Eligible to Teach

You’ve laid the groundwork to become a teacher and are now ready to step into the classroom! It’s time to start your job search and #GetHired!

Take a moment to review the requirements to confirm you are eligible for hire. The following program requirements must be completed before seeking jobs:

• Complete Classroom Readiness Training.
• Pass MTTC.
• Obtain CPR/First Aid*

We recommend beginning your job search, as soon as you completed these tasks. We’ve compiled a list of job search resources to help. If you have finished these three items, it is time to search for a teaching job! We recommend updating your resume and tailoring it to each position for which you apply.

*Please note: Effective April 21, 2020, candidates may be issued their Initial Teacher Certification without completing a First Aid/CPR course, granted all other program requirements are met. This temporary allowance by the Arizona Department of Education is in place due to in-person facility closures. Learn more. 

Once you secure a teaching position, confirm your employment by submitting the “I Got a Job” form, located in your Intern Portal, to let us know! In conjunction with your new school, we will submit a request through the Arizona Department of Education to issue your Alternative Teaching Certificate. At this time, you will need to complete your Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate application. The application is $160 and must be paid to the Arizona Department of Education. You will also be required to submit fingerprints to undergo a Federal Background check.

Once you are hired and have obtained your Alternative Teaching Certificate, you are ready to begin teaching your first year in the classroom, while earning full pay and benefits! For any questions that arise during your first year teaching, you’ll have the support of your Arizona Teachers Field Supervisor to help guide you. Take advantage of having a skilled educator to offer support and advice; they’re there to help! Your Field Supervisor will visit your classroom three times throughout the year, and will always be on-call to answer any questions.

Once you have obtained your Alternative Teaching Certificate, you will need to complete the following program requirements during your first Internship Year:

• Excellence in Teaching and Learning coursework: Includes four skill-based projects to address specific learning objectives.
• Complete additional online coursework.
• Receive Campus Administrator Recommendation: At the end of your internship year, your Field Supervisor and your Campus Administrator (usually your school’s Principal) will submit a recommendation for your Standard Certificate.

After you have successfully completed your Internship Year, have finished program requirements, and received a recommendation from your Field Supervisor and your Campus Administrator, you must teach for an additional two years (120 days teaching per year) on your Alternative Teaching Certificate.

After you have taught for a total of three academic years, Arizona Teachers will provide you with the following documentation:

• Letter of Completion
• Transcript of your Coursework

With these two documents, you may officially apply for your Standard Certificate!

Congratulations, teacher! After you have been issued your Standard Certificate, we highly recommend adding additional endorsement areas. Our dedicated Arizona Teachers Advisors will help you choose the best area(s) for you! Verification of employment and passing MTTC scores are required for your new endorsement area.

Arizona Teachers is committed to providing quality preparation for educators. Adding an endorsement area is a fantastic way to improve your marketability and further your professional development. To support you, we are proud to offer the Good Teacher discount of $1,700, reducing the cost of each endorsement area to only $3,995.