From Bachelor’s Degree to Certification, We’ve Got you Covered!
If you want to become a teacher, Rio Salado College can help make your dream a reality. Our Educator Preparation Programs offer the education and support you need for a rewarding career in teaching.
To help you get started, Paulina Ngo, a 16-year member of the Educator Preparation department, outlines Rio’s program offerings and answers the most frequently asked questions about pursuing a teaching career.
What programs do you offer?
Rio offers certificates, associate degrees, post baccalaureate teacher certification, coursework for endorsements and professional growth, and a new bachelor’s degree program.
Can you tell me more about the bachelor’s degree?
Rio Salado College now offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education. This degree program is ideal for individuals who want a dual certification in Elementary Education (K-8) and Special Education (K-12). This program is offered at Rio Salado College, but up to 65 credits can be taken at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges. or coursework can be evaluated from any accredited institution.
I want to be a teacher. How do I get started?
It’s a three-step process with most states having the same standard licensure requirements:
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Completing an approved educator preparation program
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Clearing a background and/or fingerprint check
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Passing the state’s exams for the certification
Why is an approved program important?
You will want to ensure the program you are pursuing leads to state-approved certification and not just a degree. Some universities offer a degree in education but do not include all of the state certification requirements (such as student teaching).
Why should I choose Rio’s Educator Preparation Program?
There are many benefits for choosing Rio Salado. Candidates who pursue their degree programs at a community college like Rio typically save thousands of dollars thanks to lower tuition costs. Rio students enjoy the flexibility and convenience of online classes. Finally, many of our faculty are professionals with years of experience in their field.
What is the Post Baccalaureate program?
This is for people who already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and want a new career as a teacher. Rio’s Post-bacc program offers two pathways:
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Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Program - for individuals who would like to pursue certification at their own pace.
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Teacher In Residence – allows individuals to accept a full-time teaching position while simultaneously completing their teacher certification coursework and student teaching.
How do I clear a background/fingerprint check?
Any person seeking teacher certification must clear a state background and/or fingerprint check. These checks are made through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). For specific instructions, visit your state’s Department of Education website. As a rule of thumb, expect the process to take 6-8 weeks.
What are state certification exams?
Generally, there are two state-mandated exams required for certification: a subject/content knowledge exam and a professional knowledge exam. The subject/content exam measures how much a person knows about a specific subject area as defined by the state’s academic standards. The professional knowledge exam measures how much a person knows about teaching/pedagogical skills.
Do I have to pass both exams?
In Arizona, teaching candidates must receive a passing score on both exams, except for Special Education: Mild to Moderate candidates who are only required to pass the Professional Knowledge exam.
How can I learn more?
At Rio Salado, we offer free virtual orientation sessions to help you learn more about our teacher education programs, requirements, and how we can help you transition to teaching.
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Bachelor's Degree in Elementary & Special Education Orientation Sessions: Offered weekly through Aug. 29, 2024. See the schedule.
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Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Information Sessions: Offered twice a month. See the schedule.
You can also contact the Educator Preparation department at teacher.ed@riosalado.edu or (480) 517-8140 or visit our website for more information.