Graduation Requirements
Teacher Education: Maricopa Community College District-Wide Offerings
In direct response to the ever growing need for highly qualified P-12 teachers and in support of the many communities it serves, the Maricopa Community College District has made a strong commitment to contributing to the recruitment and training of early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education school teachers. With quality curriculum and excellent instruction as the primary focus of its faculty, the Maricopa colleges are well positioned to provide state and national leadership in the quality and nature of instruction thus helping students to become excellent teachers through the offering of current and responsive teacher education course work.
The District also supports professional development for certified teachers through the offering of course work, seminars, workshops and specialized training. This includes Bilingual Education, Computer Science, English as a Second Language (ESL), Math Specialist, Middle School, Reading Specialist, and Structured English Immersion (SEI).
In support of this commitment, the Maricopa Community College District offers teacher education course work, degrees, and /or programs at all 10 Maricopa Colleges.*
Teacher Education Options Available To Students
Instructional Aide/Associate/Paraprofessional Preparation
- Associate in Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE): designed for the student who plans to transfer to an Elementary Education program (also Special Education) at any partner institution and/or who plans to become a classroom instructional aide. The degree transfers as a block without loss of credit to Arizona's public universities. (Offered at all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Teacher Assisting: prepares students for employment as an assistant to the classroom teacher in grades K-12. It provides foundation work, which will allow the aide to pursue a higher degree in the field of education. (Offered at EMCC and GWCC)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Instructional Assistance: prepares students to work as instructional assistants. The program emphasizes the philosophical, cultural, and linguistic processes involved in teaching children. Students develop knowledge and skills required of the instructional assistant through a combination of courses in methodology and practicum experience (Offered at MCC and PC)
- Associate in Transfer Partnership (ATP) in K-12 Classroom Instructional Support: designed for students planning on becoming an Instructional Associate/Paraprofessional in K-12. Transfers as a block without loss of credit to Charter Oak State College. (Offered at EMCC, MCC and RSC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Instructional Assistance: provides coursework which focuses on meeting the educational needs of learners. All Certificate Program requirements can be used toward completion of the Instructional assistance AAS Program. (Offered at MCC and PC)
Elementary Education Teacher Preparation
- Associate in Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE): designed for the student who plans to transfer to an Elementary Education program (also Special Education) at any partner institution and/or who plans to become a classroom instructional aide. The degree transfers as a block without loss of credit to Arizona's public universities. (Offered at all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges)
- Associate in Transfer Partnership (ATP) in Elementary Education: designed for students planning to transfer into Elementary Education at Arizona State University Main and Arizona State University West. Transfers as a block without loss of credit. (Offered at all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges)
- Baccalaureate Partnership Program with Charter Oak State College: designed for students in elementary education who will transfer to Charter Oak State College after completing 90 credits at the community college. (Offered at RSC)
Elementary and Special Education Teacher Preparation
- Associate in Arts in Elementary Education (AAEE): designed for the student who plans to transfer to an Elementary Education program and Special Education at any partner institution and/or who plans to become a classroom instructional aide. The degree transfers as a block without loss of credit to Arizona's public universities. (Offered at all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges)
- Urban Teacher Corps: a teacher development program that supports urban classified school district employees in Phoenix to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree in Education and return to their school districts as teachers.
