Arizona Teachers: Go from Emergency to Professional Certification
| by Hannah Sparling
Arizona has more than 60,000 K-12 teachers. Most of them hold a standard Arizona teaching certificate, but a small percentage — just shy of 1.5%, according to the latest state data — have emergency or provisional credentials.
If you’re one of those teachers with an emergency certification, here’s what you need to do to earn your professional teaching certification in the Grand Canyon State.
Arizona Educator Preparation Program
Emergency teaching certificates are good for one school year in Arizona. You can get up to three emergency certificates, but if you’re passionate about building a career in education, the sooner you can earn your professional certificate, the better.
One of the first steps is to complete an Educator Preparation Program. Your EPP will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective teacher. Arizona has a list of state-approved EPPs like Moreland University, but here are a few factors to consider:
- Do you prefer an in-person or online program?
- How quickly do you want to earn your certification? (Some programs take several years; Moreland University’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program can be completed in as little as 9 months).
- How much is tuition? Remember to consider the salary increase you’ll get once you earn your certification.
- What is the student teaching experience? Can you do your student teaching in your current classroom? Will you have a supportive mentor to guide you through the process?
If you’re wondering where to start, this guide can walk you through finding the best EPP for your interests, needs, and goals.
It’s also important to note this is just one example of a path to professional certification in Arizona. For more detailed information, visit the Arizona Department of Education website.
Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments
The next big step to earning your professional certification is to pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. There’s a professional knowledge test as well as subject knowledge tests, but the specific exams you’ll take will vary based on the subject and grades you want to teach. You can find more detailed information broken down by certification type on the AEPA website.
Exams are another point to consider when selecting your EPP: Does the program offer test prep or other support to help you pass your exams?
Why Teach in Arizona
Teachers have a profound impact on student lives and futures, and a teacher’s legacy can carry on for generations. If you have a passion for education, Arizona is a great place to make your mark.
Arizona is home to more than 60,000 K-12 teachers who educate more than 1.1 million students every year. The student body is diverse — 48% Hispanic, 35% white, 6% Black, and 4% Native American, according to the Department of Education — and the state is projecting 4% growth in elementary and secondary teaching positions by 2032, compared to 2022.
The average teacher salary in Arizona is $60,275, according to the National Education Association. It’s important to remember that salary is for around 10 months of work, as teachers typically have summers off along with several breaks during the year.
You can also earn more as a teacher if you earn your master’s degree.

9-Month TEACH-NOW Program
Arizona teachers can earn a professional certification in as little as 9 months with Moreland’s TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program.
Moreland is a fully accredited, state-approved EPP in Arizona. The program is 100% online, with live Zoom classes once a week, which makes it ideal for emergency certified teachers who are already working full-time.
You’ll learn with a small cohort of educators from around the world, giving you diverse perspectives and experiences, and making you a more rounded teacher.
You can also do your student teaching in your current classroom.
Moreland’s no-cost application only takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you typically hear back within 2 business days.