Middle Grade, 5-9 Endorsement

Application Checklist 

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.

• Prerequisite Certificate: You hold a valid Arizona elementary or secondary certificate.
• Application: A completed Application for Certification. 
• Fee: The fee for this endorsement is $60. Per Board-rule, certification fees are non-refundable. 
• AZDPS IVP Card: A valid Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts documenting the required coursework.
  • Note: If you completed your 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. 
• Teaching Experience, (if applicable): Verification of one year of full-time teaching experience.  Please have your district/school human resources office complete and submit the "Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience" form.

 Requirements for the Middle Grade, 5-9 Endorsement 

Applicants must meet all requirements.

• Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary or Secondary teaching certificate.

-AND-

• Coursework. Six semester hours of middle grades education to include both of the following:
  • A course in early adolescent psychology and
  • A course in the middle-grade curriculum.

-AND-

• Practicum or Experience. One of the following:
  • Official transcripts documenting a practicum in grades 5-9; or
  • Verification of one year of full-time teaching experience in grades 5-9.

 How to Submit Official Documents 

Documents Requiring Submission by the Verifying Authority

• Verification of Teaching Experience: Please forward the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form to your school/district human resources office with a request to verify your experience. The form must be submitted by school/district human resources to our online Contact Form.
• 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.

Accepted Photocopies From the Applicant

• AZDPS IVP Card: Submit a photocopy of the Arizona DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance card.