Frequently Asked Questions

1. I already have a secondary teaching certificate, but I would like to get a master’s degree. Am I eligible to apply for the program?

No. The program is only designed for students who do not yet have a secondary teaching certificate. There may be another graduate level College of Education program that meets your needs.

2. I don’t have 24 units in one of those social studies areas. Instead I have units in various subjects such as history, political science, anthropology, philosophy, etc. Can I combine these and be eligible to apply?

Only History and Political Science courses will be counted.  Not anthropology, philosophy, art history, etc.  If you have 24 units of History and Political Science combined, you may still be eligible for our program, but you will be placed in a middle school social studies class for student teaching.

3. What if my degree is not in the area I want to teach?

4. I live in the greater Tucson area, but I would rather take the Teach Arizona program online. Can I do that?

No, the online Pinal County program is open only for students who live in Pinal County. Student internships will be completed in Pinal County partner schools.

5. In addition to the listed criteria to apply, are there other requirements I should be aware of?

One of the requirements for teacher certification in Arizona is fingerprint clearance. If you are awaiting trial or have been convicted of certain offenses in Arizona or another state, you may be precluded from receiving a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Some offenses are not petitionable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.  Packets for submitting your fingerprints to the state are available in the COE Office of Student Services. This does not have to be done before you are accepted into the program.

6. How many people are accepted?

Up to thirty individuals may be accepted in each cohort, depending upon qualifications.

7. I cannot begin the program in May. Can I begin in the fall?

No. This is a cohort program. Students progress through the program together. All students must begin in May.

8. Is this a full-time program?

Yes, in the traditional Tucson-based program, the courses occur during the day (with morning site internships and afternoon UA courses). In the online Pinal County-based program, site internships will occur during the school day, with coursework to be completed during the remainder of the day. Students generally find it difficult to fulfill work obligations during the program.

9. Is this program affiliated with Teach for America?

No, they are different programs.

10. Is teaching in Tucson required after receiving the degree?

No, there is no requirement to teach in Tucson or elsewhere after completing the program.

11. Can I transfer my graduate education coursework to his program?

Since this is a cohort program, student must enroll in all courses in the program of study.

12. Does the program meet State of Arizona Certification Requirements?

Yes, fingerprint clearance and passing the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) are also required.

13. Do I get to work with students in schools?

Yes. Field experiences are an important component of the program. During the fall and spring semesters, students will divide their day between coursework and an internship (student teaching) assignment. One of the most unique aspects of the program is that Teach Arizona interns are able to spend an entire year at their assigned school site.

14. How will my internship assignment be determined?

The Teach Arizona program coordinator will collaborate with school district representatives to find the best mentor teacher for you. Students who are admitted to the program may not attempt to secure their own placement. However, they may share their placement preferences with the Teach Arizona program coordinator.

15. In what schools might I be placed for my internship?

Students in the Tucson cohort may be placed in any of the public school districts throughout the greater Tucson area, including Sahuarita upon request. Students in the Pinal County cohort may be placed in school districts within Pinal County.

16. What are the graduation requirements?

To graduate, students must remain in good academic standing (3.0 GPA), successfully complete the internship experience, and successfully complete a written classroom inquiry project.

17. Are jobs guaranteed after the degree?

Jobs are not guaranteed. However, districts need good teachers and Teach Arizona graduates are typically highly sought after.