Teach Arizona Master's Program 

For more information, contact TTE department at ttegrad@email.arizona.edu

What is Teach Arizona?

Teach Arizona is a fast-track, one year cohort Masters program that prepares people who already hold a bachelor’s degree to become certified to teach science, math, English, US History, World History, American Government, Economics, Social Studies (middle school only), or Spanish in middle school (grades 5 - 8) or secondary school (grades 9 - 12) subject area classrooms.

What are the program dates?

The program is a 12 month program that begins in pre-summer session each May and ends the next May with graduation. The May 2009 cohort began taking classes on May 18, 2009.

Where can I obtain an application?

Applications are completed on-line at the Graduate College application site. Be sure to read the instructions on admissions requirements prior to submitting your application.

When are applications due?

Applications are no longer being accepted for May 2009.  Beginning August 17, 2009 applications will be accepted for May 2010.

What are the criteria to apply?

To be considered for the Teach Arizona Master's Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• A strong background in one of the following areas: math, Spanish, English, US History, World History, American Government, Economics, Social Studies (middle school only), physics, chemistry, biology, earth science OR general science
• B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited four-year institution. You may also have a graduate degree
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA or, if undergraduate GPA is less than a 3.0, the GPA will be calculated on the most recently completed 60 transfer units
• 3.0 GPA in subject area coursework

What are other requirements I should be aware of?

One of the requirements for teacher certification in Arizona is fingerprint clearance. If you are awaiting trial or have been convicted of certain offenses in Arizona or another state, you may be precluded from receiving a Fingerprint Clearance Card. Some offenses are not petitionable to the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Packets for submitting your fingerprints to the state are available in the COE Office of Student Services.

What if my degree is not in the area I want to teach?

You must have a background in the area you plan to teach (math, Spanish, English, US History, World History, American Government, Economics, Social Studies (middle school only), physics, chemistry, biology, earth science OR general science). The admissions team will evaluate transcripts for applicability to the Arizona approved teaching areas.

Thirty individuals may be accepted, depending upon qualifications.

The program has four strands: the College core (6 units), Foundations core (12 units), Pedagogical/Methodological core (6 units), and Internship/Practica (12 units).

I cannot begin courses in May. Can I start this program in the fall instead?

No. This is a cohort program (students progress through the program together) starting pre-summer session in May.

Is this a full-time course of study?

The program is a full time day program. Students generally find it difficult to fulfill work obligations during this program.

What will the program cost?

2009-2010 tuition and fees for resident students for summer pre-session, summer sessions I & II, fall semester and spring semester are approximately $12,904. Non-resident tuition and fees for 2009-2010 are approximately $27,816. Tuition and fees for the 2010-2011 program may increase. Books and parking are extra.

Is financial aid available?

The College of Education may provide qualified Teach Arizona students with a tuition scholarship.  A limited number of nonresident tuition waivers also may be available. Alternative private loans are available for summer session. Additional financial aid is available in the form of federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans for fall and spring. If you are interested in any of these programs, please complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2009/2010 as soon as it is available.

You can apply online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

New Grant Program - TEACH Grants

The newly established Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program will be effective beginning July 1, 2008.  The TEACH Grant is awarded by the U of A to students who are completing, or intend to complete, coursework to begin a career in teaching and who agree to serve for a minimum of four years as a full-time, highly-qualified, high-need field teacher in a low-income school.  This grant provides up to $4,000 a year in grant assistance to students with an aggregate limit for undergraduates or post-baccalaureate that cannot exceed $16,000.  The total amount that a graduate student may receive cannot exceed $8,000.  If the student is enrolled less than full-time, including less than half-time, the amount of the annual TEACH Grant that he or she may receive must be reduced accordingly.  For more information about the education field, teaching, and this grant visit https://financialaid.arizona.edu/grants/teach.aspx .

I am an out-of-state resident; can I get a tuition waiver for in-state tuition?

The College of Education has a limited number of in-state tuition waivers for out-of-state participants. These waivers are given to admitted Teach Arizona students on a first-come, first-served basis.

When will classes be offered?

Summer Session courses (15 semester credits) are usually offered in the mornings 5 days a week, but may also be offered in the afternoon. Fall and spring semester courses, including the internship, will begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. and end mid-afternoon (depending on school schedules). You may be required to take evening or weekend courses at the University of Arizona.

Summer session courses will be on the UA campus. Fall and spring classes will be offered primarily on a school district campus.

Since this is a cohort program, students must enroll in all courses in the program.

Yes. If you meet the program requirements, you may be admitted to this program. Undergraduate credits will not be applied to your graduate degree.

If I have a doctoral degree, can I apply for this program?

Yes, however, the fast-track program is only associated with obtaining a master’s degree and certification.

Yes. Fingerprint clearance and passing the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) are also required.

Yes. Field experiences are an important component of the program. During the fall and spring semesters, students will divide their day between coursework and an internship (student teaching) assignment. Teach Arizona Master's Program interns will follow the fall and spring calendars of the schools where they are assigned.

Is student teaching included in the degree?

Yes. The internship is student teaching.

The program coordinator will collaborate with school districts representatives to find the best mentor teacher for you.

What are the graduation requirements?

To graduate you must remain in good academic standing (3.0 GPA), successfully complete the internship experience, and successfully complete a written action research project.

What kind of teaching license/certificate will I obtain?

An Arizona secondary (7-12) certificate to teach in your subject knowledge area. Students in Teach Arizona can also take two extra classes in middle school child development and curriculum to obtain an endorsement to teach in middle schools (grades 5 - 8).

Is Teach Arizona affiliated with Teach for America?

No, they are different programs.

Is teaching in Tucson required after receiving the degree?

No, there is no requirement to teach in Tucson or elsewhere after completing the program.

Are jobs guaranteed after the degree?

Jobs are not guaranteed, however, districts need good teachers, and the internships provide an opportunity for them to identify teachers who meet their needs.

Will a master’s degree be advantageous in terms of getting hired?