Special Education Teacher Certification in Arizona

<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Education Required</b> </td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Exam Requirements</b> </td><td> Professional and subject knowledge required examinations</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Standard Professional Certificate in grade level and disability type</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Certification Renewal Period</b> </td><td> 12 years</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Average Salary in Arizona (2018)*</b> </td><td> Preschool: $42,830 <br/> Kindergarten and Elementary: $44,590 <br/> Middle School: $44,490 <br/> High School: $50,190</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)*</b> </td><td> 8% (for all special education teachers nationwide)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCertificationsAvailableForSpecialEducationTeachersInArizona">What Are the Certifications Available for Special Education Teachers in Arizona?</h3><p>Arizona has five different special education certifications categorized by both grade level and disability type. The first certification is specifically for early childhood special education teachers (birth through grade 3). The next two available certifications are for special education teachers at any grade level between kindergarten and high school. These certifications are divided by the student disability degree, with one for teachers of students with mild to moderate disabilities, and another for those with students of moderate to severe disabilities. The final two certifications are for teachers of unique disabilities, including a certificate for teachers of hearing impaired students and another for teachers of the visually impaired. </p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheRequiredEducationForAllCandidates">What Is the Required Education for All Candidates?</h3><p>All Arizona teaching certification candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Whether candidates emerged from a state approved teacher preparation program or a teacher program with similar training, each certification has a list of required courses and course topics. Beyond courses on teaching theory, classroom management and lesson planning, the mandatory course list includes a variety topics related to the special skills required for each certification (for example, courses on differentiated reading instruction for students with dyslexia or teaching methodologies for students with visual impairment). It is important to ensure your college transcript meets all these detailed requirements, as you may need to pursue additional coursework in order to become eligible. </p><p>Candidates who did not emerge from a teacher preparation program must have at least two years of teaching experience with students at the same grade or disability level as the certification sought and also meet several coursework requirements. </p><h3 id="section---WhatExamsAreNecessaryForCertification">What Exams Are Necessary For Certification?</h3><p>Most candidates who meet all education and coursework requirements go on to complete two examinations (which may be waived in special cases). Both the professional and subject knowledge examination requirements can be met with passing grades on the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) examination related to the certification grade level or specialization. There are AEPA tests for Special Education and Hearing Impaired, among others. Be sure to check the Arizona Department of Education website for the specific NES and AEPA tests required for your certification. </p><p>Candidates with an out-of-state teaching license in special education do not need to take exams and are eligible for certification. </p><h3 id="section---WhatDoesTheApplicationProcessEntail">What Does the Application Process Entail?</h3><p>As part of their application, candidates must complete a fingerprint scan (which is used to conduct a national criminal background check) with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS). If cleared, the AZDPS will provide you with a fingerprint clearance card that must be included in your application packet. Candidates who meet all education, certification and background check requirements can download the application form online, complete it and mail it to the Arizona Department of Education (along with all college transcripts, fingerprint clearance documents and test-scores). </p><h3 id="section---AreThereAdditionalRequirements">Are There Additional Requirements?</h3><p>Though a certification approval clears candidates for employment in any Arizona school, several additional course and training requirements apply during the first three years of certification. Teachers must complete courses regarding the U.S. and Arizona constitutions as well as ethics, phonics, and dyslexia in order to keep their certification valid.</p>