Arizona Teachers Academy

Redefining Education in the 21st Century

If you already have your bachelor's degree and are ready to bring your skills and experience to the next generation of Arizona students, the Arizona Teachers Academy at Maricopa Community Colleges can provide the financial support you need to get your Arizona teaching certificate at no or low-cost.

Post Baccalaureate Program at Rio Salado College

With 48 start dates to choose from every year, Rio Salado's online Post Baccalaureate program can start you on the path to a teaching certificate when it's convenient for you.

The program is designed for individuals who have at least a bachelor's degree, in any area, from an accredited university and who would like to become a teacher. Typically, this program takes two years and provides training within your chosen teaching area, including teaching methodology and the opportunity for classroom teaching experience.

Once accepted into the program, you will be eligible to apply for Arizona Teachers Academy financial support, which means your tuition and fees are covered in exchange for your agreement to teach in Arizona after graduation.

The program offers certification in the following three teaching areas:

Elementary Education (Grades K–8)
Secondary Education (Grades 6–12)
Special Education (Grades K–12)

See All Teaching Areas Become a Teacher at Rio

STEP Program at Scottsdale Community College

The STEP Post Baccalaureate teacher certification program at Scottsdale Community College is the only one-year Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in the Valley! It is designed for students who have at least a bachelor's degree in any discipline and who would like to become a certified teacher in grades K through 8. This in-person/online hybrid program accepts students in May and November.

The Arizona Teachers Academy at Scottsdale Community College provides financial assistance to qualified candidates who are enrolled in the Scottsdale Teacher Education Partnership (STEP) post baccalaureate teacher preparation program.

Eligibility to Apply:

You must be an Arizona resident.
You have submitted all STEP application paperwork and have been accepted into the program.

Once you meet these requirements, you will be required to submit a 250-word essay on how the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship award will support you in becoming an Arizona teacher.

Become a Teacher at SCC

The STEP program was an amazing experience that has given me the confidence and skills to be a competent educator. I loved the relationships I built with my cohort and faculty. I felt supported throughout every part of my experience.

Teacher in Residence Post Baccalaureate Program

Complete your coursework while you teach! Rio Salado College and Scottsdale Community College also offer a Teacher-in-Residence Post Baccalaureate program, which gets you into the classroom in your first semester as the fully paid Teacher of Record.

You will gain teaching experience while completing the coursework required for your official Arizona Teaching Certificate. And with financial support from the Arizona Teachers Academy, your program tuition and fees are paid for.

Explore Rio Salado's TIR Program Explore SCC's TIR Program

Scholarship Expectations

For each year the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship is awarded, you will be expected to teach in an Arizona public or charter school. Since STEP is a one-year program, you will be expected to teach in an Arizona school for at least one year.

Apply for the ATA Scholarship

Arizona Teachers Academy at Our Transfer Partners

If you are just starting out on your educational path and want to pursue a degree in Education, consider starting with us.

You can earn an Associate degree through Maricopa Community Colleges, then transfer to the Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU, NAU, or the University of Arizona to receive your final two years of education and teaching certificate for free.

For more information on the Education degree offerings at Maricopa Community Colleges, select your preferred college below.