|
For detailed information regarding the Rio Program please consult the On-line Post-Baccalaureate web site
For detailed information regarding the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) requirements please call 602.542.5280 or look online here
Q: Is the orientation mandatory?
What info is covered in the orientation? The orientation covers our programs in great detail and is highly recommended. If you are unable to attend, you must meet/speak to a Rio Salado College Academic Advisor (480) 517-8580.
Q: What course or courses should I begin with if I am unsure if I want to teach elementary, secondary or special education?
All teacher prep students will begin with EDU285AA. If you are unsure about the level you wish to teach, we recommend you research each area. Courses are common in the Level I, elementary, secondary and special education program.
Q:What is the process if I want to be BOTH elementary and secondary certified?
It is recommended for students who would like to become BOTH elementary and secondary certified to:
- Complete the elementary education coursework
- Student teach in 7th or 8th grade (The 7th and/or 8th grade student teaching must be in the same area as the AEPA content exam for secondary)
Take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) for elementary and secondary content, as well as the professional knowledge portion in both areas.
If you are wishing for an Institutional Recommendation (IR) in both areas, please contact Rio Education Department regarding your request.
Q:What is the process if I want to be BOTH elementary and special education certified?
It is recommended for students who would like to become BOTH elementary and special education certified to:
- Take the special education track coursework
- Take the elementary AEPA content exam, the special education AEPA content exam, and the AEPA elementary professional knowledge exam
Please note: Rio Salado College only recommends for certification in one content area. To receive certification in the other areas, you must complete an certification application with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and submit Rio transcripts.
If you are wishing for an Institutional Recommendation (IR) in both areas, please contact Rio Education Department regarding your request.
Q: What course or courses should I begin with if I am unsure if I want to teach elementary, secondary or special education?
All teacher prep students will begin with EDU285AA. If you are unsure about the level you wish to teach, we recommend you research each area. Courses are common in the Level I, elementary, secondary and special education program.
Q: What is EDU285AA and why must I begin with this course?
EDU285AA is the first class that all teacher prep students will take. It is a one-credit course. In this course students will prepare for the on-line post baccalaureate program. It will provide students with the opportunity to design a success plan. In addition students will:
- Become aware of and understand the philosophy of the Rio Salado program.
- Take the Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Info provided in EDU285AA).
- Go through the fingerprinting process with the ADE - the cost of fingerprinting is $52.00
- Set up an ESF account (Electronic Student File Account).
- Review and understand the ADE's Teacher Certification requirements.
- Identify, develop and organize the information needed to meet the Teacher Prep Program formal application requirements.
Q: If I want to teach the content areas of (Music, Art or P.E.) in an Elementary classroom which program plan would I follow?
It is recommended that you complete the Secondary Certification coursework, pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) in your content area, and then apply for a K-12 endorsement in your subject area. In order to obtain the K-12 endorsement you will need to complete an Elementary Method of Teaching course (your content area). Rio Salado does not offer the required elementary method courses. It is the student's responsibility to find another university that offers the required courses and then submit their transcript for approval to the Arizona Department of Education.
Q: What is the Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Accuplacer)?
This test is administered during the EDU 285AA course. It evaluates students in the areas of English, Reading, Math, and Writing. Based on the results of the test, each student will design a success plan to support and enhance success throughout the program. For review and tutoring: Click here
Q: If I have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, why do I have to take the Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Accuplacer)?
The Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Accuplacer) is the minimum requirement for formal admission. Although you may have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, the test is intended to determine if you need additional support in the areas of English, Reading, Math and Writing.
Q: What if I do poorly on the Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Accuplacer)?
Students with low scores need to meet with a member of student services or counseling to identify a success plan that will help enhance their knowledge in the area(s) identified through testing. Included in the plan will be tutorials/tests/courses for the students to complete. Once the plan has been finished, the student can retake the test to improve the original score(s). The Student Assessment of Academic Proficiency Test (Accuplacer) is intended to determine if you need additional support with basic skills. Meeting the specified test score range is a requirement and must be accomplished prior to submitting a formal application to the program. No one can obtain admission to the program who does not meet the required testing policy.
Q: Can I utilize my past Accuplacer Exam score?
Accuplacer scores may not be any older than 5 years from the initial date.
Q: When will Fingerprint clearance be required?
