Pathways for Educators
Arizona offers several pathways to becoming an educator. Each pathway is designed to meet different needs and backgrounds while helping build a strong educator workforce. When considering your pathway into teaching, it is important to consider your educational background, financial readiness, employment status, and timeline for program completition.
Traditional
The traditional pathway to becoming a certified teacher in Arizona involves completing a State Board approved Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) that includes a 12-week student teaching experience.
Alternative Teaching
The Alternative Teaching pathway allows a person to enter into a teaching contract under a Alternative Teaching Certificate and work as teacher of record while completing the requirements for an Arizona Standard Professional teaching certificate.
Classroom-Based
Classroom‑based programs are part of Arizona’s Alternative Teaching pathway to certification. They allow candidates to work as teacher of record while completing a school district/charter's educator preparation program. They are operated by Local Education Agencies (LEAs)—school districts or charter schools.
Teacher Apprenticeships
The Arizona Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (AZTRAP) prepares future educators through paid, hands-on classroom experience under the mentorship of experienced teachers. By combining on-the-job training with Educator Preparation Program coursework, AZTRAP helps build a stronger, more sustainable teacher workforce for Local Education Agencies.
Arizona Teachers Academy
The Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA) provides scholarship tuition for those who agree to teach in Arizona schools upon program completion. Some programs of ATA provide on the job learning as teacher of record while other programs culminate in a student teaching experience. The Arizona Department of Education does not oversee enrollment for the Arizona Teachers Academy.
Troops to Educators
Troops to Educators is a FREE service for the military community that wants to begin a new or second career in education. Your military, professional, and educational experience may lead to a fulfilling career in Education. Eligible participants can receive academic counseling, certification recommendations, and employment referral assistance throughout Arizona.
Reciprocity
The Arizona Department of Education Certification Unit will reciprocate with all states and may issue a comparable teaching, administrative, or professional non-teaching certificate to an applicant who holds a valid, comparable certificate in another state and is in good standing in that other state.
Journey to Becoming an Educator
Journey to Becoming an Educator Home Page
- Decide what you want to teach: PreK-12 Certification Requirements
- Find a pathway that works for you: Pathways for Educators
- Research a program that fits your pathway: Educator Preparation Programs
- Complete your program.
- Complete professional exams: Testing Information for Certification
- Apply for your certificate: Submit Your Certificate Application
Looking for Substitute, CTE , Administrative, or Professional Non-Teaching Certificates?