Alternative Teaching Certificate

Information on Applying for an Alternative Teaching Certificate Extension

The extension is valid for up to two, one-year extensions. There is no cost for the extension application. The application and support materials are submitted in person or by mail to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Certification Unit. Requirements include:

1. Valid IVP fingerprint card.

• Submit a photocopy of valid Arizona IVP fingerprint card.

2. Official UA transcript showing satisfactory progress in the M.Ed. Program.

• Submit only an official transcript; ADE does not accept unofficial transcripts.

Note: If you are on an Alternative Teaching Certificate for history, government/political science, geography, or economics, you must also verify that you have met the U.S and Arizona Constitution requirement by taking a course or by passing the AEPA U.S. and Arizona Constitution exam.

3. Extension letter from the M.Ed. Alternative Path Program verifying satisfactory progress. The point of contact is Alison Barrett, Senior Teacher Education Coordinator. At least four weeks prior to the certificate’s expiration date, submit the following via email:

• Name of the school in which you will be teaching in the current or upcoming school year
• Name of school district
• All grade levels you will be teaching (such as 7th-8th grade, 10th grade, or 9th-12^th grade)
• Name of you Site Mentor at the school in which you teach
• Academic subject area(s) you will be teaching (must be subject area(s) for which you have passed or will pass the NES or AEPA secondary subject knowledge exam or seek an exam waiver)

***Once Alison Barrett receives the information above, she will send your signed extension letter by email. Please note processing may take up to one week.

There is no cost to extend an Alternative Teaching Certificate.

Alternative Teaching Certificate Extension Tips:

• The Alternative Teaching certificate is valid for two years from the date of issuance. In following the standard M.Ed. Alternative Path Program course rotation while on an Alternative Teaching Certificate, you may be able to complete the program on the first issued certificate. However, you may need an extension.
• Submit an extension request to Alison Barrett at least four weeks prior to the certificate’s expiration date. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KEEP YOUR ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATE CURRENT. If you do not make satisfactory process in the program, or you do not extend your certificate before it expires, your teaching position could be in jeopardy. Refer to your certificate for your specific expiration date or look up your certificate on the ADE website to see the expiration month at: https://oacis.azed.gov/PublicOACIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx.
• If you allow your Alternative Teaching Certificate to expire, there can be significant impact to your ability to teach that may include losing benefits, a shift to teaching on a substitute certificate, or removal from the classroom until the certificate is renewed. You do not want this to happen.
• There are a number of documents you must submit to ADE prior to your Alternative Teaching Certificate expiring to obtain an extension, including an official UA transcript that shows your successful progress in the M.Ed. Alternative Path Program. There are no exceptions to including your official transcript so please request it from the UA Registrar’s office with sufficient time prior to your certificate expiring. The request for a transcript is an online process for a fee. For an added fee, the Registrar’s office on UA main campus can provide an official transcript on a walk-in basis. UA distance campuses have no capability to issue an official transcript to you. The link for more information on transcripts is https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/transcripts/.
• You must be making successful progress in the M.Ed. Alternative Path Program to be issued an extension. If you have a cumulative GPA lower than a 3.0, your extension letter may be compromised. If you are having academic difficulty during one of your semesters, it is vital that you are proactive with your instructors to resolve any issues.
• If you are teaching in a social sciences area (high school history, government/political science, geography, economics, or middle grade social studies) you must have completed the U.S. and Arizona Constitution requirement by the time of extension. The requirement can be met by passing a U.S. and Arizona Constitution class at UA or a community college or by passing the AEPA U.S. and Arizona Constitution exam. If the course is taken at an institution other than UA, submit an official transcript to Alison Barrett upon completion.
• Alternative Teaching Certificate documents and processes can be found on the ADE website at: https://cms.azed.gov/home/GetDocumentFile?id=57a606fbaadebe02a4f4f3d6
• Contact Alison Barrett at arbarret@email.arizona.edu or (520) 458-8278, ext. 2136 with your Alternative Teaching Certificate questions instead of contacting ADE; you will save yourself time and you will receive the most current information for your situation. ADE receives many calls and you may receive information that is correct in general but may not pertain to your specific circumstance. It is the work of the Teacher Education Coordinator, Alison Barrett, to help you through the nuances of the process and streamline your efforts.