Pathways to Initial Teacher Certification
GCU provides its teacher candidates with the opportunity to be involved in a student teaching/credentialing program, but does not guarantee certification. Because the programs are accredited in the state of Arizona, the College of Education follows its Institutional Recommendation (IR) verification process for successful program completion. There are generally three pathways for teacher candidates to complete the requirements for Initial Teacher Certification.
- Meet Arizona requirements for certification with an Institutional Recommendation from GCU
- Meet individual state requirements with a GCU degree
- Teacher candidates earn a GCU degree as part of their own state requirement.
- States may have additional requirements including, but not necessarily limited to,
- Additional Coursework
- General content, pedagogy, and subject-specific content exams
- Performance evaluations/demonstration of proficiency
- Meet Arizona certification requirements and apply for a certificate or license through reciprocity agreements between Arizona and a particular state
- Learner must complete all requirements for Arizona certification.
- In receipt of the Arizona certificate, learners can submit an application to their state to be certified or licensed.
- Reciprocity is not automatic; there may be additional requirements per state (e.g. teaching experience).
Teacher candidates who reside in states other than Arizona or who plan to teach in a state other than Arizona should review the specific requirements for their respective state department of education to determine the certification requirements of their state.
Learners can also request assistance from their Teacher Education Specialist in the Office of Academic Counseling.
Where can I find specific information about what is required in my home state?