Arizona Alternative Elementary Teacher Certification Program
If you want a fulfilling career where you may make a difference in the lives of children as an elementary school teacher in Arizona, this teacher education program is for you. At Alliant, we know how important teacher preparation can be. That's why we've created this certificate program for all aspiring teachers looking to begin their career in elementary education.
This Arizona State Board of Education (ASBE)-approved educator certification program prepares you to teach grades K-8 within the state. The coursework for the elementary teacher certification is offered online with extensive hands-on training and classroom simulations to ensure you are prepared to guide and educate in the classroom. The online teaching certificate is designed to fit your educational studies into your schedule. At Alliant, we understand that our aspiring teachers are going to be the ones to help each student strive and succeed. This education program for prospective teachers provides the training needed to potentially lead a classroom of hopeful students.
The educator preparation certificate program includes a student teaching an internship where you will be paired with an experienced teacher and field supervisor who will mentor you through assessments and coach you through individualized sessions while you learn, teach, and earn an income. Here you will gain valuable student insights and gain the teacher education you need when working in an elementary school. Alliant supports each teacher candidate in earning a professional certificate while emphasizing the importance of continuing education for career growth.
Program Highlights
Online
Courses for the teacher preparation program are taught online, with hands-on experience and video simulations, all helping to prepare you to teach.
ASBE-Approved Curriculum
Programs are Arizona State Board of Education-approved, leading to an elementary and secondary school teacher certification in Arizona.
Learn and Earn
As a candidate in the educator preparation program, if you're enrolled as an intern, you can also keep or enter into a full-time contract with a school as a teacher of record.
All Bachelor’s Degrees Welcome
If you have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution, in any subject, you will fulfill this admissions requirement.
Classes Starting Every Eight Weeks
You can enroll in this educator preparation program at any point in the year; qualified applicants are accepted at scheduled dates every eight weeks.
Fast and Focused
The teacher education program typically takes 12 months for certification, and an additional two terms for certification and master's degree.
Your Path to a Master’s
In this accelerated, graduate-level program, you can earn your MAE with only three more classes.
Admissions
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Faculty
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Degree Information
Links and Downloads
School Performance Fact Sheets
Program Admissions Requirements
Arizona Teacher Certification Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How will this program prepare me to become a teacher?
This elementary ed certification program gives you an alternative pathway to teacher certification on an intern teaching certificate. The elementary teaching certificate online program is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach grades K-8. In the program you'll explore best practices in pedagogy, while gaining the skills, knowledge, and disposition that are crucial to confidently entering the profession through:
- Competencies aligned with InTASC and ISTE Standards
- Support through a consortium of partners that include public, charter and private schools and other related organizations, non-profits, and agencies
- Research- and evidence-based training to meet the needs of all learners
- Development of skills to make a lasting impact
- A structured English immersion model that incorporates English language development (ELD) standards connecting language skills and academic content
Does program completion prepare me for certification as a teacher?
Yes, as a program completer, you will receive a recommendation to receive your certification. For a full list of state certification requirements, visit our Arizona Certification Requirements page.
When does the elementary education program begin?
The Arizona teacher certification program runs on eight-week terms and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods.
What scholarship and financial aid are available?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of completing your elementary education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
How long does it take to complete the program?
This is a 30-credit program by itself, and a 39-credit program when obtained concurrently with the MAE in teaching. When the elementary education degree program is followed without interruption, it can be completed in as few as six terms, and in additional two terms with the concurrent MAE in teaching.
How is this alternative pathway to a teaching certification different?
Arizona offers a variety of pathways to be a certified teacher; in order to qualify for this alternative pathway to a teaching certification, you must:
- Hold at least a bachelor’s degree
- Enroll in an Arizona State Board-approved teacher preparation program
- Complete three semester hours or 45 hours of state-approved structured English immersion training for either the provisional or full SEI endorsement
- Have passed the US/Arizona Constitution exam or test
- Hold a temporary teaching intern/alternative teaching certificate
You also must pass an Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment in your chosen subject area and possess a verification letter from your education preparation program. Once you have met the above qualifications and have graduated from the teacher preparation program, your certification will be valid for two years, and may be extended yearly for no more than two consecutive years.
Two additional requirements may be completed within one to three years of completing your certification in order to maintain its validity:
- A college course or the appropriate examination covering the provisions and principles of the Arizona Constitution
- A college course or the appropriate examination covering the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution
This alternative pathway allows for potential and future Arizona teachers to minimize the work required to turn their existing bachelor’s or higher degree into a teaching certification so that they can begin their teaching career as soon as they possibly can.
Explore the various pathways by visiting the Arizona Department of Education Educator Certification webpage.
Is the program taught online, on-campus or both?
All coursework for the Arizona teacher certification program can be completed online. For most teacher candidates, the online format offers flexibility and access to professional development resources. This helps in meeting teacher licensure requirements while balancing other commitments.
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSOE
CSOE offers a variety of degrees, certificates, and credentials in education that prepare you to make a lasting difference through teaching, counseling, leadership, advocacy, administration, management, and community work. Whether you’re looking for an online degree program or an in-person learning experience for your higher education, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
