Enrolled Candidates

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Congratulations! You’re now enrolled and well on your way toward becoming a teacher! As you work toward fulfilling your dream, it’s not uncommon for a few questions to arise. Read our Enrolled Candidates FAQ to find the answers you’re looking for! We value transparency, so if you have another question not answered on this page, feel free to submit a new question using the form at the bottom of the page.

 

Watch our informational video to learn how to become eligible to start teaching!

WHAT IS MY PRE-SERVICE TRAINING?

Your Pre-Service Training is composed of two self-paced requirements: (1) Completing your online courses, known as your Classroom Readiness Training (2) Completing your 9 hours of Field-Based Experience.

WHAT DOES THE CLASSROOM READINESS TRAINING COVER?

The curriculum is organized around six main constructs for learning: The Teacher, The Learner, Lesson Planning, Instructional Strategies, Assessing Learning, and The Learning Environment. There are multiple courses within each construct that help the prospective teacher understand the pedagogy behind their role as an educator in the classroom. Please visit our How to Become Eligible page for samples of the coursework you will engage within each construct.

WHAT ARE FIELD-BASED EXPERIENCE HOURS?

Classroom observations, also known as Field-Based Experiences (FBE hours) are introductory classroom experiences. This involves reflective observation of EC-12 students, teachers, and faculty/staff members engaging in educational activities in a school setting. Your hours may be completed fully online, and you can find them in your Intern Portal in the “Field Observation & Reflection” course housed within the “Training Progress” page.

HOW MANY FBE HOURS DO I NEED TO COMPLETE?

A total of 9 hours are required. You may complete all 9 hours fully online. Be sure to review the “Field-Based Experience” page for more details and to let us know if you have any questions.

IS MY TRAINING 100% ONLINE?

The Classroom Readiness Training and Test Preparation modules are always available 100% online.

WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND TIME FOR GRADED PROJECTS?

Our typical grading time is 3-5 business days, however, there are occasional times when it could take longer.

CAN I RESUBMIT AN ASSIGNMENT IF I DO NOT PASS?

Yes, you have multiple attempts to pass your projects. Our instructors will provide you with guided feedback to ensure you succeed.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT A GRADE I RECEIVED; WHO SHOULD I ASK?

We’re always happy to provide you with more feedback! For any questions or clarification regarding grades or project feedback, please email us at CurriculumSupport@TexasTeachers.org.

I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE CURRICULUM; WHO SHOULD I ASK?

Our online instructors are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the training content and curriculum. You can reach them from any page by clicking on the question mark icon. If you can’t find one on the current page, you can always find the help icon on the left slide of your main dashboard. Also, feel free to email us with a specific question at CurriculumSupport@TexasTeachers.org.

I AM HAVING TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH CANVAS; WHAT SHOULD I DO?

For technical issues with Canvas, please take a screenshot of the page on which you are experiencing an issue. Then, you should contact the Canvas support team by clicking on the question mark icon (available on most pages).  If you cannot locate the question mark icon, there is always a help button on the left-side menu on your main dashboard. You can also email us at CanvasSupport@TexasTeachers.org.

I NEED CLARIFICATION REGARDING MY PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS; WHO SHOULD I ASK?

If you are unsure about what is required of you or have a specific question regarding your personalized training path, please reach out to an Advisor at Teach@ArizonaTeachers.org.

WHAT EXAMS WILL I BE REQUIRED TO TAKE?

Upon employment, you will be required to pass three different exams:

1. Subject Knowledge Exam: Recieve passing scores or qualify for a waiver.
2. Professional Knowledge Exam: Recieve passing scores or qualify for a waiver.
3. Arizona and U.S. Constitution Exam: Recieve passing scores or meet college coursework exemptions.

 

DO I NEED TO COMPLETE MY PRE-SERVICE TRAINING BEFORE TAKING AN EXAM?

No, you do not. You may complete your Classroom Readiness Training and Field-Based Experience Hours in any order. Some candidates chose to take required state exams prior to teaching, but this is optional.

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR EXAMS?

All Arizona state tests are administered through the testing vendor Pearson. To register for exams, please visit the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments site. For more details regarding test preparation, please view this page.

