Yes, you can teach in Arizona classrooms without a college degree. Arizona has been experiencing a persistent teacher shortage for several years. Schools across the state have faced difficulties filling teaching positions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
The shortage of teachers has negatively impacted the quality of education available to Arizona’s students, prompting policy changes to address the teacher-student gap.
One such change came in July 2022 when Governor Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1159 into law, allowing anyone enrolled in college to teach in a classroom, even if they do not hold a traditional teaching degree.
If you’re looking to become a teacher, this article will guide you on how to become a teacher in Arizona without a teaching degree and other requirements you will need to meet.
How to Become a Teacher without a Teaching Degree in Arizona
All public schools and many private schools in Arizona require educators to be appropriately certified by the Arizona State Board of Education to lead a classroom.
Even without a teaching degree, becoming an educator is possible through alternative teacher preparation programs. These non-traditional teacher certification programs are designed for individuals who have a non-education bachelor’s degree.
Alternative teacher certification typically leads to the award of a certificate or master’s degree.
To keep up with the teaching requirements in AZ, you need to stay up to date with Arizona’s teacher certification standards, and any changes in education policies are crucial to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications.
Here are the steps to follow to become a teacher in Arizona:
1. Get a bachelor’s degree: First, obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field of your choice. Unlike traditional teaching programs, you don’t need an undergraduate degree in education to become a teacher through alternative routes. Your bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline.
2. Enroll in an alternative teacher preparation program: Enroll for an alternative teacher preparation program in Arizona by submitting your free application and sending your official transcripts.
You will get the necessary training and coursework to help you become an effective educator.
Compiling a teacher preparation program may get you a teaching certificate or even a master’s degree in education.
3. Get certified: Once you complete your chosen alternative teacher preparation program by completing coursework and gaining practical teaching experience, you may need to meet other program-specific requirements. The program will prepare you to meet Arizona’s teacher certification standards and get certified.
4. Apply for teaching jobs in Arizona: Once you have completed the alternative teacher preparation program, you need to apply for teaching positions in Arizona schools.
Your certification will make you eligible for teaching roles in public and many private schools in the state. Check job postings and apply to schools or districts that align with your teaching preferences.
5. Start teaching: Upon securing a teaching position, you can begin your teaching career in Arizona. Your initial years as a teacher may involve additional mentorship and support based on your school and district’s policies.
Alternative Certification Options for Educators without a Teaching Degree
To pursue an alternative teacher certification in Arizona, you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. This requirement demonstrates that you possess an educational foundation, although your undergraduate major does not have to be in education.
Alternative teacher preparation programs bridge the gap between your degree and the skills needed for effective teaching.
In case you do not possess a bachelor’s degree but have substantial experience in a particular field, you can teach career and technical education, better known as vocational education. You’ll share your expertise with students in technical areas.
You can also follow the traditional pathways to teaching licensure in Arizona. The traditional pathway involves enrolling in an accredited teacher preparation program at a college or university to earn a degree in education and meet the state’s teaching certification requirements.
Alternative preparation certificate programs in Arizona can be completed within one year. Giving you a quick route to teacher certification when compared to the traditional route.
Teaching Certification Intern
If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field, you can obtain a temporary license known as a Teaching Intern Certificate or Alternative Teaching Certificate. The certificate allows you to begin your teaching career while still pursuing the requirements for a regular teaching certification.
To be awarded a teaching Intern Certificate, you must have a master’s degree in the subject area you wish to teach or pass scores on the appropriate subject knowledge in Arizona Educator Exams.
Educators holding a teaching Intern Certificate must have a solid understanding of Arizona and the U.S. Constitution. To fulfill this requirement, you must either take a college course covering topics on the U.S. Constitution or pass an acceptable exam in Arizona on U.S. Constitutional knowledge.
If you don’t complete the constitutional knowledge requirement, your certificate will be suspended.
Career and Technical Education Certificates
If you are interested in teaching Career and Technical Education (CTE) subjects such as agriculture, business, marketing, or other specialized areas, you can obtain a Career and Technical Education Certificate.
The Career and Technical Education Certificate certificate equips you with the necessary qualifications to teach CTE subjects, ensuring that your students receive practical and relevant instruction in these fields.
