Program description
The graduate certificate in teacher certification is a flexible certification program for those who want to obtain teaching licensure in a compressed time frame while working in a classroom. There are two pathways to choose from:
- Alternative: This pathway is for working teachers
- Traditional: This pathway is for students who need placement
Through online courses, video-based teaching observations and supportive coaching, the certificate qualifies as a pathway to Arizona teacher certification in elementary education or secondary education. Coursework may be completed over the span of two or three semesters, depending on start date.
The Alternative Pathway requires students to be employed as a full-time teacher of record aligned with their certification area (elementary or secondary) before enrolling in the program.
Students in this certificate program can choose to transfer credits to a Master of Education in elementary education or a Master of Education in secondary education within three years of being admitted into the graduate certificate program.
Graduates earn an institutional recommendation for Elementary Education, K–8 or Secondary Education, 6–12 through the Arizona Department of Education. If you desire to teach in a public school in the state of Arizona, you must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
To be eligible for secondary education certification in Arizona, students must:
- Pass the appropriate Arizona educator subject knowledge exam, as well as the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
OR
- Have a conferred bachelor's or master’s degree with the content area listed in the degree title, and receive a passing score on the professional knowledge exam offered through the National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more about professional licensure: https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure
View program handbook