After completion of lower division courses, UTC participants transfer to the initial Teacher Certification program at Arizona State University, Tempe. (Offered at PC)
Elementary, Secondary & Special Education Teacher Preparation
- Aztec/Education: housed in the Office of Program Articulation, this program assists and supports students throughout the first two years of their bachelor’s degree in elementary, secondary, or special education. (Offered at GCC)
- Dynamic Learning Teacher Education Program: a four-semester cohort model designed to prepare future teachers to transform inner city schools. It is based on current research on teaching and learning and utilizes a team-taught interdisciplinary curriculum with strong partnerships with community schools and Arizona State University. (Offered at SMCC)
- inspire.teach: a program that supports and encourages the choice of teaching as a profession. It reflects a commitment among secondary, community college, and university partners to inspire students from under-represented groups to explore, pursue and excel in teaching careers. (Offered at EMCC)
- The Teacher Connection: designed to identify, connect, and support individuals as they work toward careers in teaching. It reflects a commitment among Cave Creek Unified School District, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Paradise Valley Community College, and ASU West’s College of Education to inspire a diverse population of students to explore, pursue, and excel in teaching careers. (Offered at PVCC)
- Teaching and Learning Communities (TLC) Education Program: a student support program structured in a 4-semester plan with courses selected to enhance students’ knowledge of teaching as a career and to prepare for certification. (Offered at MCC)
- Teachers Today and Tomorrow (T3): this two-semester interdisciplinary learning community combines English, Education, and Technology. After two semesters, education courses along with technology courses designed for teacher education majors compliment the general education courses required for university transfer. (Offered at CGCC, Williams Campus)
- General Studies and Subject Matter Courses: designed to fulfill lower division general education requirements for students planning to transfer to public or private community colleges or universities. (Offered at all Maricopa Community Colleges)
- Post Baccalaureate Teacher Prep Programs: prepares students with a baccalaureate degree to become a certified Elementary (K-8), Secondary (7-12), or Special Education (K-12) teacher. The programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Education. (All programs offered online at RSC; elementary (K-8) offered on campus at SCC).
Master’s Degree Partnerships for Students who complete the Rio Salado College and
Scottsdale Community College Teacher Prep Programs
- Master’s Degree Partnership with North Central University: 18 credits of the post baccalaureate teacher prep program can be applied toward the 36 credits required for an online MS in Education Degree. (Offered at RSC)
- Master’s Degree Partnership with Plymouth State University: 18 credits of the post baccalaureate teacher prep program can apply toward the 33 credits required for an online MS in Education Degree. (Offered at RSC and SCC)
- Master’s Degree Partnership with Walden University: Up to 12 credits of the post baccalaureate teacher prep program can apply toward the 30 credits required for an online MS in Education Degree. (Offered at RSC and SCC)
Professional Development for Certified Teachers
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Bilingual Endorsement: designed for certified teachers pursuing bilingual endorsement. Includes all coursework required for state issued Bilingual Endorsement as specified by the Arizona Department of Education. Valid Arizona teaching certificate is required for state endorsement. (Offered at MCC and PC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement: designed for certified teachers pursuing ESL endorsement. Includes all coursework required for state issued English as a Second Language Endorsement as specified by the Arizona Department of Education. Valid teaching certificate is required for state endorsement (Offered at MCC and PC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Reading Specialist Endorsement: qualifies certified teachers for the Reading Specialist Endorsement as specified by the Arizona Department of Education. Includes all coursework required for those with valid Arizona teaching certificates to qualify for the Reading Specialist Endorsement in Arizona. (Offered at MCC and PC)
- Professional Development Endorsement Courses for K-12 Teachers: courses have been designed and are accepted by the Arizona Department of Education and lead to endorsements in Computer Science, Structured English Immersion (SEI), English as a Second Language (ESL), Math Specialist, Reading Specialist, and Middle School. (All courses offered online at RSC; MCC offers Reading and ESL on campus)
* Note:
(1) Refer to specific college catalog for degree, program and course information.
(2) Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advisement prior to enrolling.
Early Childhood Education & Family Studies Options Available To Students
It is important to note that there is a wide range of difference in educational requirements for early childhood education teachers both
locally and nationally. Given this, it is important that you check with the contact person at the college you are planning to attend prior to
enrolling in course work.
