Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education

The Post Baccalaureate Elementary Education Certificate is appropriate for students who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in earning K-8 teacher certification with the Arizona Department of Education.

Fall Applications due by the 3rd Thursday of July
Spring Applications due by the 3rd Thursday of November




Traditional Program Fall Start
Traditional Program Spring Start

Teacher in Residence Program Fall Start
Teacher in Residence Program Spring Start

Program Information

The Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education K–8 Program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in earning K–8 teacher certification with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

Individuals may complete the program through one of two options, depending on their current teaching status:

  • Traditional (TRAD) Program: Gain experience as a teacher-in-training in a K–8 classroom by working directly with a master teacher while attending synchronous class sessions with a CAC cohort.
  • Teacher in Residence (TIR) Program: Gain experience as a teacher of record in a K–8 classroom while attending synchronous class sessions with a CAC cohort.

All individuals in the Post-Baccalaureate K–8 Program must complete 12 weeks of student teaching in a K–8 classroom.

CAC awards Institutional Recommendation upon successful program completion. After receiving Institutional Recommendation, students must apply for teacher certification with the Arizona Department of Education. Individuals may apply for the Structured English Immersion Endorsement and the K-5 Literacy Endorsement after meeting eligibility criteria.

Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education Information Session Recording

Watch a recorded information session covering the Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education K–8 Program, including program requirements, application process, Traditional (TRAD) and Teacher in Residence (TIR) pathways, student teaching, ADE certification requirements, and more!

Program Pathways & Application Information

Traditional (TRAD) Program

Students who are not yet teaching on a contract in a K-8 general education classroom will apply as a Traditional (TRAD) candidate. 

Traditional Application QR code
Traditional Program Application 
After completing the program application you must apply to a be a student at Central Arizona College Admissions.

Teacher In Residence (TIR) Program Information:

Students who are teaching on a contract in a K-8 general education classroom will apply as a Teacher in Residence (TIR) candidate.

Teacher in Residence Application QR code
Teacher in Residence (TIR) Program Application
After completing the program application you must apply to be a student at Central Arizona College Admissions.

For more information visit the ADE website: Arizona Department of Education