Teach Arizona Master's Program (formerly Teach for Tucson)

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, social studies, history, 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 2008 cohort begins taking classes on May 19, 2008.

Where can I obtain an application?

Applications are completed on-line at the College of Education website. Be sure to read the instructions on admissions requirements prior to submitting your application. There are two parts to the application process: the College of Education application and the Graduate College application. You should NOT apply to the Graduate College until you have been admitted into the Teach for Tucson program. There is a $50 non-refundable fee to apply to the Graduate College, so you should be admitted into a graduate program before you apply to the Graduate College.

I can not find the subject areas English, social studies or history on the application.

The changes in subject area were made recently and the application does not reflect those changes. Leave that section blank and send an email indicating your area of interest.

When are applications due?

Applications for the May 2009 program will be due some time in January, 2009.

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, social studies, history, physics, chemistry, biology, earth science OR general science (12 life, 12 physical science credit hours);
• 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, biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, general science, English, social studies, history, or Spanish). 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?

2007/2008 tuition and fees for resident students for summer pre-session, summer sessions I & II, fall semester and spring semester are approximately $9,000. Non-resident tuition and fees for 2007/2008 are approximately $17,500. Tuition and fees for the 2008/2009 program may increase. Books and parking are extra. The College of Education provides qualified Teach Arizona students with a registration stipend; the stipend for the 2007-2008 program was approximately $7,000 per student. A limited number of nonresident tuition waivers also may be available.

Is financial aid available?

A portion of resident tuition and fees will paid for by the College of Education. Additional financial aid is available in the form of federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans for fall and spring. Alternative private loans are available for summer session.

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.

Since this is a cohort program, students must enroll in all courses in the program; however, your subject matter coursework at the master’s level will apply to the 24 semester credit minimum.

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?