Do you already have a bachelor’s degree and have dreamed of becoming a teacher? Or are you interested in earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary & Special Education? Rio Salado College offers several Educator Preparation program pathways designed to give individuals the training and knowledge they’ll need to become effective K12 classroom teachers. Regardless of which pathway you choose, you’ll have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience teaching in the classroom. Pathways may be eligible for full-time employment within a school system.
Applications for registration are now being accepted for several Educator Prep programs. Read on as we break down how to enroll in each program and what they have to offer.
Traditional Post Baccalaureate Programs
This hybrid program offers students the opportunity to complete their certification program with online asynchronous coursework (which means there is no set meeting day or time) as well as in-person K12 classroom experiences. Post-Bacc students will work with approved education partners, providing invaluable mentorship and practical teaching skills from people with years of experience as working educators.
It is recommended that you attend a virtual information session before you apply for the program:
- 4-5 p.m. Jan. 28, Feb. 18, March 24, April 23, May 6, June 24
- 1-2 p.m. Feb. 10, March 5, April 8, May 19, June 4
In order to be admitted into this program, you'll need to have a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, official academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, IVP fingerprint clearance, and submit biographical information. When you've finished your application to the program, you'll be sent a link to complete a welcome webinar. You must complete this webinar before being admitted into the program.
Teacher In Residence (Employed as the Teacher of Record while completing the certification requirements)
Our Teacher In Residence (TIR) program is for students who already possess a Bachelor's degree but want to get started teaching in a classroom while they work to complete their education coursework to get certified. Eligible students for TIR must be recommended by a school district for employment as a contracted teacher, pass the appropriate subject knowledge exam for certification, and have an IVP fingerprint card.
Rio Salado will accept applications for Fall 2026 from now until August 14, 2026. If you're interested in applying to the TIR program, it is strongly recommended that you attend an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the program requirements before you apply.
The dates for information sessions are:
- 4-5 p.m. March 10, March 26, April 28, May 13, June 9, July 7
- 1-2 p.m. April 7, May 28, June 24, July 21, August 4
Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
Do you want to pursue a career teaching elementary education (K-8) and/or special education (K-12)? Rio Salado offers a Bachelor’s degree in those fields! Enrolling in the Bachelor’s program requires the completion of lower division (100/200) and upper division (300/400) courses. The application deadline for enrollment in spring 300/400 level coursework is Feb. 17, 2026.
Please attend 90-minute virtual information sessions about our Bachelor’s programs. The dates are as follows:
Hear From Our Graduates
Curious to hear what it's like to take these programs? Hear from some of our teaching alumni about their experiences in our educator prep programs.
- The Future of Arizona Starts WIth Teachers: Gabriel Relf's Journey
- Teaching with Heart: A Rio Salado College Alum's Journey to Special Education
- Erin Juarez
- More than a Job: Teaching as a Calling and a Craft
- From Student to Teacher: Education Grads Make History at Rio Salado Commencement
- From Numbers to Needs: A Teacher’s Journey to Special Education
Article by Austin Brietta