Intern Certificate, you must pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment in your Subject Knowledge Area. After completing all requirements, you may apply for a Provisional Teaching Certificate with an Institutional Recommendation verifying completion of your alternative path to certification.
Contact Information
For more information about the Arizona Transition to Teaching Program, contact program representatives directly at (602) 542-4367 or visit their website.
