Re: Reciprocal Provisional Teaching Certificate
Posted by: Nadine on 9/13/09
On 9/13/09, How Fast? wrote:
> My husband and I are looking to move to Phoenix from the
> Boston area. He is currently looking for a job and we will
> move when he gets one. I've been looking for certification
> information and was thinking of applying for a Reciprocal
> Provisional Teaching Certificate now instead of waiting
> until we move. However, it is only good for one year. I'm
> looking for your input on how long it took you to get your
> Reciprocal Provisional Teaching Certificate. I know that
> the Department of Education here can be a bit slow when it
> comes to processing the applications and actually sending
> out your certificate. Thank you!
Congratulations on your move! I hope that you have had a
chance to visit Phoenix during the summer. I say this in the
same way that you might suggest someone visit Boston in the
winter.....
On to your questions -- the thing that takes the longest is
the fingerprint clearance card, so you'll want to get that
rolling about 3 months or so before you apply for your
certificate. ADE has certification specialists that will talk
you through the process and are really good about answering
any questions you may have about reciprocity.
There are a couple of things that you might want to be aware
of before you move -- there is an ESL - type certification
requirement, a phonics requirement, an "Arizona Constitution"
requirement, and a directive about Early Childhood
certification if you want to teach Kindergarten.
You can look into the "Structured English Immersion"
requirement and meet that requirement through an on-line
class. You can do the same for the Arizona Constitution class.
As far as phonics -- if one of your college classes says the
words "phonics" in its title or course description -- you're
good to go. If not, you may need to deal with that issue, too.
For a state that is 49th (or 52nd - depending on the source)
in the nation for education per-pupil spending, the
certification issues can become quite a challenge.
We've been having issues with our state budget, so you might
want to do some further research before you make your move. If
you are an NEA member, check out the AEA website
(www.arizonaea.org) for more information about the lay of the
educational landscape here.
I wish I had better news for you -- when the governor signed
the budget last week, it included some heavy-duty policy
changes that are directly aimed at public school teachers.
Arizona is a "right to work" (for a low --- low -- low wage)
state which also effects working conditions for other
industries as well .....
