The graduate certificate in teaching is a two-semester program aligned with the Arizona Department of Education’s requirements for teacher certification in mild/moderate special education, secondary physical education, elementary education and secondary education.
This certificate can be completed via one of two pathways:
- Traditional pathway: This pathway is for students not currently employed as a teacher of record. Students who choose this pathway will be placed as student teachers as part of the program.
- Alternative pathway: To be eligible for this pathway, you must be employed as a full-time teacher of record aligned with their certification area on the Alternative Teaching Certificate from the Arizona Department of Education (or out-of-state comparable certificate) before starting the program.
Focus your studies to fit your career goals with one of four tracks
Through this graduate certificate in teaching, you’ll receive clinical support from ASU faculty who are actively engaged in the educational research community. You’ll learn about instructional practice, assessment, content, inclusive teaching practices and more.
To customize your learning to your career goals, you'll also be required to choose a track. Available tracks include:
- Elementary education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in elementary education, K-8. In order to teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
- Secondary education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in secondary education, 6-12.
- Secondary education physical education: Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification in secondary education, 6-12, along with the physical education, preK-12 endorsement.
- Special education (mild/moderate): Graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification in mild/moderate disabilities, K-12 as documented by student needs in the individualized education program.
Please note: The special education track only prepares students to seek certification in mild/moderate disabilities. Those interested in working with students with intense support needs must complete the Master of Education in special education – teacher certification program.
Upskill your teaching career
This program includes the coursework and professional experience needed to receive an Institutional Recommendation for Arizona teacher certification.
After earning this certificate, you can continue to further your teaching career by pursuing a master’s degree. Students interested in pursuing a master’s degree within three years of completing their certificate have the option to transfer their credits to one of the following programs:
Arizona State University’s graduate certificate in teaching is designed for individuals who are already teaching on an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate or seeking a traditional student teaching placement. Throughout this program, you’ll receive clinical support and guidance to foster your growth and development as a teacher.
Throughout your courses, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to be an effective teacher in the areas of learner-centered practices, learning design, classroom environment and professional responsibilities. This certificate consists of 9–11 courses, for a total of 25–29 credit hours, depending on the track you choose.
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.
Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation. View the graduate program's application deadlines.
Please note: This program has an earlier application deadline than other online degrees offered by Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA may still be considered.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement.
- Resume.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- This program has its own English proficiency requirements in addition to the university's minimum standards.
- The following are accepted to meet this requirement of the master’s and Arizona certification programs.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): score of at least 90 on the internet-based test (iBT), with scores on the Speaking and Writing portions in the high “fair” - “Good” range (22-30). ASU’s institutional code is 4007. Only electronic copies of scores are accepted.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): overall band score of at least 6.5 with Speaking and Writing portions needing to be at least 6.5 (6 = Competent User, 7 = Good User). No institutional code is needed.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): score of at least 62.
- Duolingo English test: score of at least 110.
Individual academic units or programs may have higher requirements for English proficiency.
Note: Students may need to take the appropriate AEPA/NES exam prior to enrollment in the program, depending on state requirements for certification.
- The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals who’ve worked with you in professional or academic capacities, and who can attest to your aptitude in this field and your ability to succeed at graduate-level coursework.
- Applicants must provide a personal statement on the following:
- Describe the personal and professional goals that motivate you to apply for the graduate certificate in teacher certification.
- Explain what has led you to this career path and how you will excel as an elementary education or secondary education teacher in the classroom.
- The admission committee pays particular attention to the quality of writing and ideas expressed in the personal statement.
- Applicants are required to answer the following additional questions as part of the application:
- Have you ever been convicted of a felony?
- Are you now or have you ever been subject to any investigation regarding child abuse or neglect?
- Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted for any criminal offense involving a child?
- Have you ever previously enrolled in any program or courses that lead to teacher certification?
- Have you ever been subject to sanction, discipline or dismissal by any academic institution?
- Have you ever been employed by and/or terminated from an Arizona K-12 school or school district?
- Have you already submitted an application to DPS for your IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card?
- Do you understand this program requires daytime internship and/or student teaching commitments?
Note: Although not required for admission, students must provide a copy of their valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance card (or equivalent in their state if outside Arizona) prior to enrolling in the first term professional experience. Students who are unable to provide this documentation may be unable to start the program in the desired term/session.
Professional licensure and certification:
- Graduates are eligible to earn an institutional recommendation from ASU for Arizona teacher certification from the Arizona Department of Education.
- Graduates can directly apply for licensure through the Arizona Department of Education and via licensure-to-licensure review in another state. To be eligible for an educator credential in Arizona, candidates must meet all requirements specified by the Arizona Department of Education. To apply via licensure-to-licensure review, candidates must hold a comparable, standard and valid out-of-state educator license before applying for licensure.
- Note: The out-of-state license must have no pending/active deficiencies or disciplinary actions.
- Arizona Revised Statutes require many professions to have an active fingerprint clearance card before or as a condition of licensure, certification or employment. We highly recommend that students apply for an Identify Verified Prints (IVP) fingerprint clearance card before degree completion to facilitate teacher certification.
State authorization:
We strongly recommend you visit our state authorization page to learn how ASU is authorized to operate in your state, policies for out-of-state students and program exceptions.
ASU's academic programs that prepare you for professional licensure or certification are designed to meet Arizona's requirements. Completing an ASU program may not fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification in other states. For additional information, visit the professional licensure webpage.
Contact [email protected] if you have questions about licensure or certification.
No, Arizona State University’s certificates and diplomas don’t specify whether you earn them online or in person. All certificates, diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”