Glendale Union Selected by Arizona Department of Education as Alternative Secondary Path to Certification Site

GLENDALE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

OPEN TO ASPIRING HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE CORE CONTENT AREAS:

• Math
• Science
• Foreign Language
• English
• Social Studies
• Fine Arts
• Special Education

CONTACT PERSONS:

• Dr. Linda Rosness
  Ester Evans
  (623) 435-6017
  (623) 435-6010

APPLICATION COMPONENTS:

• Alternative Certification Application (PDF)
• Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Passing Score on AEPA Content-Knowledge Test
• Official Transcripts
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation or Professional Reference Form

Arizona Department of Education
P.O. Box 25609
Phoenix, AZ  85002
602-542-4367

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GUHSD ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:

1. Who can participate?
   Aspiring high school teachers in the core content areas who have not previously held provisional or standard teaching certificates in Arizona and who have earned at least a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA are eligible.
    
2. What are core content areas?
   Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Foreign Language and Visual Arts
    
3. How do I apply?
   Download the ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION application from the website and send it to the district office, along with:
   a. a resume
   b. a copy of all collegiate transcripts
   c. a copy of your valid fingerprint clearance card
   d. a copy of your passing score on the AEPA content knowledge test
    
4. What is the AEPA?
   The Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) is the state-required tests for teachers in Arizona. You must pass the content knowledge portion prior to employment. You must pass the professional knowledge portion of the test the summer between your 1st and 2nd year teaching.
    
5. How do I register for the AEPA?
   Visit the Arizona Department of Education website
    
6. How often is the AEPA given?
   Six times a year. The website offers the testing dates and registration deadlines.
    
7. Is there a study guide available?
   Yes.
    
8. When will teacher selection for the next school year begin?
   Screening interviews will begin in February. Please call (623) 435-6010 to schedule an interview after submitting all application materials.
    
9. When are hiring decisions made?
   Hiring decisions are made between March and May, with summer training beginning in June.
    
10. What is the summer training?
    Four weeks of required pre-service training with our mentors is required in this program. The training begins the first week in June. An additional two weeks of summer training is held for all new teachers just prior to the opening of school at the end of July.
     
11. Is there a cost to participate in the Alternative Certification program?
    Yes. Those costs include obtaining a fingerprint clearance card, the AEPA tests, the required outside coursework during the two-year program and the cost of the intensive summer training program. The District has determined that the fee to be charged to participants for the 2006 summer training is $500.
     
12. Who can I call for more information?
    Please call (623) 435-6066 or (623) 435-6017 and ask for Jennifer, Pam or Ester.