Aspire2Teach
Program Overview
Queen Creek Unified School District will be offering a Classroom-Based Educator Preparation Program, Aspire2Teach, to selected participants as an alternative path to Arizona Department of Education Certification. Program participants will earn a certificate in one of the following areas: Elementary, K–8; Secondary Education, 6–12; or Special Education Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K–12.
The QCUSD Aspire2Teach Program requires a two-year commitment while participants engage in over 150 hours of professional development during each year of the program. In correlation of the professional development, Aspire2Teach teachers will be provided job-embedded coaching and mentorship which will include frequent classroom visits, targeted feedback with modeling supports, instruction videotaping for self-reflection opportunities, and observation of QCUSD identified exemplar teachers. During visits to exemplar teacher classrooms participants will be accompanied by a program coach or site mentor to facilitate best practice discussions.
The Aspire2Teach Program provides the following opportunities:
- Participants developed to match QCUSD teacher expectations and the needs of QCUSD students
- Job embedded training and coaching
- Evidence-based professional development
Participant Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Valid IVP fingerprint card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety
- Valid Alternative teaching certificate obtained through assistance from QCUSD upon program admission
FAQ
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Does this program have a cost?
No, the program is tuition-free. In fact, participants will receive an annual salary of $53,500, and the majority of training will occur during school hours.
What is the schedule for Aspire2Teach?
The Aspire2Teach program follows an extended teacher work calendar with a start date in July. Program participants will participate in monthly training workshops taking place during the workday and will be required to attend an additional two days of training during fall break and one day during spring break.
What is the structure of the program?
The Aspire2Teach program follows a professional growth scope and sequence designed to support entry-level teachers. Monthly coursework will focus on pedagogy development in a cyclical design facilitated by QCUSD Education Services administrators and academic coaches. In addition to the monthly professional development taking place during the workday, participants will receive job-embedded training through ongoing coaching and mentorship from QCUSD Academic Coaches and site mentors.
What topics will be included in the coursework?
The program content includes, but is not limited to: Arizona Academic Standards, Curriculum, Instructional Delivery, Classroom Procedures, Engagement Strategies, Formative & Summative Assessment, Synergy Platform, Google Suite, Modeled Pedagogy, Classroom Management, Legal & State Mandates, etc.
I am a substitute teacher, am I eligible for this program?
Yes, anyone with a bachelor's degree is eligible.
