Arizona Teachers Academy

Through the Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA), you can earn a degree leading to teacher certification and:

• receive an ATA scholarship to cover remaining tuition and mandatory student fees after other aid is applied
• get hands-on guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
• make a difference for Arizona students by committing to teach in a public school for the same number of years you received an ATA scholarship

Participation in the ATA is on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible students, up to the allowable funding provided by the state. We cannot guarantee that all students will receive a scholarship since it is always possible that we will have more eligible participants than we have funds to be disbursed. If funds run out, consider applying to the Federal TEACH Grant. The FAQ page under General Information suggests additional scholarship options for current and future teachers.

“I’m looking for the best and brightest to commit to teach in Arizona public schools. If you make that commitment, we’ll make this commitment: your education will be paid for, a job will be waiting, and you will be free of debt.”

Join the ATA and find your path

There are two tracks in the ATA: teacher certification and dual enrollment. Both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome in the teacher certification path; dual enrollment is only available for teachers who are seeking to fulfill requirements to offer dual-enrollment coursework.

How to join

What to expect, eligible programs, and student requirements for the ATA.

FAQs

Learn more about eligibility, scholarships and other ATA benefits, and the post-graduation teaching commitment.

Dual enrollment track

We provide support for those seeking Higher Learning Commission accreditation to teach dual enrollment classes in Arizona public schools.

Math and English dual enrollment

Review opportunities for mathematics and English credentials.

“Through the Arizona Teachers Academy, I want every aspiring teacher to know that you are valued and supported as you prepare for your teaching career. I hope this program shows Arizona’s commitment to you as an educator and gives you the opportunity to inspire your students for years to come.”

Start your career with support and mentorship

The Arizona K12 Center

The Arizona K12 Center provides a free, trained mentor to all ATA graduates during their first year of teaching. Mentors are non-evaluative and are simply there to support you through regular classroom visits, dedicating 2 hours a week to new teachers their first year.

West Valley School District teacher education partnerships Arizona Teacher Residency

West Valley School District teacher education partnerships

“Grow Your Own” teacher education partnerships were established to prepare future teachers to make a difference in their own communities. Through these partnerships, you can teach in the community where you grew up, bringing a deep understanding and a personal commitment to your classroom.

Arizona Teacher Residency

The Arizona Teacher Residency is the first-of-its-kind graduate program in Arizona modeled after medical residencies, to help recruit, prepare, support and retain K-12 teachers.

Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools

Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools (PITAS) is designed for para-professionals, educational assistants, and others in Native-serving schools across Arizona who want to become certified K-8 teachers.

PITAS

Indigenous teachers program

Learn more about the ATA

• Recorded ATA overview and information session
• Overview and information presentation*
• ATA data overview**

*For an accessible version, please contact usable.materials@nau.edu.

**For an accessible version, please contact accessibility@nau.edu.