Reading Endorsement, K-8
Endorsment Information
Overview: The Reading Endorsement, K-8 authorizes the holder for the position of reading/literacy specialist, reading/literacy coach, or reading/literacy interventionist in Grades K-8. This endorsement will automatically renew with the certificate on which it is attached. Requirements may be subject to change and are fully referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and Administrative Code R7-2-601, R7-2-607, R7-2-615 (H), and R7-2-621.
Out-of-State Certificate Holders: If you hold a valid, comparable out-of-state educator certificate/license that is in good standing, follow this link for information and steps to apply under reciprocity.
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, Special Education, or Early Childhood 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 all applicable coursework. Electronic official transcripts must be sent directly by the college or university to [email protected] . Paper official transcripts must be mailed to the ADE-Certification Unit.
- Note: If you completed your degree and applicable 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" list.
- Teaching Experience: Three years of full-time teaching experience.
- Exam (if applicable): Submit a copy of the official score report showing you passed the AEPA Reading Endorsement K-8 exam, or appropriate documentation to qualify for a waiver of the exam requirement. Please see the Requirements for the Reading Endorsement, K-8, Option B for details.
Option A: Teaching Experience, Practicum, and Coursework. This option requires all of the following:
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary, Special Education, or Early Childhood Certificate.
- Teaching Experience: Three years of full-time teaching experience.
- Reading Practicum: Three semester hours of a supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed for grades K through eight.
- Coursework: Twenty-one (21) semester hours to include the following:
- Three semester hours in the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy;
- Three semester hours in the essential elements of elementary reading and writing instruction (grades K through eight);
- Three semester hours in the elements of elementary content area reading and writing (grades K through eight);
- Six semester hours in reading assessment systems;
- Three semester hours in leadership;
- Three semester hours of elective course(s) in an area of focus that will deepen knowledge in the teaching of reading to elementary students, such as children's literature or teaching reading to English language learners.
Option B: Teaching Experience, Practicum, and Exam. This option requires all of the following:
- Prerequisite Certificate: A valid Arizona Elementary, Special Education, or Early Childhood Certificate.
- Teaching Experience: Three years of full-time teaching experience.
- Reading Practicum: Three semester hours of a supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed in grades K through eight.
- Subject Knowledge Proficiency: One of the following:
- Arizona Exam: A passing score on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) Subject Knowledge Reading Endorsement K-8 (AZ046) exam.
- Out-of-State Exam: A passing score on a similar subject knowledge exam from another state.
- Degree in Reading: A Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree in Reading, K-8 from an accredited institution.
- Reading Specialist Experience: Three years of full-time experience as a reading specialist or reading interventionist in grades K-8 in any state, including Arizona.
- Note: Experience as a reading specialist or reading interventionist 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].
- 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 [email protected].
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.
