Arizona Special Education Teacher Certification: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of Arizona’s students with diverse learning needs? If so, a career as a special education teacher could be the perfect fit for you. This article outlines the process of becoming a special education teacher in Arizona, addressing common questions, essential requirements, and certification options.

General Teacher Certification vs. Special Education Certification

Before diving into the specifics of special education certification, it’s essential to note the differences between general teacher certification and special education certification in Arizona. The process for general teacher certification involves completing a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component, completing a student teaching placement, passing the required teacher certification exams, and applying for a teaching certificate or license.

Steps to Becoming a Special Education Teacher in Arizona

Here are the general steps to become a special education teacher in Arizona:

Complete an Educator Preparation Program (EPP): Completing an EPP is a major step for any aspiring teacher. The length of time it takes to become a special education teacher depends largely on your educational background. If you’re starting from scratch, earning a bachelor’s degree generally requires 4 years of full-time study.
Enroll in an Approved EPP: The first step to becoming a special education teacher is enrolling in an approved EPP. This type of program equips you with the tools and training to provide effective instruction and support to students with disabilities. Select an EPP that aligns with your needs and desired timeline. An EPP’s curriculum typically includes lessons on classroom management, instructional strategies, and other essential skills.

Read also: Find Remote Special Education Jobs
Participate in Hands-On Teaching Experiences: EPPs include clinical practice in a special education setting as part of your program.
Submit Your Application for a Fingerprint Clearance Card: Submit your application for a fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Apply for Certification: Apply for certification through the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

Traditional Teacher Certification Pathway in Arizona

To become a certified teacher in Arizona, candidates must meet the requirements set forth by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Certification Unit. The main steps for traditional teacher certification include:

Complete a bachelor’s degree with a state-approved teacher preparation component.
Complete a student teaching placement.
Pass the required teacher certification exams.
Apply for a teaching certificate or license.

Earning a Bachelor’s Degree

To qualify for a Standard Professional PreK-12 Teaching Certificate, the first step is to complete a bachelor’s degree. The major of your bachelor’s degree should be in the grade level and subject you wish to teach. The degree program should also include an educator preparation program (EPP) from an Institution of Higher Education (IHE) approved by the Arizona State Board of Education (the Board).

Completing a Student Teaching Placement

All Board-approved EPPs include a capstone experience, a 12-week student teaching experience or internship, and some may offer more opportunities for student teaching. The field-based experience should relate to your desired certificate area and be performed under the direction of a supervising educator and a program supervisor.

Passing Arizona Teacher Exams

Arizona requires prospective teachers to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments (AEPA) to be certified. The tests you take will depend on your requested subject area, but most areas require a Professional Knowledge Exam and a Subject Knowledge Exam. You can see which exams are required for your certificate by reviewing the ADE Certification Requirements page.

Application Requirements

Your application should include:

Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card
Official transcripts
AEPA exam scores
Non-refundable application fee

Alternative Certification Pathways

It's possible to become a special education teacher in Arizona without holding a degree in education. Arizona offers alternative certification pathways for individuals with bachelor’s degrees in other fields, and many people enter the education profession this way.

Arizona State University's Online Master of Education in Special Education

Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in special education equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to support students with mild-moderate disabilities in K-12 classrooms.

Program Highlights

Flexible pathways to certification.
Prepares you to lead accessible classrooms and improve student outcomes.
Curriculum integrates certification-aligned coursework with hands-on experience in K-12 classrooms.
Complete 34 credit hours.
An applied research project allows you to identify an education challenge and design an intervention.

Career Opportunities

This program prepares you to start a career as a certified K-12 special education teacher. The successful completion of this program can lead to a variety of educational careers.

Expert Faculty

The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Teacher Certification Renewal

Arizona Standard Teaching Certificates are good for 12 years and are renewable with proof of 180 professional development hours. Renewals can be completed online through ADE Connect or a paper application. For more information about renewals, visit the ADE educator certification renewal page.

Adding Subjects or Grades to a Teaching Certificate

Arizona teachers may wish to add an endorsement or subject area to their certificate. Requirements vary by endorsement or subject area, but teachers must prove subject knowledge through a combination of required coursework, teaching experience, and a passing score on the associated AEPA. Some areas, such as the Full Moderate/Severe Disabilities PreK-12 Endorsement and the Reading Endorsement, 6-12, additionally require a supervised practicum. For more information, visit the ADE Endorsement Requirements page or the ADE Approved Area Requirements page.

Teaching License Reciprocity

Out-of-state teachers can apply for an Arizona Standard Teaching Certificate under reciprocity rules if they have a valid, comparable teaching certificate in good standing. They might also qualify to add approved areas or endorsements if they have a valid, comparable endorsement in another state. To apply via reciprocity, teachers can use ADE Connect or a paper application. They must submit:

Valid IVP fingerprint card
Out-of-state certificate/license
Official transcripts
Non-refundable application fee

For more information, review the ADE Reciprocity page.

