Enroll in a Teacher Certification Program

The Rio Salado Teacher Certification Program is designed to meet the requirements for an Arizona Provisional teaching certificate. All out-of-state students are responsible for verifying that the state where they intend to teach will accept an Arizona teaching certificate and/or Rio Salado’s Teacher Certification Program toward an initial teaching certificate. Requirements for initial certification may be different from those required by licensed, experienced teachers. Reciprocity agreements may apply to experienced educators transferring a certificate, but may not apply to candidates seeking initial licensure.

Note: The Rio Salado Teacher Certification program will NOT meet initial teacher certification requirements in the following states, which require that teacher prep programs have NCATE certification and/or University level course work: Kentucky, New York, or Pennsylvania.

Note: Many states will NOT accept Arizona Certificates if there are deficiencies listed on the certificate. For instance, the state of Arizona requires that all teachers complete courses pertaining to the Arizona and U.S. Constitution (Rio Salado College's POS220 or POS221/222) before issuing a Provisional Certificate or a Standard Certificate. Until those classes are completed, a certificate may not be issued due to these deficiencies. Listed deficiencies on an Arizona Certificate can hinder a student from transferring the certificate to another state. Out of State students MUST check with their home state regarding this issue.

Specific requirements for teacher certifications and endorsements vary state to state. In addition, Rio Salado College must meet state regulation requirements in order to offer our Teacher Preparation Program in other states. For more detailed information look at our State Authorization information. Please use the below state-by-state reference to clearly see Rio's status on state authorization, Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) availability and specific state certification requirements.

After out-of-state students verify that the state where they intend to teach will accept an Arizona teaching certificate and/or Rio Salado’s Teacher Certification Program toward an initial teaching certificate, the following will need to be completed:

1. Speak to a Rio Salado College Academic Advisor to establish an academic program plan. Also request from the Academic Advisor the Teacher Education orientation materials and DVD. Rio Salado College Academic Advisement (480) 517-8580
   State Authorization: Approved to operate
   TPP: Program Available
2. Out-of-state students, will need to obtain fingerprint clearance/background clearance to participate in in-person practicums at a school/district in your area. Please read the information regarding fingerprint and background clearance and download the Fingerprint/Background Check Verification Form at: www.riosalado.edu/Documents/outofstateform.pdf 
   State Authorization: Approved to operate
   TPP: Program Available
3. Many Rio Salado Teacher Education courses have mid-terms and finals. Out-of-state/county students will need to locate an accredited university, college, or military base to have exams proctored. Please read the Proctor Information for Rio Salado Students (link to:  and be sure to submit the Proctor Request Form during the first week of each Teacher Education courses.
   State Authorization: Approved to operate
   TPP: Program Available

Enroll in the Rio Salado Teacher Certification Program today. Contact Rio Salado for information about our class schedule, degree programs, enrollment, financial aid and more.