RECRUITMENT & RETENTION INFO: Tuition Reimbursement Opportunity for Special Education Certification

The ADE/ESS Professional Learning and Sustainability team is pleased to offer an exciting “grow-your-own” opportunity for general educators who are ready to make a difference in special education.

The General Education Teacher to Special Education Teacher (GETSET) program offers tuition reimbursement to public education agencies (PEAs) in support of general education teachers who want to pursue a career change to become special education teachers.

Participants can choose one of the following pathways:

• Standard Professional Teaching Certificate in Special Education
• Full Special Education Endorsement in:
  • Mild/Moderate Disabilities
  • Moderate/Severe Disabilities
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing
  • Visually Impaired

All coursework for both the Standard Professional Teaching Certificate and the Full Special Education Endorsement must be completed at an Arizona institute of higher education listed on the Arizona State Board of Education-approved educator preparation programs and verified by the Arizona Department of Education Certification Unit. Please note that Early Childhood Special Education is only available through the Standard Certificate pathway.

Key Details:

• Reimbursement is provided for pre-approved courses, fees, and required materials after each semester upon successful completion of program requirements.
• PEAs may submit one application per year. The application must be submitted by the PEA and not the candidate.
• The application deadline is Friday, February 6, 2026, by 5:00 p.m.
• Applicants must have two full years of employment with the PEA by June 30, 2026.
• Applicants must commit to two years of special education teaching in the hosting PEA after completion of the certificate or endorsement.

Ready to Apply?

1. Review the GETSET Application (including the cover page, program requirements, and application questions).
2. Answer all application questions in the GETSET Application Form.
3. Email the signed cover page and unofficial transcripts to the ESS Recruitment and Retention Inbox with the subject line:
   [Your District or Charter Name]: 2026 GETSET Application

Please note that a new cohort for the Special Education Teacher Tuition Assistance (SETTA) program for paraprofessionals will not be offered this year. Current SETTA participants will continue in the program. PEAs may explore other tuition assistance options for paraprofessionals through the Arizona Teachers Academy.

For additional information, please email the ESS Recruitment and Retention Inbox.