Other Teaching Pathways

In addition to teaching certificates, the ADE also issues credentials in administrative, supervisory, and professional areas. The requirements for these certificates vary widely.

Career and Technical Education (CTE), K-12 Certificate: Allows holders to teach a CTE program in one area of expertise such as agriculture, computer science, or business. You can qualify for a CTE Certificate with a combination of a bachelor’s degree and experience or with experience only.
School Psychologist, PreK-12 Certificate: Allows holders to assess and provide consultation and intervention to students in a school environment. To qualify, you must have a master’s degree with specialized training in school psychology and 1,200 hours of supervised internship with at least 600 hours in a school setting.
Supervisor, PreK-12 Certificate: For personnel whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs or supervising personnel. You must have a master’s degree, three years of teaching experience, and have completed a program in educational administration with an administrative practicum or experience. You must also pass the AEPA Supervisor, Principal, or Superintendent exam.

Arizona Teacher Outlook, Salary, and Jobs

Job prospects for Arizona teachers are expected to exceed national averages overall. Arizona preschool teachers are expected to see the most growth, at a rate of 13.4% (compared to 3.4% nationally). Kindergarten teacher growth is also expected to exceed national averages at 3.3%, compared to 0.6% nationally. Growth for high school teachers is expected to be 3.9% in Arizona versus 1% nationally.

Type	Number Employed in AZ4	Average Annual Openings in AZ2	AZ Proj. Job Growth 2022-20322	Average Annual Salary in AZ4	National Average Salary5
Preschool Teachers	8,190	1,120	13.4%	$33,970	$36,260
Preschool Teachers, Special Education	300	20	3.2%	$53,440	$59,780
Kindergarten Teachers	2,830	300	3.3%	$51,930	$58,830
Elementary School Teachers	25,190	1,730	3.5%	$51,180	$59,160
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers, Special Education	2,720	190	3.4%	$55,680	$64,200
Middle School Teachers	8,620	600	3.8%	$52,110	$57,770
Middle School Teachers, Special Education	780	140	-	$54,890	$62,040
Secondary School Teachers	19,830	1,270	3.9%	$59,490	$65,290
Secondary School Teachers, Special Education	2,010	-	-	$57,280	$65,030
Secondary School Teachers, Career/Technical Education	750	40	1.5%	$59,600	$65,680

*The estimated job growth average is based on projections for mainstream kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Projections for other categories, such as special education and career and technical education, may be higher or lower than the average.

Teacher Shortages in Arizona

According to the US Department of Education Teacher Shortage Area report for 2023-2024, Arizona designated the following shortages:

English as a Second Language: Bilingual Education, Pre-K-12
Language Arts: English, 6-8
Mathematics: Basic and Advanced Mathematics, 6-8
Science: General Science, 6-12
Special Education: Cognitive Disabilities, Pre-K-12
Special Education: Cross Categorical, Pre-K-12
Special Education: Early Childhood, Pre-K-3
Special Education: Emotional Disabilities, Pre-K-12
Special Education: General Curriculum, Pre-K-12
Special Education: Severely and Profoundly Handicapped, Pre-K-12

Arizona School District Requirements

If you would like to learn more about the specific requirements for becoming a teacher in Arizona cities, navigate to the city page below. On this page, you will find a step-by-step description of how to become a teacher in Phoenix’s public school district, information on substitute teaching in the city, and private and charter school information.

Additional Resources

ADE Certification Requirements: Details the requirements for all types of educator certification in the state.
ADE Connect: The system used to apply for teacher certification, add an approved area or endorsement, and renew a certificate in Arizona.
ADE Prepare and Submit an Application: Steps to assist candidates apply for a teaching certificate in the state.
Arizona Education Association (AEA): Advocates for quality public education for all and for teaching to be an esteemed profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a substitute teacher in Arizona?

To become a substitute teacher in Arizona, you must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited university or college. You must also pass a background check and apply for the state’s Substitute Certificate. The Substitute Certificate is good for six years and allows a candidate to substitute in K-12 classrooms for a maximum total of 120 days in a school year. With a high school diploma or associate degree, you can become an Emergency Substitute Teacher (EST) with a particular school or school district.

How many private schools and private school teachers are in Arizona?

During the 2019-2020 school year, there were 402 private schools in Arizona, with 59,171 students and 5,631 teachers. Private schools in the state are not required to be accredited or licensed, and private school teachers are not required to be certified. Each school sets its own teacher requirements, so check with individual schools for more details.

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