Central Arizona College Now Offering Pathways to a K-8 Teaching Certificate

By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing

Central Arizona College’s Elementary Education Program is now offering a post-baccalaureate K-8 program leading to teaching certification with the state of Arizona for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Applications are being accepted for the January 2023 to November 2024 Educator Preparation Program (EPP) student cohort. There are two pathways to choose from: a traditional pathway and alternative pathway (TIR). The traditional pathway provides a practicum and student teaching experience with coursework while the alternative pathway offers candidates with a full-time teaching contract the opportunity to complete coursework concurrent with teaching duties.

Synchronous online class sessions with experienced educators are available at a reduced community college cost. Tuition at CAC for Spring 2023 is $50 per credit hour. This will increase to $75 for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024.

Upon completion of the 15-month program, completers will earn Institutional Recommendation from Central Arizona College which is necessary to apply for certification with the Arizona Department of Education.

Cara Steiner, Elementary Education Department Chair and Lead Faculty stated, “One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is to see students achieve at high levels: physically, socially, creatively, and intellectually.”

For additional information or to apply for the EPP please visit centralaz.edu/elementary.