Associate Degrees
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education: prepares individuals to work with children in early childhood programs, with a specialization in either center-based, family childcare, or administration of early childhood programs. Courses are scheduled to accommodate those who are already working in the field. (Offered at GCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education: designed to prepare students for employment as early childhood teachers in a variety of educational programs. Students learn effective teaching skills as they apply developmentally appropriate early childhood educational theory in the classroom setting. Courses have been selected with a focus on developing an educational career ladder. (Offered at PVCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development: designed to meet the needs of individuals who are interested in working in early childhood. The program emphasizes working with multi-linguistic and multi-cultural children. Upon completion students will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in both school and home environments and also initiate upward career movement or improve existing skills. (Offered at SMCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Development: prepares individuals to assume entry-level positions within nursery schools, pre-schools, and day care centers. (Offered at SCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Child Development: includes a sequence of interactive classes and a variety of field experiences. Unique student teaching opportunities are offered in the Evelyn H. Warren Child Development Lab, a multi-age preschool that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (Offered at MCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Family Life Education: prepares individuals to enter the family life education, human development, or child and family organizations field at the paraprofessional level. (Offered at GCC, MCC and SCC)
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Family Resources: prepares students to work with families, identify needs, and acquire resources that strengthen family functioning. Includes skills in assessing and controlling needed resources, decision making, problem solving, communication, parenting, and child development education. (Offered at PC)
- Associate in Transfer Partnership (ATP) in Early Childhood Education: designed for students planning on becoming a certified teacher in Early Childhood Education (Birth through 3rd grade). Transfers as a block without loss of credit to Northern Arizona University. (Offered at GCC, MCC, PC, PVCC, RSC and SCC)
Certificates of Completion
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Early Childhood Education: designed for those who are interested in studying and working with young children. It prepares individuals to work with children in early child programs, with a specialization in either center-based or family child care. Courses are scheduled to accommodate those who are already working in the field. (Offered at GCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Early Childhood Education: designed to prepare students for employment as early childhood teachers in a variety of educational programs. Students learn effective teaching skills as they apply developmentally appropriate early childhood educational theory in the classroom setting. Courses have been selected with a focus on developing an educational career ladder. (Offered at PVCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Early Childhood Development: prepares individuals to assume entry-level positions within nursery schools, pre-schools, and day care centers. (Offered at SCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Early Childhood Development: designed to meet the needs of individuals who are interested in working in early childhood. Emphasis on working with multi-linguistic and multi-cultural children. Upon completion students will be equipped to work effectively with children and families in both school and home environments and also initiate upward career movement or improve existing skills. (Offered at SMCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Child Care: designed to increase understanding of the education and care of young children. (Offered at MCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Classroom Management for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool Children: designed for understanding infants, toddlers & preschool children and managing their early childhood classroom settings. Focuses on key areas related to early childhood. (Offered at PC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Family Support: designed to enhance the education and career of individuals interested in working with families or in agencies that provide services to families, or in agencies that provide services to families, or those who are presently involved with families or their supporting agencies. (Offered at PC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Infant Toddler Development: prepares individuals to serve children from birth through age three years and their families. (Offered at SCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Parent Education: prepares individuals to enter the family life education with a focus on parent education. (Offered at GCC, MCC and SCC)
- Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Adolescent Studies: designed to prepare individuals preparing to work or those who are employed in professions that require interaction with adolescents and/or adolescent-related issues such as school personnel, parents, health educators, etc. (Offered at PC)
* Note:
(1) Refer to specific college catalog for degree, program and course information.
(2) Students are strongly encouraged to seek academic advisement prior to enrolling.
