Community College Bachelor’s Degree Keeps Student in the Game
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
The plan was simple: finish her associate degree and transfer to a university to become a teacher. But for April Preciado Jimenez, reality had other plans. Rising costs made her first choice university unaffordable, and by the time she explored other options, it was too late to start that semester.
Instead of putting her future on hold, she found a different path— one that allowed her to move forward at Rio Salado College after her associate degree.
“I chose Rio Salado during a time when I was unsure if I would be able to continue my education,” Jimenez said.
After earning her associate degree in education at Estrella Mountain Community College, Jimenez planned to transfer to one of Arizona’s public universities, but quickly realized it wasn’t feasible. By the time she was ready to continue her bachelor’s degree, most colleges had already started their semesters.
“I reached out to several schools, but none were able to accept me until the following semester because classes had already begun,” she said.
Then she found Rio Salado.
“Rio Salado was the only college that gave me the opportunity to start right away and continue my education without losing an entire semester,” Jimenez said. “In many ways, I like to say that I didn’t choose Rio. Rio chose me.”
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Jimenez will receive her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education at Rio Salado College’s commencement ceremony. It is one of two bachelor’s degrees offered at Rio, and one of several now available through the Maricopa County Community College District.
These programs are helping students like Jimenez achieve their goals at a more affordable cost, without putting their lives on hold.
“As a full-time employee, the flexibility of online classes also made it possible for me to balance school with my work responsibilities,” she said.
Like many community college students, Jimenez learned to accommodate school, work, and life responsibilities throughout her entire college journey.
“Balancing work and school have not always been easy, but it has been an important part of my journey,” she said.
After moving to Arizona from Mexico, Jimenez worked full time at an Amazon warehouse while attending college full time. She later transitioned into education, working as an instructional assistant before becoming a kindergarten math teacher in the Pendergast Elementary School District where she now leads her own classroom.
“I truly enjoy working with children,” she said. “I love helping students learn, sharing knowledge, and being part of their educational journey. Being a teacher means having the opportunity to shape young minds and make a positive difference in a child’s life.”
Jimenez is set to graduate in May, but that won’t be the end of her learning journey. She plans to continue growing in her career by earning her teaching certification and eventually pursuing a master’s degree, possibly in special education.
Through it all, her motivation has always been rooted in her love for teaching.
“At times, I thought about giving up, but continuing this journey has been completely worth it,” Jimenez said. “My degree at Rio Salado has helped me become a more confident and prepared educator.”
One of the most meaningful parts of her experience has been completing student teaching in her own classroom.
“Some of the most inspiring experiences during my time at Rio have been the courses that required field experience hours,” she said.
“These experiences gave me the opportunity to observe classrooms, work directly with students, and better understand the role of a teacher.”
For students considering going back to school, Jimenez encourages others not to let busy schedules or financial concerns stop them from pursuing their goals.
“My biggest advice for students learning online is to stay organized and manage your time well,” she said. “Even though online learning is different from in-person classes, it can be just as effective if you stay committed and organized.”
Jimenez believes Rio Salado’s flexibility is key for students who are balancing multiple responsibilities.
“Many people believe they cannot return to school because they work full time or because they have been away from school for a while,” Jimenez said. “Rio shows that it is possible. Rio gave me the opportunity to continue my education and grow both personally and professionally.”
Fast Facts
- Between 2003 and 2024, 4,578 students completed a post-teacher certification program at Rio Salado and became certified in Arizona.
- Of those, 1,851 were still teaching in AZ public/charter school classrooms as of Academic Year 2024-25.*
- From 2012 to 2024, 73 percent of teachers certified through Rio Salado were teaching in public school classrooms in the year immediately following certification.
- Rio launched its Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education in fall 2023, with five students becoming the first degree recipients in 2025. More than 25 students received or will receive their bachelor’s degrees in Elementary and Special Education this academic year.
Rio Salado College offers several educator preparation programs, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, post baccalaureate teacher certification, and professional growth coursework for endorsements or certification renewal. To see the full list visit our Educator Preparation Programs website.
*These numbers do not reflect individuals who continue to teach out of state, have moved to administration, or are teaching in a private school setting.