Certificate in Secondary School Teaching

This educator preparation program gives you an alternative pathway to teacher certification on an intern teaching certificate. The certificate program is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become a secondary teacher in Arizona. In this Arizona secondary teaching certificate program you'll explore best practices in pedagogy, while gaining the skills, knowledge, and disposition that are crucial to confidently entering the profession through:

• Competencies are aligned with InTASC and ISTE Standards 
• Support through a consortium of partners that include public, charter and private schools and other related organizations, non-profits, and agencies
• Research- and evidence-based training to meet the needs of all learners
• Development of skills to make a lasting impact
• A structured English immersion model where integrated instruction incorporates English language development (ELD) standards connecting language skills and academic content

Yes, completing this teaching program will qualify you for a recommendation toward certification. For a full list of state certification requirements, visit our Arizona Certification Requirements page.

The Arizona teacher certification program runs on eight-week terms and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods.

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.

The Arizona secondary teacher certification is a 30-credit program by itself, and a 39-credit program when obtained concurrently with the MAE in teaching. When the program is followed without interruption, it can be completed in as few as six terms, and in an additional two terms with the concurrent MAE in Teaching.

Arizona offers a variety of pathways to become a certified teacher; in order to qualify for this alternative pathway to a teaching certification, you must:

• Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
• Enroll in an Arizona State Board-approved teacher preparation program
• Complete three semester hours or 45 hours of state-approved structured English immersion training for either the provisional or full SEI endorsement
• Have passed the US/Arizona Constitution exam or test, and hold a temporary Teaching Intern/Alternative Teaching Certificate
   

You also must pass an Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment in your chosen subject area and possess a verification letter from your education preparation program. Once you have met the above qualifications and have graduated from the teacher preparation program, your professional certificate will be valid for two years, and may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years.

Two additional requirements may be completed within one to three years of completing your secondary certificate of education certification in order to maintain its validity:

• A college course or the appropriate examination covering the provisions and principles of the Arizona Constitution
• A college course or the appropriate examination covering the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution

This alternative pathway allows for potential and future Arizona teachers to minimize the work required to turn their existing bachelor’s or higher degree into a teaching certification so that they can begin their teaching career as soon as they possibly can.

Explore the various pathways by visiting the Arizona Department of Education’s Educator Certification webpage.

All coursework for the Arizona teacher certification program can be completed online. For most teachers, the online format offers flexibility and access to professional development resources. This helps in meeting teacher licensure requirements while balancing other commitments.