Education STEP Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
STEP is the only one-year model in the Valley!
The Scottsdale Teacher Education Partnership (STEP) post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs at Scottsdale Community College (SCC) are designed for students who have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any discipline and would like to become certified teachers in grades K through 8.
The SCC STEP program:
- Fulfills requirements for Elementary Teacher Certification (grades K-8) and the state Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement requirement
- Hybrid learning model (face to face classroom meetings and online work)
- Statewide Live Online model for residents outside Maricopa County (all course work is completed in a Live Online format utilizing a virtual platform)
- A twelve month intensive program that meets two days per week to complete course work
- Courses taught by experienced classroom teachers and college professors
- Integration of college coursework and classroom experience
- Each student cohort participates in all coursework together
- High marketability of graduates
- Reduced community college tuition cost
- Program approved by the Arizona State Board of Education
SCC offers Two Pathways to Teacher Certification
The SCC STEP program offers two pathways to teacher certification. Both pathways are designed for individuals who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Traditional Pathway
The Traditional Pathway is geared toward the candidate who would like to work closely in the classroom with master mentor teachers while completing course work. This one-year cohort is designed as a field-based preparation program that allows students to learn to teach by working side-by-side with teachers and students in elementary and middle school classrooms. STEP students intern in school districts throughout the Valley (for students living outside of Maricopa County, see the Statewide Teacher in Residence Pathway below).
Applications are currently being accepted for the following cohorts:
- 2023-2024 November Cohort
- 2024-2025 May Cohort
Teacher in Residence Pathway: Maricopa County
The Teacher in Residence (TIR) Pathway is geared toward the candidate who has been substitute teaching or working as a paraprofessional and is ready to teach. This one-year cohort allows candidates to be employed full time in a classroom while completing required education courses for certification. SCC STEP partners with school districts throughout the Valley. Teachers in the TIR Pathway must be teaching in a K-8 regular classroom setting.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following cohorts:
- 2023-2024 November Cohort
- 2024-2025 May Cohort
Statewide Teacher in Residence Pathway
As of May 2021, the Live Online Teacher in Residence (TIR) Pathway became available statewide. Arizona residents living outside Maricopa County are invited to apply. This one-year Live Online program allows students to enroll as Teacher-in-Resident candidates. Teachers in the Statewide TIR Pathway must be teaching in a regular K-8 classroom setting.
SCC STEP partners with school districts throughout the state.
Why choose Live Online?
- Engage in real-time sessions with instructors, allowing for seamless communication
- Develop stronger relationships with professors and other students
- Ask questions and receive answers in real-time
- Develop a deeper level of student/teacher interaction as compared to On-Your-Own-Time Online instruction.
- Enjoy active engagement and collaboration in learning by participating in breakout sessions with other STEP students
- Experience the essence of a physical classroom in a virtual environment
- Summer courses are offered in a Live Online format on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 6:30 pm.
- Fall Courses will be offered in a Live Online format on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5 - 7:30 pm.
Applications are currently being accepted for the following cohort:
- 2024-2025 May Cohort
Statewide Live Online Cohort
Applications are currently being accepted for the following cohort:
- 2024-2025 May Cohort
Apply for STEP
- Send in your application today to reserve your spot.
- More detailed information and forms can be found under the "STEP Applications" tab in the left-hand page menu.
- Please email [email protected] with any questions.
- Please submit all required paperwork to Mary Ellertson, STEP Program Director at [email protected]
Acceptance into the STEP program is not guaranteed. Once the paperwork has been received an in-person interview will be scheduled. Formal acceptance into the program will occur once all elements of the application and interview results are evaluated by the STEP Education Acceptance Committee.
STEP is proud to partner with Arizona Teachers Academy!
The goal of the Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA) is to promote education as a career and bring more qualified individuals into the classroom.
Financial Assistance
The Arizona Teachers Academy at SCC provides financial assistance to qualified candidates who are enrolled in the STEP post baccalaureate teacher preparation program. The scholarship will pay for all tuition costs and course fees.
Eligibility
ATA scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for students who meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Are admitted to the SCC STEP program
- Have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Scholarship Expectations
For each academic year the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship is awarded, you will be expected to teach in an Arizona public or charter school. Since the STEP program crosses two academic years, you will be expected to teach in an Arizona school for at least two years.
Completion Requirements
If a candidate does not fulfill the required two years of teaching in an Arizona school, the candidate will be required to reimburse the Arizona Board of Regents for the amount of the awarded ATA scholarship for tuition and fees.