CREATE PEARSON ACCOUNT

WHEN DO I TAKE MY EXAMS?

Typically, candidates take exams during their first year teaching in the classroom, although you have the option to take all three exams prior to teaching.

HOW SHOULD I STUDY FOR THE EXAMS?

We offer a wide variety of suggested resources, including test preparation discounts, on our Arizona State Testing page. Finally, we encourage you to join our Official Arizona Teachers Facebook Community to connect with your peers to share study tips and ask/give advice.

HOW DO I MAKE MYSELF MORE MARKETABLE WHEN APPLYING FOR JOBS?

We encourage you to take additional subject tests to meet federal highly qualified status. This will help increase your marketability as a candidate for a teaching position. For more tips on how to increase your marketability, please read our Marketability Guide.

 

WILL ARIZONA TEACHERS HELP ME GET HIRED?

Absolutely! You ultimately choose which districts to apply with, but Arizona Teachers has a team of representatives that work closely with schools across the state. We provide thousands of candidate lists, by request, to schools every year, and host both in-person and virtual job fairs. We notify candidates regarding teacher hiring events and list the schools that have recently requested our candidates. We also provide a wealth of resources to help you prepare to get your first teaching job, from online webinars and seminars to resume review services and portfolio guidance.

WHAT DO I NEED TO GET HIRED?

To get hired, you will need to first complete all three requirements of your Pre-Service Training. Once completed, you must submit fingerprints to undergo a national criminal history background check to obtain your Alternative Teaching Certificate. You may apply for your Alternative Teaching Certificate through the Arizona Department of Education.

WHEN SHOULD I START MY JOB SEARCH?

We recommend starting your job search as soon as you have completed your three Pre-Service Training requirements.

I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT A JOB APPLICATION; WHO SHOULD I ASK?

You should call the school Human Resources department, as each district application is unique.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I RECEIVE A JOB OFFER?

Congratulations! After you receive a job, it is extremely important to submit the “I Got a Job” form in your Intern Portal under Main Menu > Employment.

HOW TO SUBMIT FORM

WHAT TYPE OF CERTIFICATE DO I NEED TO TEACH DURING MY FIRST YEAR?

You will need to apply for an Alternative Teaching Certificate through the Arizona Department of Education.

HOW DO I START THE PROCESS TO RECEIVE MY ALTERNATIVE TEACHING CERTIFICATE?

To start the process of applying for your Alternative Teaching Certificate, you will need to gather all required documents: IVP Clearance Card (fingerprint card), all official transcripts, and a Verification Letter.

HOW DO I GET MY VERIFICATION LETTER?

To obtain your Verification Letter from Michigan Teachers, you must first complete your Pre-Service Training. Once completed, please inform us via email or phone. We will then generate your Verification Letter which will be delivered via email and available for download in your Intern Portal.

WHAT SHOULD I AFTER AFTER ACCEPTING EMPLOYMENT?

After accepting employment, you must submit the “I Got a Job” form located in your Intern Portal as soon as you accept an offer to teach. Once submitted, we will verify your employment and send you an email with instructions to apply for your Alternative Teaching Certificate through the Arizona Department of Education.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALTERNATIVE TEACHING CERTIFICATE AND A STANDARD TEACHING CERTIFICATE?

An Alternative Teaching Certificate is only issued to candidates pursuing certification through an educator preparation program, such as Arizona Teachers.  It is valid for two years from the date of issuance and may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years. A Standard Teaching Certificate is issued to teachers upon successful completion of the program. The Standard Teaching Certificate is valid for 12 years and can be renewed.

WHERE CAN I FIND NEW RESOURCES, TIPS, AND RELEVANT ARTICLES?

We frequently post new, relevant articles, share resources, and keep you informed about all things teaching on our Teaching in Arizona blog! Learn More.

Do you have another question that you can’t quite seem to find the answer to on this page? Feel free to check out our two other FAQ pages:

PROGRAM EXPLORATION FAQ          RECENT APPLICANTS FAQ

No luck? Submit a new question by filling out the form below!

FAQ Question Submission Form

 

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