How to Become an Elementary School Teacher in Arizona 


| by Alex Skov

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Arizona is more than just picturesque scenery; it is a state with growing opportunities for educators, especially at the elementary level. If you want to become an elementary school teacher in Arizona, there are certain steps you must take and qualifications you must meet. Continue reading to get an overview of the process and understand what you will need to do to start your teaching career in Arizona’s elementary schools. 

Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a Teacher in Arizona 

The path to becoming an elementary school teacher in Arizona is similar to the state’s general teacher certification process. However, the Arizona Department of Education requires elementary teachers to hold a K-8 certificate that verifies their proficiency in teaching a variety of subjects. The ADE has a separate certificate for secondary education teachers that requires a specific content area of focus. 

For a more detailed look at the state-specific process, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide on how to become a teacher in Arizona, which covers everything from certification routes to testing and ongoing professional development. 

What Do You Need to Be an Elementary School Teacher in Arizona? 

To teach elementary students in Arizona, you’ll need to meet a handful of basic qualifications: 

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Ideally, this degree should be in education, but other fields are accepted if you complete additional teacher preparation courses
  • Complete a teacher preparation program: Arizona requires completion of a state-approved educator preparation program (EPP), which can be part of your degree or completed separately after graduation.  
  • Pass required certification exams: Every professional teacher in the state must pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA), including subject-specific tests relevant to elementary education.  
  • Background check: All prospective teachers in Arizona must pass a background check including fingerprint clearance to ensure they meet ethical standards for working with children. 

Steps to Becoming an Elementary School Teacher in Arizona 

Becoming an elementary school teacher in Arizona is an admirable and achievable goal. Aspiring educators only need to take a few steps to make their dream a reality in the Grand Canyon State: 

1 – Earn a Bachelor’s Degree 

The first step to becoming an elementary school teacher in Arizona is getting your bachelor’s degree. If your degree is not in education, you’ll need to fulfill additional coursework through a state-approved EPP

2 – Complete an Arizona-Approved Teacher Preparation Program 

Arizona requires each of its educators to complete a teacher preparation program, which combines academic training with hands-on classroom experience. These programs are often built into the curriculum of education undergraduate programs, but if you have already earned a degree in another field, alternative programs are available that allow you to teach while completing your preparation coursework. Moreland offers an Arizona teacher certification program online that gives aspiring teachers a flexible option for being professional educators. 

3 – Pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) 

For elementary school teachers, the AEPA exams include elementary education subtests that cover the subjects you’ll teach in the classroom and assess your professional knowledge. 

4 – Apply for Certification 

Once you’ve completed your degree, preparation program, and exams, you can apply for your certification through ADE. This process requires submission of your transcripts, test scores, and proof of program completion, among other documents. 

5 – Obtain a Fingerprint Clearance Card 

Before teaching in Arizona, you’ll need to complete a background check and get a fingerprint clearance card. This process ensures that all teachers meet the legal and ethical standards necessary to work in the state’s education system. 

6 – Begin Teaching with Initial or Provisional Certification 

Arizona offers an initial certification for new teachers and provisional certification for those transitioning from other professions or entering the classroom while completing their preparation program. Provisional certificates allow you to teach as you complete your full certification requirements. 

Can You Become an Elementary School Teacher in Arizona Without a Teaching Degree? 

Yes, you can definitely become an elementary school teacher in Arizona without an education degree! Arizona provides alternative certification routes like the TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program to help individuals with degrees in other fields meet the necessary qualifications while teaching on a provisional certificate. 

Moreland University is proud to support teachers at every stage of their career. We are helping teachers earn certification in Arizona through 100% online programs that meet state-specific requirements. You can gain the skills and credentials you need to thrive as a teacher while you work. Sign up for an info session today to learn how! 

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