Program Exploration

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Choosing to become a teacher is a big decision, so we understand you probably have a couple of questions before you’re ready to jump in. We want you to feel as confident about our program as we do! If you’re currently exploring the Arizona Teachers program, read this 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. Happy program exploration.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN THE ARIZONA TEACHERS PROGRAM?

Arizona Teachers is the leading educator preparation program in the state. Our program is state-accredited and nationally recognized. Unlike other programs in the state, we have the unique ability to help teachers earn their certification across the entire state.

HOW CREDIBLE IS THE ARIZONA TEACHERS PROGRAM?

Arizona Teachers is fully state-accredited and trusted by teachers and successful teachers alike. After completing our program, you are eligible to teach anywhere in the state of Arizona.

HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?

While most candidates complete the online training in 1-3 months, the length of the program is up to you! Our online training is self-paced!* With our program, you’ll never have to worry about missing a due date or deadline. Find the balance that works with your schedule!

*Please be advised that while you have the flexibility to complete your training at your own pace, there is a maximum completion duration specified in your enrollment agreement. For further details, please refer to your enrollment agreement.

WHAT TYPE OF TEACHING CERTIFICATION WILL I RECEIVE?

Upon successful completion of phase one program requirements, you are issued an Alternative Teaching Certificate for your Internship Year. Once you complete all remaining program requirements and successfully complete three years of full-time teaching on an Interim Teaching Certificate, you will be recommended for a Standard Certificate.

WILL I GET PAID DURING MY INTERNSHIP YEAR?

Yes! During your Internship Year, you receive full pay and benefits from your school district while employed as the teacher of record.

DOES THE ARIZONA TEACHERS CERTIFICATION TRANSFER TO OTHER STATES?

Many states reciprocate the Arizona teaching certificate, although requirements vary from state to state. To determine the reciprocation policies and procedures, please contact the state’s department of education.

DO I NEED CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE TO JOIN THE PROGRAM?

No, you do not need classroom experience. Our program is designed for all types of candidates, including those who have not yet taught in a classroom. You will complete classroom observations as part of the program. We do also recommend completing some classroom experience (volunteer or tutor) to increase your marketability when applying for teaching positions.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GAIN AN IN-DEPTH UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROGRAM?

Great question! We offer a free monthly Program Overview Webinar which is designed to walk you through the entire program and answer all your questions. Click the button below to register.
Program Overview Webinar

WHAT CERTIFICATION AREAS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer a variety of certification endorsement areas so you can pursue an area that best aligns with your skills and abilities! To explore the list, click here.

ARE THERE ANY CERTIFICATION AREAS THAT WILL INCREASE MY MARKETABILITY AS A TEACHER?

Yes, absolutely! To increase your marketability and give yourself the best chance of getting hired quickly, we recommend pursuing a High-Need Certification Area. We help certify teachers in two areas on the 2020-2021 High-Need Area list. To learn more about which areas are on this year’s list and the benefits of pursuing a High-Need Certification Area, read our High-Need Areas 101 Guide.

 

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY?

To apply to our program, it is required that you have a 4-year bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 2.0+.

MY GPA IS LOWER THAN 2.0; CAN I STILL QUALIFY?

Unfortunately, no. It is required by the Arizona Department of Education that individuals seeking teacher certification through an alternative route provider have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

I DON’T HAVE A BACHELOR’S DEGREE; CAN I STILL QUALIFY?

Unfortunately, no. It is required by the Arizona Department of Education that all candidates pursuing teacher certification through an alternative route provider must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

I’M STILL AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT; WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

You should apply as soon as you complete your degree!

DO I HAVE TO BE A U.S. CITIZEN TO ENROLL IN ARIZONA TEACHERS TEACHERS?

No, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to apply to our program, but you may have additional program requirements to be admitted and you must meet all requirements to legally work in the U.S.

HOW DO I APPLY TO ARIZONA TEACHERS?

