Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation To Address Teacher Shortages

PHOENIX, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation, a non-profit launched by the American Board, today announced a new program for teacher certification. Voting in unanimous consent to approve the Arizona Center's route to teacher certification, the Arizona State Board of Education confirmed the need for qualified individuals to start teaching in local classrooms. The Arizona Center works with career-changers, recent graduates, returning veterans, and others who have a desire to teach, but were presented with too many obstacles under existing routes to certification.

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"Every student deserves to have teachers who are experts in their subject areas and the Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation provides a rigorous, expedited, and cost-effective route to teacher certification for professionals with undergraduate degrees, especially those in STEM fields," said Governor JAN BREWER. "I congratulate the Arizona Center as it officially launches its program in Arizona so more can obtain their teacher certification and begin inspiring young minds throughout this great State."

The urgent need for teachers with a strong background in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) was highlighted in the Vital Signs report, released by Change the Equation in 2012. The report revealed that in Arizona only 2% of fourth graders and 12% of eighth graders had teachers with an undergraduate major in math, and only 33% of eighth graders had teachers with an undergraduate major in science.

"I'm proud to have been the original co-sponsor of the Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation program," said State Senator JOHN McCOMISH.  "If we want our children to be the best and brightest they can be, then we need to cast a wider net when looking for teachers.  Some of the best and brightest potential teachers are trained professionals currently serving in other fields. They have a lot to offer our children in the classroom."

The program has already proven its effectiveness in attracting and retaining talented teachers in other states. A longitudinal study conducted by Mathematica demonstrates an 85% retention rate over 5 years, a recommendation rate of 95% from principals, and equal or better achievement results for students in math and English.

As a former superintendent of the Nogales and Maricopa County school districts, American Board President and CEO SHAWN McCOLLOUGH has been on the frontlines.  "I understand the challenge of recruiting and retaining highly qualified teachers. More importantly, I recognize the value of finding teachers who understand and care about the local community." McCollough's work has been recognized by national leaders including President George W. Bush, and U.S. Secretaries of Education Arne Duncan, Margaret Spellings and Rod Paige.

The Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation will be hosting informational sessions and job fairs throughout the state.

Media Inquiries 
Cathleen Healy
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Events
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About Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation
The American Board, which is celebrating 10 successful years of its teacher certification program, operates in the state as the Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation. The organization provides a route to teacher certification for career-changing professionals, recent graduates, and returning veterans. For more information, visit www.azteacherprep.org.

SOURCE Arizona Center for Teacher Preparation