The specific requirements for obtaining a CTE Certificate may vary based on the CTE instruction area. However, there are general criteria that you must meet, which include:
- Educational qualifications: You need a bachelor’s degree in the CTE instruction area you wish to teach. This ensures that you have a solid academic foundation in the subject matter.
- Work experience: You must have relevant work experience. The requirements for work experience depend on your educational background:
For instance, with a bachelor’s degree, you must have at least 240 hours of verified work experience in the CTE instruction area.
With a high school diploma, a more extensive work experience of at least 6,000 hours in the instruction area is necessary.
Upon meeting the requirements for a CTE Certificate, you’ll receive a provisional certification to teach CTE subjects in Arizona schools. However, you must complete the requirements for standard certification within three years.
Standard certification involves fulfilling additional criteria, which include professional development, further coursework, and other requirements. Achieving standard certification ensures you meet the state’s standards for teaching excellence in these special areas.
Teaching Jobs in Arizona
Arizona offers a wide range of teaching opportunities in various educational settings. You can impact your student’s educational journey at different stages and cater to their academic needs and interests.
The choice of teaching position depends on your personal preferences, qualifications, and areas of expertise. Here are various teaching roles you can explore in Arizona:
Preschool teachers:
Preschool teachers work with young children aged between 3-5 years to introduce them to foundational concepts, promote social development, and provide a nurturing early learning experience.
Your key responsibilities as a preschool teacher include creating a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment and developing age-appropriate lesson plans and activities to promote early learning.
You will also foster social and emotional development in young children, assess and track their progress, communicate with parents, and ensure the safety and well-being of preschoolers.
Preschool teachers, special education:
Special education preschool teachers focus on providing specialized instruction and support to young children with disabilities, helping them develop essential skills.
Your roles as a special education preschool teacher will include providing individualized support and interventions to help children with special needs achieve developmental milestones and collaborating with specialists and therapists to address specific challenges.
You will also maintain communication with parents and caregivers regarding students’ progress.
Kindergarten teachers:
Kindergarten teachers play a crucial role in a child’s early education, emphasizing basic academic and social skills to prepare students for elementary school.
As a kindergarten teacher, your key responsibilities will include teaching foundational academic skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics, and developing lesson plans that engage young learners and promote curiosity. You will also create a positive classroom environment that fosters social and emotional growth, assess student performance, and communicate with parents about progress.
Elementary school teachers:
Elementary school teachers work with students in grades 1-5, covering a wide range of subjects and providing a comprehensive education foundation.
You will also instruct students in multiple subjects, such as English, math, science, and social studies, and create and implement lesson plans that align with state standards. In addition, you’ll foster a positive classroom atmosphere, promote a love of learning, and assess student progress while providing feedback to parents and guardians.
Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school:
Special education teachers in elementary school settings provide tailored instruction and support to students with disabilities, ensuring they access and succeed in the general curriculum.
In this role, you’ll modify curriculum and teaching strategies to accommodate students with disabilities and develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for each student. You collaborate with support staff, therapists, and parents to meet the unique needs of students and provide specialized instruction and interventions to help students succeed academically and socially.
Middle school teachers:
Middle school teachers work with students in grades 6-8, focusing on subject-specific instruction and helping students transition from elementary to secondary education.
As a middle school teacher, you instruct students in specific subject areas while emphasizing critical thinking and skill development and develop engaging lesson plans that cater to the unique needs of adolescents. Other roles include fostering a positive and respectful classroom culture, assessing student performance, and communicating with parents and guardians.
Middle school teachers, special education:
Special middle school teachers provide instruction and support to students with disabilities in middle schools while addressing their unique learning needs during this developmental stage.
As a special education teacher in middle school, you will adapt your curriculum and teaching methods to meet the needs of middle school students with disabilities.
You will develop and implement individualized education plans for special education students and collaborate with other educators and professionals to address students’ unique learning challenges.
Secondary school teachers:
Secondary school teachers work with students in high school (grades 9-12) to provide subject-specific instruction and prepare students for college or the workforce.