You must apply immediately through the Arizona Department of Public Safety for fingerprint clearance in order to participate in any classroom practicum. Fingerprint clearance packets may be obtained by contacting the Arizona Department of Public Safety at: Department of Public Safety Application Clearance Card Team, 2320 N. 20th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85005 (602) 223-2279 Classification takes 10-12 weeks. Specific details about fingerprinting and formal admission are provided in EDU285AA.
Q: Are all courses offered during the summer when schools are closed?
Any level II method course that requires a practicum will not be available during the Summer I term (mid May - June 30). You must plan accordingly. To review the most recent program plan refer to the Post-Bacc website listed under Program.
Q: Are there deadlines for student teaching?
Your student teaching is based on when you are formally admitted to the Teacher Prep Program (after completing all Level I courses); therefore it is extremely important when planning your student teaching that you adhere to the following deadlines:
| Student teaching timeline |
Level I completion & acceptance to Level II |
| January |
Mid-August of previous year |
| March/April |
Mid-November of previous year |
| August/Fall |
Mid-April of same year |
| Mid Fall are done by exception only |
Call Field Experience Coordinator |
| Summer school are done by exception only |
Call Field Experience Coordinator |
Q: I have completed all of my education courses with another college and all I am missing is student teaching. Can I do that with your school?
Please contact the Rio Salado College Academic Advisement department at (480) 517-8580.
Q: When I am done taking courses at Rio Salado College, and finish student teaching, what steps do I need to take to get my teaching certification?
If you have waived the student teaching portion of your program, then you make a request for official RSC transcripts and submit it to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
If you have completed the entire Teacher Education Program, including student teaching and have been awarded an Institutional Recommendation (IR), you must make a request for a copy of your IR and submit it to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
Q: What if I have already taken some education courses at another regionally accredited college or university?
Students with previously earned college credit can apply to the Rio Salado Teacher Prep Transcript Evaluation Committee and request course evaluation for possible equivalency and/or substitution. Refer to the website for appropriate submittal form.
Q: How do I take the Teacher Certification Test known as the Arizona Evaluator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) with the Arizona Department of Education?
Tests are given 6 times a year. Students must register (by mail) or online at www.aepa.nesinc.com to take the test beforehand. The student will be charged a fee to take the test. Students should check the ADE website: http://www.ade.state.az.us/certification for specifics on testing info (dates and location of tests). If a person fails the certification test s/he can take the test until he/she passes; there is no limit to how many times a person can take the test. The same is true for content area tests. All applicants must take and pass the AEPA subject knowledge content test(s) prior to student teaching. Students are also required to pass the Professional Knowledge Exam upon completion of the methods courses or student teaching. The ADE will not issue a teaching credential to anyone who has not successfully passed these tests.
For more information view: www.aepa.nesinc.com
Q: Where is the Arizona Teacher Certification test (AEPA) given?
The AEPA is offered six times a year. All six administrations of the AEPA are offered in the Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson areas. Of the six administrations, four (November, January, April and June) are offered in the Yuma area. One administration (April) also occurs in the Holbrook and Kingman areas.
For testing information review go to: http://www.ade.az.gov/asd/testing/Educator_Testing_Teachers.asp#AEPA_Dates
and look for "When and where are the tests administered?"
Out-of-state test administration is provided in nine major metropolitan areas. For the 2006-2007 academic year the out-of-state sites are: California, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Philadeliphia, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Registration for out-of-state test areas must be received by the regular registration deadline. There is no phone-in emergency registration for out-of-state test areas.
Out-of-state sites are subject to minimum enrollment requirements. If the minimum number of required examinees is not met for a specific out-of-state test site, the testing company may cancel the administration for that location. If an out-of-state location is cancelled, all examinees enrolled for that location will be notified and will receive a refund.
For more information regarding Educators Testing:
http://www.ade.state.az.us/certification/
For more information regarding National Evaluation Systems: http://www.aepa.nesinc.com
Q: How do I meet the United States and Arizona Constitution requirement?
After teachers become certified in Arizona they have three years to either take a course or pass the test to satisfy the United States and Arizona Constitution requirement. An exception to this rule is for any secondary person being certified in history, government, citizenship, social studies, law or civics. Arizona constitution and US constitution must be taken within one year. Students may take POS221 and POS222 at Rio Salado College to meet this requirement. NOTE: This requirement may not be necessary for those students wishing to teach in another state. Each state may have a unique requirement pertaining to this element.
