Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next term start? 
The program is taught in a cohort style, with a small group of students beginning the program at the same time and ending courses together. New cohorts begin in May of each year.

How long does it take to complete the program?
The Teach Arizona program requires only 1 year of full-time study to complete. During the year, you’ll participate in continuous, half-day practical training experiences to prepare you for the classroom.

How much time should I expect to spend on assignments and practical experience each week?
This will vary for each course and each student. Our general recommendation is that you be prepared to dedicate 10 hours per week to each 3-unit course. This is in addition to the weekly in-class time.

Can I take a break from the program?
If necessary, you can petition the UA Graduate College of a leave of absence. However, you’ll be required to wait until the next calendar year to restart at the same point in the learning sequence as before.

How does the hybrid format work in the Phoenix/Statewide program?
The internship/student teaching in the Fall and Spring semesters occur in person at the assigned school site in your local area.  UA course sessions are a hybrid on online work and live synchronous Zoom sessions.  There are Zoom sessions once a week on Fridays during the summer.  There are Zoom sessions one afternoon each week and twice a month on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) during the Fall, and once a month on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) during the Spring.

I already have a secondary certificate, but I would like to get a master’s degree.  Am I eligible to apply for the program?
No, the program is only designed for students who do not yet have a secondary teaching certificate.

I’ve taken various college social science courses such as psychology, philosophy, anthropology, art history, and religious studies.  Do they count as social studies units for the Teach Arizona program?
No, only courses with a prefix of history, political science or economics fulfill the 18-unit threshold for social studies, but we encourage you to talk with a Teach Arizona advisor if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility.

I don’t have 18 units in one of the eligible social studies areas (history, political science, economics), but I have 18 units in those areas combined.  Am I eligible for the program.
Yes, you may be accepted into the program to student teach social studies, but we will place you in a middle school setting for student teaching. Please talk to a Teach Arizona advisor about this option.

What if my degree is not in the area I want to teach?
As long as you have approximately 18 units of credit in the area you’d like to teach, your degree doesn’t have to be in that field. For math applicants, eligibility is based upon having completed university-level Calculus rather than 18 units of math.

Do I need to live in a particular area to participate in this program?

The Tucson Teach Arizona program is conducted in a traditional classroom format. Student teaching placements occur in various school districts throughout the greater Tucson area. You must live within the greater Tucson area to attend the internship and participate in face-to-face sessions that are held at Flowing Wells High School.

The Phoenix/Statewide Teach Arizona program is a hybrid model blending online coursework with periodic class sessions. Students will student teach in their local school district, and attend UA class sessions virtually via zoom.

What if I don’t live in the Tucson or Phoenix area?
Our hybrid format can serve students throughout the state. Please follow the application guidelines on the "How to Apply" page. Please contact us if you have any questions.