Teacher In Residence

It is highly recommended that interested students attend a virtual orientation session to better understand the program requirements to point them in the right direction toward choosing the right certification. This can be done before or after submitting a college application.

• Please click a date below to register.
• You will receive an email confirmation with details once your reservation is complete.

The post baccalaureate educator preparation programs are designed to meet the coursework requirements for the state of Arizona.

Students should also be aware that Arizona participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement. Although there may be conditions applicable in other states, such as additional licensure or certification exams, this agreement makes it possible for an educator who holds a certificate or license in Arizona to earn a certificate or license in another state by means of reciprocity.

Please contact the licensure or certification Boards from your state for more information.

If you are new to Rio Salado and the Maricopa Community Colleges, complete the Maricopa Colleges online admissions application to set up your student account. Have a pen and paper handy to write down your MEID and password.

The process to be fully admitted can take up to 24 hours to confirm. The TIR application will not be available until the Maricopa/Rio Salado application is completed.

When prompted choose:

• Academic Career - Credit
• Primary College of Interest - Rio Salado College
• Take courses for job skills (do not intend to earn degree of certificate)
• Scroll through the list of Academic Plans to choose Post Baccalaureate

Applicants must complete the Maricopa Community Colleges application and choose Rio Salado as the Primary College then Take a Class (not pursuing degree/certification, and finally Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education.

Application Checklist - Use this to ensure that you have completed all the requirements for application.

Admission requirements include:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts are required for Formal Admission
• Completion of two letters of recommendation
• Provide verification of employment
• Passed the NES or AEPA Subject Knowledge exam (Unless Special Education)
• IVP Fingerprint clearance
• Biographical information
• Welcome to EPP Webinar: After submitting your online application to Rio Salado College’s Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program (Traditional or Teacher in Residence), applicants will receive an email from forms@riosalado.edu confirming that the application has been received. The email contains a link to register for and attend a Welcome to EPP Webinar.  The webinar must be completed before being admitted to the program.

All potential teacher candidates wishing to enroll in the Teacher In Residence Post Baccalaureate program are required to be admitted to both the Maricopa Community Colleges and the Rio Salado Educator Preparation Program.

TIR Application- This should only be submitted after an offer of employment has been obtained, along with the IVP fingerprint clearance, passage of the NES subject knowledge exam, and requesting official bachelor’s degree transcripts (see Application Checklist for more details).

Upon acceptance and/or seven days prior to starting any approved coursework, TIR candidates admitted to the program must be prepared to pay or establish a payment plan with Business Services (regardless of scholarship and financial aid status).

Teacher in Residence Program Application

To continue with a saved application

Residency Documents- If you have lived in Arizona for less than 1-year additional documentation is needed to determine if you are eligible to obtain in-county tuition rates. Candidates will need to complete the Exemption of Non-Resident Tuition Approved Courses for Full-Time Teacher or Full-Time Classroom Aide. 

IF TEACHING IN AN ELD CLASSROOM: An approved 3-credit hour course or 45-clock hour workshop is required.   

• A 3-credit hour course may be completed at:
  • RSC College (no transcript required), 
  • Another Higher Education Institution (Official transcript required) 
• If a 45-clock hour workshop is taken, provide a copy of the certificate of completion. 

Special Education Teacher Candidates Working in a Special Education ONLY School (Public school district, charter, or private): Special Education teacher candidates working in a restrictive setting, such as a private or charter school where a significant number of students receive special education services, must fulfill their four (4) "observation" hours in a less restrictive environment, such as a general education classroom which includes students who receive special education services, or a resource classroom. The teacher candidate may fulfill their twelve (12) "participation" hours and four (4) "teaching" hours in their classroom if the teacher candidate can complete the performance-based 2A Signature Assignment (Pre/Post Assessment Activity) with their student(s). If the teacher candidate cannot complete the 2A Signature Assignment due to their classroom environment, then the twenty (20) field experience hours must be completed in a less restrictive environment. This field experience will satisfy the Arizona Department of Education requirement for Rio Salado College's Mild to Moderate Special Education Certificate. We recommend teacher candidates participate in the following: the prereferral process, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Child Study Team meetings, initial evaluations, consulting, collaborating, and co-teaching with general education teachers for a well-rounded experience with general education teachers; etc.