Q: What is a practicum?
A practicum is an important component of most EDU classes (Exceptions: EDU285AA/AC, EDU287AA/AC, EDU270, EDU272, EDU284, EDU289, EDU223af, and EDU288). This component of the EDU courses must be completed satisfactorily in order to pass the course. There are three parts to the practicum:
- Classroom observation.
- One on one and/or small group tutoring or participation.
- Teaching a class - not required in EDU222, 270AA, 271, or 276.
The practicum is an essential part of Rio Salado's Teacher Prep Program because it provides practical, hands on experience. The number of practicum hours required varies by course (10-30 hours per course). Each course requires a different number of practicum hours (10-30 hours per course). The focus of each practicum will vary depending on the objectives of the course. Each student's practicum will be documented and monitored by a mentor teacher. For review of practicums: Click here
Q: How do I set up the Practicum?
Each EDU class syllabus will provide information regarding the practicum component. Students are provided contact information by the Field Experience/Practicum Coordinator to set up a practicum. The Field Experience/Practicum Coordinator acts as the liaison between the school and the student, and helps place in-state students in contact with a school where they will do the practicum. Once the student is in contact with the school they can schedule the days and hours of the practicum experience. Students can do the practicum portion as quickly or slowly as they want within the 14-week course. They cannot begin the practicum experience until the completion of the 3rd lesson in each course. If a student accelerates the content portion of the course to finish it sooner than 14 weeks they still have 14 weeks to complete the practicum. Out-of-state, and out-of-country students are required to identify schools that are willing to serve as practicum sites.
Q: How do I complete the practicum and student teaching requirement if I do not live in the state of Arizona?
It is the student's responsibility to identify a school site that is willing to participate with Rio Salado College in providing the practicum experience. The student furnishes this information to the Rio Salado Field Experience Coordinator who in turn, contacts the school, verifies that the supervising teacher holds a State recognized teaching credential, and arranges the student practicum experience following Rio Salado Teacher Prep Program policies and guidelines.
Q: If I am already teaching, can I use my own classroom for the practicums?
It is important for Rio Salado College to approve your classroom site for this requirement. If approved, you may use your classroom to fulfill 2/3 of the practicum hours required.
Q: I am actively in the Military and want to do a practicum/student teaching at the Department of Defense School or overseas?
These requests require additional time and effort so the sooner you can submit your information the better. Overseas students must identify whether their school is a Department of Defense School or an American School and through what agency the school is accredited. If the school is a DoDDs school there are additional requirements to be completed. Practicum and Student Teaching placement may take up to 12 weeks. Please complete the following forms and contact the Field Experience Coordinator for more information: (Click Here)
http://www.dodea.edu/offices/hr/employment/studentteaching/default.htm
Q: When can I do my practicum if I have a set schedule at work and will have trouble getting time off during school hours?
It is the student's responsibility to arrange time to do a practicum. The Field Experience/Practicum Coordinator will attempt to find schools that can accommodate a person's schedule. In addition, students can do the practicum year-round, as several schools do not break for the entire summer. There are some evening school options available. Possible suggestions include: 1 hour before work in the morning, during lunch hour, etc.
Q: I am currently teaching on an emergency certificate or intern certification. Do I still need to do the practicum? Can I do the practicum in my own classroom?
All teacher prep students need to complete the practicum. People with an emergency/intern certificate can mentor students and teach some lessons in their own classroom. However, they must do the observation portion of the practicum in another teacher's classroom. (A teacher prep candidate must be able to observe another teacher in his/her classroom.)
Q: Can I use substitute teaching to meet the practicum requirements?
A teacher prep student may be permitted to use a long-term substitution assignment (at least four weeks in the same classroom) to meet portions of the practicum requirement. Please contact the Field Experience Office at 480-517-8121 for details
Q: I can't take 9 weeks off from work in a row. Can the student teaching be broken up?
No, student teaching cannot be broken up. Q: Which types of teachers are in the highest demand?
Math, science, special education, and ESL/bilingual teachers are in the highest demand.
Q: I have been subbing/teaching for X # of years. Can I test out of some of the classes?
Substitute teachers and teachers holding emergency certificates have not received formal education coursework. Therefore, though someone may have been subbing for several years, he/she needs to take each class so that he/she can understand the theory, logic, and methods of teaching.
Q: I have been teaching on an emergency certificate for over two years. Am I still required to do the student teaching?