College Contact Information
Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC)
Teacher Education:
Sharon Fagan (Pecos Campus)..................480-732-7124
sharon.fagan@cgcmail.maricopa.eduDr. Brenda Larson (Williams Campus)......480-988-8804
brenda.larson@cgcmail.maricopa.edu
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC)
Teacher Education:
Marsha Carlen..................................................623-935-8479
marsha.carlen@emcmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Marsha Carlen..................................................623-935-8479
marsha.carlen@emcmail.maricopa.edu
Gateway Community College (GWCC)
Teacher Education:
Elizabeth Skinner..............................................602-286-8736
elizabeth.skinner@gwmail.maricopa.edu
Glendale Community College (GCC)
Teacher Education:
Nancy Oreshack...............................................623-845-3265
nancy.oreshack@gcmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Dr. Carlos Nunez .............................................623-845-3178
carlos.nunez-noriega@gcmail.maricopa.edu
Mesa Community College (MCC)
Teacher Education:
Transfer Services ...........480-461-7452, or 480-654-7600
Dr. Richard Malena (Red Mountain Campus)....480-461-7890
richard.malena@mcmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Dr. Diana Abel..................................................480-461-7305
diana.abel@mcmail.maricopa.eduDr. Christine Osgood......................................480-461-7938
christine.osgood@mail.mc.maricopa.edu
Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC)
Teacher Education:
Dr. Barbara Carlile ..........................................602-787-6659
barbara.carlile@pvmail.maricopa.eduEarly Childhood Education:
Christie Colunga..............................................602-787-7731
christie.colunga@pvmail.maricopa.edu
Phoenix College (PC)
Teacher Education:
Ofelia Canez......................................................602-285-7657
ofelia.canez@pcmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Alverta McKenzie..............................................602-285-7292
alverta.mckenzie@pcmail.maricopa.edu
Rio Salado College (RSC)
Teacher Education:
Academic Advisement....................................480-517-8580
academic.advisement@email.rio.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Academic Advisement ...................................480-517-8580
academic.advisement@email.rio.maricopa.edu
Scottsdale Community College (SCC)
Teacher Education:
Dr. Bobbie Sferra.............................................480-423-6217
bobbie.sferra@sccmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Dr. Rosanne Dlugosz.....................................480-423-6204
rosanne.dlugosz@sccmail.maricopa.edu
South Mountain Community College (SMCC)
Teacher Education:
Dr. Eufemia Amabisca....................................602-243-8019
eufemia.amabisca@smcmail.maricopa.eduDr. Yvonne Montiel...........................................602- 243-8023
yvonne.montiel@smcmail.maricopa.edu
Early Childhood Education:
Joy Mills............................................................ .480-305-5783
joy.mills.smcmail.maricopa.edu
College of Attendance
Completion of teacher education course work for the various degrees, certificates, and programs available can be met through the
completion of teacher education course work taken at any Maricopa Community College. Refer to specific college catalogs and course schedules for available offerings.
Common College Requirements for Students Enrolled in Teacher Education Course Work
Students taking Teacher Education Courses are expected to:
- Receive a grade of “C” or better in all course work.
- Participate in site-based practicums, field experiences or service learning. This may include observation, tutoring, and some basic teaching. Work with the person identified by the college to coordinate the site-based school placements.
- Be fingerprinted, if required. Some school districts require this before students are allowed to participate in a site based school experience. The cost of fingerprinting is the sole responsibility of the student. Contact each individual college for specific information.
- Pay course fees. Refer to specific college course schedules and catalogs.
University Transfer Students
Students planning to transfer to a college/university other than Arizona State University (ASU), University of Arizona (UOA), or Northern Arizona University (NAU) to obtain a teacher education degree may also take their prerequisite course work at any Maricopa College. For information on transferability of course work that meets the universities’ requirements for admission into their teacher preparation baccalaureate programs, students must contact an adviser at that college/university.
Teacher Education Scholarship Availability
The National Center for Teacher Education (NCTE) has created scholarships for teacher education students attending the Maricopa Community Colleges. Currently there are four (4) $500 scholarship awards available for each of the 10 Maricopa colleges. Visit
http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/academic/teachered/scholarship.html for additional information.
The National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP) has a national scholarship program. The purpose of the NACCTEP National Scholarship Program is to provide financial assistance to community college students who are studying to become teachers. This scholarship is promoted through the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs and is facilitated by the National Center for Teacher Education. Awards are $1000 over the course of two semesters and will be made available through college financial aid institutions. Visit http://www.nacctep.org/Scholarship/05-06scholarship.php for additional information.
The Professional Career Pathway Project (PCPP is sponsored by the Arizona Department of Economic Security Child Care Administration. This program offers Family Child Care and Center-based caregivers the opportunity to apply for funding to cover the cost of the tuition/fees for college coursework. The PCPP offers students a seamless pathway to meet the requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) Accreditation, and the Certificate of Completion. (EMCC, GCC, MCC, PVCC, SCC, SMCC)
Early Childhood Education Scholarship Opportunities information is available at each college. Make contact with the designated college Early Childhood contact person directly. Scholarship opportunities vary with each program.
