3 Ways to Advance Your Teaching Career in Arizona

Arizona teachers enjoy long-term job stability, a diverse and supportive school community, unique incentives for educators, and generous retirement benefits.

But how can you grow your career as an educator in the Grand Canyon State? How do you maximize your salary, take on new responsibilities, or earn that promotion you’ve been eyeing?

Below are 3 ideas to help you advance your teaching career in Arizona, whether you’re just starting your journey or are an experienced educator with decades of experience

1. Earn Your Professional Teaching Certification

Many educators in Arizona begin their careers with Emergency Certificates. This allows them to start teaching quickly in high-need areas, but these positions often come with lower salaries and fewer long-term career prospects.

Once you earn your professional teaching certificate, that typically comes with an automatic pay bump. It also opens the door to different teaching jobs that may come with better pay or perks.

Earning your certification may have an upfront cost as you pay for Educator Preparation Program tuition, but the increased salary will more than offset this down the line. You could also explore whether your school or district offers tuition assistance or reimbursement.

When you’re ready to choose your EPP, pay attention to program type (in-person or online), quality, cost, and length. In addition to being an approved EPP in Arizona, Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is fully accredited, 100% online, and can be completed in as little as 9 months.

2. Earn an Advanced Degree

Earning a master’s degree can significantly boost your earning potential as a teacher. For example, at Emerson Elementary in Phoenix, a beginning teacher with a master’s degree earns $8,000-plus more a year than a teacher without an advanced degree. This gap continues to widen as teachers move up salary scales, leading to higher lifetime earnings.

Nationwide, teachers with master’s degrees have an average top salary that’s $10,457 a year more than the top salary for teachers with a bachelor’s only, according to the National Education Association.

A master’s degree can also help you grow your skills and expertise based on your interests and career goals. For example, maybe you’re passionate about diversity and the global education community. You could earn your master’s in globalization and education research. Or maybe you’d like to grow into an administrator role. You could earn a master’s in educational leadership.

Many leadership positions in education require a master’s degree, so it’s a great way to explore your interests, expand your knowledge, and set yourself up for career growth and success.

3. Explore Additional Revenue Streams

Educators often receive a 12-month salary for 9–10 months of work, prompting many to pursue additional income opportunities during the summer break. Popular options include creating content for educational platforms or tutoring, with tutors in Arizona earning an average of $24.80 per hour.

Additionally, Moreland University’s Referral Program allows educators to earn rewards by referring colleagues who are looking to advance their teaching careers. By helping others achieve their goals, you can earn a $200 Visa gift card for each successful enrollment made through your unique referral link.

Take the Next Step with Moreland University

The strategies above can help you increase your salary, open new career pathways, and achieve your professional goals. Whether you’re working toward your professional teaching certification or want to advance your career and skills with a master’s degree, Moreland University supports educators with flexible, innovative programs designed to fit your busy schedule and career aspirations.

Our programs are fully accredited and 100% online. Our no-cost application only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you typically hear back within 2 business days.