Any individual (with a bachelor's degree) who has been teaching for at least two years in their own classroom can request the ADE to waive student teaching. Students for whom this might pertain, should visit the ADE website (under "certification") to find out how to go about requesting the waiver of the student teaching. Note: substitute teachers do not have the option to waive out of student teaching, no matter how long they have been subbing. Please note that you should also speak with the Department of Education about the implications of waiving student teaching and the effects it may have on your certification should you try to transfer it to another state. When a student waives student teaching there is no official record of it on their transcript, becuase they have not "officially" completed Rio Salado's state approved program for certification. An institutional recommendation is not issued if the student waives the student teaching component.
Q: Why do I need to take EDU220 Intro to serving English Language Learners (ELL) and EDU251 Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language when I do not teach ESL students and our district does not require me to be endorsed?
Once an individual has successfully completed EDU220 or EDU251 or EDU/EPD233 or EDU/EPD244 they have what is necessary to obtain a provisional SEI/ESL endorsement. It is mandated that all students have at least a provisional SEL Endorsement for certification.
Q: Will a Rio Salado Teacher Prep Program Certificate of Completion be given to those that complete the program?
Technically this program is not a certificate program. However, upon successful completion of the Rio Salado Teacher Prep Program, Rio Salado will recommend the student to the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). The ADE awards the teaching certificate. Students will receive an Award of Completion from Rio Salado College to show that they successfully completed the post-baccalaureate program.
Q: Does Arizona hold reciprocity agreements with other states?
Individuals interested in this information should check the ADE website for this information. Note: out-of-state students are responsible for verifying that the state in which they intend to teach will accept the Arizona teaching certificate.
Q: What is meant by the content area required for secondary education?
The content area is the specialization area for secondary education teachers (the area that the student plans to teach, i.e. Math, History, English, Spanish etc.). The ADE requires that the candidate pass a state exam (AEPA) in order to teach a particular subject area. Most school districts prefer, that in addition to the state exam, students earn or have earned at least 24 hours in the area they wish to teach.
Refer to the following document on the ADE web page (page 2) in order to view approved content areas.
Click here for the website.
Teacher prep participants can order study guides for the various content areas for $6 (per content area), or download the materials from the website. To order the tests students can call the National Evaluation Systems @1-800-239-8105 or you may visit the Rio Salado Library for reference books. Northern Arizona University Colleg eof Education has a review Web CT course of the AEPA Elementary and Secondary Professional Knowledge exam. For more information refer to: http://www4.nau.edu/cee/aepa/.
Students will be required to verify successful passage of their content area test(s) prior to beginning student teaching.
Q: After completing the online Post-Baccalaureate program what opportunity is available for a Masters Degree?
Rio Salado College (RSC) has established educational partnerships with Northcentral University, Plymouth State University and Walden University. These educational partners are regionally accredited institutions of higher learning.
Through these special partnerships, 18 credit hours of the RSC State Approved Post Baccalaureate Teacher Preparation Program will be applied toward the Northcentral University Master's Degree of 36 hours and Plymouth State University 33 hour Master's Degree Program and up to 12 credit hours toward the 30 hour Master's Degree Programs at Walden University.
For more information on these Master's in Education degrees view http://www.rio.maricopa.edu/ci/visitors_center/education/mastersPartner.shtml
Q: What is the mandate from the Arizona Department of Education for a Structured English Immersion (SEI) Provisional or Full Endorsement?
Provisional SEI Endorsement: Teachers, supervisors, principals and superintendents certified before August 31, 2006, must meet the following requirement:
All teachers will be required to have a Provisional and Full SEI endorsement for teacher certification. For further clarification; Post-Bacc students should view Rio Salado website at:
http://www.rio.maricopa.edu/ci/programs/education.shtml
If you hold a current Provisional, Standard teaching certificate view:
http://www.rio.maricopa.edu/ci/visitors_center/education/endorsements/sei.shtml.
Additional information can be found at Arizona Department of Education website at:
http://www.ade.state.az.us/asd/lep/
Q: How do Rio Salado students rank in comparison to other students who take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment?
Note: These scores are provided for each State Approved Program and are based on those students who have completed the entire certification program (must have student teaching) within the requested year. Information for 2004 is based on students who completed the Rio Salado program between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. Score Report
|
Rio Home : Education Home : Frequently Asked Questions