As a secondary school teacher, you teach specific subjects in depth and prepare students for post-secondary education or the workforce. You also create comprehensive lesson plans and assessments, encourage critical thinking and independent learning, and guide on career and academic pathways.
Secondary school teachers, special education:
Special education teachers in secondary schools support students with disabilities in secondary schools through class instruction, providing accommodations, and preparing them for life beyond high school.
Among other roles as a special teacher in secondary schools, you will modify curriculum and teaching approaches to support students with disabilities in high school and develop and implement Individualized Education Plans tailored to each student’s needs.
You will also work with support staff and therapists to address students’ unique challenges and prepare students with disabilities for post-secondary education or career opportunities.
Secondary school teachers, career/technical education:
Teachers in this category prepare students for careers by offering instruction in career and technical education areas, such as healthcare, technology, or trades.
As a technical teacher, you will instruct students in special career and technical education subjects and develop and deliver hands-on, skill-based lessons. Additionally, you will prepare students for careers in specific fields, such as healthcare, technology, or trades, and help them obtain industry certifications or credentials.
Arizona Teacher Salary
According to Salary.com, the average Public School Teacher salary in Arizona is $56,056, but the range typically falls between $46,809 and $68,370.
The average entry-level teacher salary in Arizona is $42,304, while the salary range typically falls between $35,326 and $51,598.
The salary range for entry-level teachers typically can vary widely based on several factors:
- City: Teacher salaries may differ significantly from one city to another. Urban areas, where the cost of living is higher, generally offer slightly higher salaries than rural areas. The demand for teachers can also impact salaries, with some urban districts paying more to attract and retain educators.
- Education: Your level of education is a significant determinant of the salary you will receive. With advanced degrees, such as master’s degrees or even doctorates, you can earn a higher salary.
Many school districts offer pay incentives for teachers who hold advanced degrees or have completed special training, as it reflects a commitment to professional development and expertise in their field.
- Certifications: Earning additional teaching certifications can increase your prospect of salary enhancements. For example, certifications in high-need areas like special education or bilingual education can open doors to higher-paying positions.
These certifications indicate your ability to meet the specific educational needs of students with disabilities or non-native English speakers.
- Additional skills: You can command higher salaries with unique skills or expertise. For example, fluency in multiple languages is a valuable asset in Arizona’s diverse student population, and with this skill, you will receive additional compensation.
Proficiency in technology and the ability to integrate it effectively into the classroom can also lead to higher salaries in the modern education landscape.
- Years of teaching experience: Experience plays a role in determining a teacher’s salary. With more years in the profession, you will earn higher pay. School districts recognize the value of experienced teachers who have honed their skills and classroom management techniques.
Arizona Teacher Outlook.
Arizona has been grappling with a persistent and challenging teacher shortage for several years. Teacher shortage has significantly impacted the state’s educational system, leaving many teaching positions vacant or filled by people who don’t meet standard teacher requirements.
As of the most recent data, 78.7% of teacher positions in Arizona either remained vacant or were filled by people who did not meet the typical standards for teacher qualifications.
In response to this ongoing teacher shortage, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill in 2022 aimed at addressing the issue.
This bill allows college students to teach in Arizona classrooms without traditional teaching degrees, providing a solution to help fill the teaching gaps and ensure students have access to qualified educators.
Become a Teacher in Arizona
Becoming a teacher in Arizona has become more accessible because of the state’s various alternative routes to teacher certification.
You don’t need a traditional teaching degree to teach in Arizona. With a bachelor’s degree in any field, you can enroll in the certification programs and start a teaching career in the state.
To qualify for alternative certification, you need to have a bachelor’s degree and pass subject knowledge exams. Having relevant work experience is also beneficial.
Arizona offers a unique pathway with provisional certification, allowing you to teach while working toward a standard certificate.
Teaching in Arizona offers various benefits, including a salary range between $46,809 and $68,370. You also get the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the next generation, inspire and educate young minds, contribute to the community, and help address teacher shortages.
Take that first step to become a teacher in Arizona with Teachers of Tomorrow. Your decision to become a teacher can shape the future of education in the Grand Canyon State, contributing to the growth and success of your learners.
