How to Get a Teaching Certificate in Arizona

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Along with other requirements, a teaching certificate is necessary to teach in the state of Arizona. This is to ensure that Arizona's children have certified and qualified teachers in the classrooms. Each grade section, such as elementary and secondary education, has separate certifications. The other requirements in Arizona to becoming a teacher include meeting the federal "highly qualified" standard, and satisfying the Structured English Immersion endorsement requirement. Both of these requirements are mandatory to teach in the state.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Obtain an Arizona fingerprint clearance card, issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Step2

Fill out and send in the completed application for certification, along with the required fees. Fees are not refundable, so be sure to fill out the application request correctly.

Step3

Send in a certified copy of transcripts from the accredited institution you graduated from. This transcript will not be returned, so keep personal copies for later use.

Step4

Enclose letters of verification of teaching experience from the institutions where you previously taught. These letters need to be on official letterhead and signed by the principal or superintendent.

Step5

Study for, take and pass the AEPA, Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment test. This is necessary for most teaching certificates in the state. The test may be waived under certain circumstances, such as graduation from state board approved teaching preparation courses from accredited state universities.

Step6

Ask if your previous teaching experience and training allows you to be considered a "highly qualified" teacher.

Step7

Complete state approved Structured English Immersion (SEI) training.