You can apply to Arizona Teachers online! Submitting an application form is always free, requires zero commitment, and takes less than one minute to complete. Apply for free here.

WHEN CAN I APPLY?

You can apply now! We have rolling admissions throughout the year. As soon as you are offered admission, you may enroll and gain immediate access to your online teacher training. School districts hire teachers year-round, so there are always open positions whenever you become eligible to get hired.

DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A BACKGROUND CHECK TO APPLY?

No, you are not required to complete a background check for program admission. However, you will be required to obtain an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card. When submitting your Alternative Teaching Certificate application, you will also be required to answer background check questions.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY?

There are no documents required to fill out our free application! Once you apply, you will then need to send a copy of your official university transcripts.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED?

You will receive an email from us confirming that your application has been received.

WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER I SUBMIT MY APPLICATION?

After submitting your application, your first step is to send official bachelor’s degree transcripts.

HOW DO I GET ADMITTED TO THE PROGRAM?

After submitting your application, you will complete an online questionnaire to assess your strengths as a teacher. After your official transcripts have been processed and you have completed the online questionnaire, we will send you an official Program Admission offer via email, if you have successfully met all program admission requirements.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ADMISSION DECISION?

Once all program admission requirements have been completed and we have processed your transcripts, you will receive your official Program Admission offer via email within 3 to 5 business days.

WHAT AM I REQUIRED TO PAY TO GET STARTED?

The only fee you’ll need to pay to get started is the enrollment fee – now as low as $49.50. After you submit your enrollment fee, you will gain immediate access to your online teacher training. You are only ever responsible for the remaining program balance once you are hired as a teacher with a full salary and full benefits.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE TEACHING ISN’T FOR ME?

If at any point, you choose to abandon the program before getting hired, you are not responsible for the remaining program balance.

WHAT IS THE TOTAL PROGRAM COST?

The total cost of the program is $4,495. You can now pay as low as $49.50 a month for six months to enroll and get started – or you can pay a one-time payment of $295. This enrollment fee grants you access to your online training and all the resources you need to get hired as a teacher. The remaining balance of $4,200 is only due once you are hired as a teacher. It is then paid back throughout your Internship Year of teaching.

WHEN SHOULD I PAY THE ENROLLMENT FEE?

Once you are offered admission to our program, simply pay the enrollment fee to get started immediately.

WHEN DO I PAY THE PROGRAM BALANCE?

The remaining balance of $4,250 is not due until you are hired as a full-time teacher. It is then paid back throughout your first year of teaching, usually through payroll deductions over a 10-month period.

WILL MY PROGRAM BALANCE ACCUMULATE INTEREST?

No, the program balance is always interest-free.

IS THERE A PAYMENT PLAN?

Yes! You can now enroll with Teachers of Tomorrow for as low as $49.50 a month for six months.

CAN I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?

Arizona Teachers is not an institute of higher learning, so is therefore not eligible for financial aid. Your program balance is only due once you are earning a full-time teacher salary. If you never teach, you never pay.

WHAT OTHER FEES ARE REQUIRED OUTSIDE THE PROGRAM?

Alternative Teaching Certificate | $120
Standard Teaching Certificate | $60
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card | $67
Subject Knowledge Exam | $95 – $120
Professional Knowledge Exam | $95
US Constitution and Arizona Exam | $90
Test Prep (Optional) | $10 – $150

 

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!

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:

RECENT APPLICANTS FAQ          ENROLLED CANDIDATES FAQ

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

FAQ Question Submission Form

 

Back to Top
X

Texas Teachers Exempt Countries

Texas Teachers currently recognizes these SBEC-approved countries:
  • American Samoa
  • Angulia
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Austrailia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Cayman Islands
  • Canada (except Quebec)
  • Dominica
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grand Cayman
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • Liberia
  • Nigeria
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Trinidata/ Tobago
  • Turks and Calcos
  • United Kingdom
  • US Pacific Trust