The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (ASPAA) recently recognized Rio Salado's new education bachelor's degree as a "promising practice" to bring more teachers into the field.
The recognition came this month following the National Educator Shortage Summit. Kim Tobey, director for Teacher Certification Programs at Rio Salado College, has actively contributed to a National Educator Shortage Summit for more than two years. Hosted by ASPAA, the summit brings together diverse education partners, including state representatives, K-12 human resource experts, non-profits, and two- and four-year institutions of higher education.
In the national effort to address the teacher shortage, Rio Salado's Bachelor of Arts in Education, emphasizing elementary and special education (BAEE/SPED), was identified as a promising practice under Shift 1: Reducing barriers to careers in education while maintaining excellence and affordability.
"We're excited that Maricopa's bachelor's degree, specifically Rio Salado's BAEE/SPED program, is acknowledged as a Promising Practice at the national level," Tobey said. "Offering a cost-effective bachelor's degree leading to certification is a model that should be considered nationwide, holding the potential to diversify the teaching profession significantly."
Educator Prep Faculty Chair Jennifer Gresko, who recently served on an Arizona task force examining Arizona teacher shortage, noted that Rio Salado is at forefront of helping to address this issue.
"To assist in addressing the teacher shortage, Rio Salado College continues to be committed to reducing barriers to becoming a certified teacher while upholding rigorous standards of the competencies required for becoming an effective teacher,” Gresko said. “We are thrilled to be able to offer a bachelor's degree leading to elementary and special education within the community college.”
Ensuring the cost doesn't hinder one's passion for teaching, Rio Salado's Educator Preparation Program team looks forward to sharing the template Maricopa followed on the national stage, aiming to make quality education affordable for future educators across the country, Tobey said.
Rio Salado Educator Prep provides aspiring teachers with flexible online courses, personalized mentoring, and hands-on classroom experience. The program caters to diverse schedules, covering essential teaching skills and practical applications. New or transfer students can start with Rio's associate degree programs and progress to earn a bachelor's degree. Those with a bachelor's degree can enroll in the post-baccalaureate program for Arizona teacher credentials. Certified teachers can complete coursework for endorsements and professional growth.
Learn more about this recognition online.
Learn more about how to become a teacher through a bachelor's degree at Rio Salado College online.