Teacher Leader, PreK-12 Endorsement

Overview

The Teacher Leader, PreK–12 endorsement is optional but recommended for individuals serving as mentor teachers, consultants, instructional coaches, professional development facilitators, or a similar leadership role. The endorsement automatically renews with the certificate to which it is attached. Requirements are subject to change and are referenced in the Arizona Revised Statutes and State Board of Education Rules. 

Out-of-State Certificate Holders

Educators who hold a valid, comparable certificate or endorsement from another state should review the Certification Reciprocity Requirements for guidance on applying through reciprocity pathways.  

1. Prerequisite Certificate

Applicants must hold a valid Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching certificate, International Teaching certificate, or Standard Career and Technical Education certificate.

2. Application and Fee

Submit a completed Application for Certification and the required $60 non‑refundable fee.

3. AZDPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card

Applicants must hold a valid Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) IVP fingerprint clearance card. Verify that the card is on file through the ADE Educator Portal or include a photocopy of the card with your application. 

4. Teaching Experience (3 Years)

Provide verification of at least three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-Grade 12. Use the Verification of PreK-12 Teaching Experience form for instructions on verifying teaching experience. Note: This form must be sent directly by the school or district human resources office to the ADE Certification Unit.

5. Official Transcripts

Have the college, university, or Arizona Board-approved training provider send official transcripts documenting all applicable coursework. If you are using college coursework completed at an institution based outside of the United States a foreign credential evaluation from an Arizona Department of Education approved agency is required.

6. Verification of Practicum or Experience

 Submit one of the following:

  • Written verification from an accredited institution or Arizona State Board of Education‑approved training provider confirming completion of at least 15 clock hours of practicum in school leadership or administration as part of your coursework; or

  • Verification from a district/school HR director or superintendent confirming at least two years of part‑time or full‑time experience in a PreK–12 school leadership position.

1. A valid Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching certificate, International Teaching certificate, or Standard Career and Technical Education certificate.

-AND-

2. A valid Arizona Department of Public Safety Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.

-AND-

3. Verification of three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-12.

-AND-

4. Completion of fifteen semester hours of education courses*, that align with the Arizona Teacher Leader Professional Standards described in R7-2-602.02 and include all of the following:

  • Principles and facilitation of adult learning;
  • Data analysis and the use of current educational research;
  • Collaboration and continuous improvement strategies;
  • Professional learning, coaching principles, and constructive feedback;
  • School culture, climate, and professionalism.

* Completion of Board-approved training from a professional education organization may substitute for the semester hours of courses. Fifteen clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour.

-AND-

5. Completion of one of the following:

  • A minimum of 15 clock hours of supervised practicum or field experience in a PreK-12 teacher leader or administrative role. The practicum or field experience may be embedded in the required education courses or Board-approved trainings; -OR-
  • Verification of at least two years of part-time or full-time experience in a PreK-12 school leadership position.

The documents listed below must be submitted directly by the verifying authority to the Arizona Department of Education Certification Unit. Official transcripts and other documents that are uploaded through the portal 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 select Arizona Department of Education Educator Certification 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.
  • 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].
  • Verification of School Leadership Experience (if applicable). Request that your district/school human resources office submit the verification of school leadership experience directly to the ADE Certification Unit at [email protected].