How to Become a Teacher in Arizona

Teaching is a valuable profession, one that its practitioners find extremely rewarding, and one that is highly valued in the state of Arizona. Many people go into teaching right from college, while others work in a different career before turning their attention to teaching. Whether someone is a first or second career teacher, or a native or a new resident, it's important for them to know how to become a teacher in Arizona. The following information should help prospective teachers learn how to become a teacher in Arizona, no matter what position in life they're in.

How to become a teacher in Arizona - traditional route for residents

The traditional route to becoming a teacher in Arizona begins when the student first starts college. At the end of the 4- or 5-year program, the student spends a semester student teaching under the supervision of a more experienced teacher, then takes the certification exam. Once all the requirements are met, the student graduates college, receives his or her certification, and can begin teaching in Arizona.

How to become a teacher in AZ - alternative route for residents

Many students are coming to teaching in Arizona through a less traditional route. In many cases, this is a second career, where a prospective teacher already has a college degree and life experience in a different field, but wishes to convert that experience into a teaching career. In order to transition into teaching, the prospective teacher has to take the required education classes, submit to a background check, and pass the relevant portions of the APEA exam.

How to become a teacher in AZ - for out-of-state teacher applicants

For any teacher who moves to Arizona from another state and asks, "How do I become a teacher in Arizona," it's fairly easy to become certified in Arizona. The teacher only has to demonstrate that he or she has completed a training program similar to Arizona's program. Teachers may also be asked to take the AEPA exams to demonstrate their mastery of their subject matter.

How do I become a teacher in Arizona - necessary exams for residents

While many States require their prospective teachers to take a standardized test, a teacher certificate in Arizona requires a special exam used within the State to evaluate a teacher's readiness. It's called the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment Exam, or AEPA, and measures both general knowledge and competence within the teacher's subject area.

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Arizona?

As with most States, no particular degree is required for teacher certification in Arizona, but a certain number of education classes and subject area classes are necessary. This usually equates to a major in education, or a combined major in education and the subject area — such as science education or social studies education. If the student has a different bachelor's degree, he or she may have to take several additional education classes.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Arizona?

A teacher preparation program in Arizona is usually a bachelor's degree, or extra education classes that will prepare future teachers to undertake their work once they are certified. For those wanting to learn how to become a teacher in Arizona, there is a list available of teacher preparation programs in Arizona, usually attached to an educational institution.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Arizona?

A teacher certificate in Arizona needs to be renewed every 6 years. The most important element of this renewal is the 180 hours of professional development every teacher must be able to demonstrate over the course of the 6 years. Once those hours are complete, the teacher can apply to the State Board of Education for renewal of certification.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in AZ?

The sites listed below will guide a prospective teacher into how to become a teacher in Arizona.

• Arizona Teacher Certification

  This page on the Arizona Department of Education site describes certification requirements.

• Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments

  The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments official site provides complete information on test requirements, preparation, and registration.

• Arizona Education Association Careers in Education

  Candidates can explore education job openings through the Arizona Education Association.