{"id":45426,"date":"2023-12-04T16:18:12","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T22:18:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=45426"},"modified":"2024-11-28T02:35:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T08:35:17","slug":"can-you-teach-in-az-without-a-teaching-degree-what-you-should-know-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/can-you-teach-in-az-without-a-teaching-degree-what-you-should-know-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Teach in AZ Without a Teaching Degree? What You Should Know in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yes, you can teach in\u00a0 Arizona classrooms without a college degree.\u00a0 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Become a Teacher without a Teaching Degree in Arizona<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s degree.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative teacher certification typically leads to the award of a certificate or master\u2019s degree.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the steps to follow to become a teacher in Arizona:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1. Get a bachelor’s degree:<\/b> First, obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field of your choice. Unlike traditional teaching programs, you don\u2019t need an undergraduate degree in education to become a teacher through alternative routes. Your bachelor’s degree can be in any discipline. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Enroll in an alternative teacher preparation program:<\/b> Enroll for an <\/span>alternative teacher preparation program in Arizona<\/span><\/a> by submitting your free application and sending your official transcripts.<\/span><\/p>\n

You will get the necessary training and coursework to help you become an effective educator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Compiling a teacher preparation program may get you a teaching certificate or even a master’s degree in education.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Get certified:<\/b> 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<\/span> teacher certification standards<\/span><\/a> and get certified.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Apply for teaching jobs in Arizona: <\/b>Once you have completed the alternative teacher preparation program, you need to apply for teaching positions in Arizona schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Start teaching: <\/b>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Alternative Certification Options for Educators without a Teaching Degree<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative teacher preparation programs bridge the gap between your degree and the skills needed for effective teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ll share your expertise with students in technical areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternative preparation certificate programs in Arizona can be completed within one year. Giving you a\u00a0 quick route to teacher certification when compared to the traditional route.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teaching Certification Intern<\/b><\/h3>\n

If you have a bachelor’s degree in any field, you can obtain a temporary license known as a <\/span>Teaching Intern Certificate<\/b> or <\/span>Alternative Teaching Certificate<\/b>. The certificate allows you to begin your teaching career while still pursuing the requirements for a regular teaching certification.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you don’t complete the constitutional knowledge requirement, your certificate will be suspended.<\/span><\/p>\n

Career and Technical Education Certificates<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n