The need for teachers A persistent shortage of teachers in Yuma County has been a problem for the past 30 years, but is also a nationwide phenomenon, according to education professionals. Arizona produces less than half the amount of teachers needed to fulfill its secondary education staffing requirements (Toni Badone, Yuma Union High School District superintendent) 62 percent of public schools reported having unfilled teaching positions according to an Arizona Department of Education survey published in 2014. 23 percent of Arizona educators will be eligible to retire in the next four years. (Arizona State Retirement System‘s October 2014 Fact Sheet.)

Degree programs AA in Elementary Education AA in Elementary Education-Childhood Emphasis AA in Secondary Education

Associate’s Degree Requirements 35 credits for AGEC-A AGEC 29 credits Depending on degree Required Major Courses 64 Credits Total credits for degree TOTAL + =

Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) The AGEC is very specific for the AA in Elementary Education at AWC Follow the AGEC closely, some exceptions may apply AGEC for the AA in Secondary Ed, best to check with the requirements of the university

University Partnerships Arizona State University ASU Secondary Education TAG Content areas: Biology Chemistry English General Science History Math Other Elementary Ed. TAG Polytechnic campus Tempe campus West campus Northern Arizona University Elementary Education BS Early Childhood Education BA Certification for Secondary Education University of Arizona Family Studies with ECE certification

Grade Point average Requirements University of Arizona 3.0 GPA Northern Arizona University 2.5 GPA English combined GPA of 3.0 Arizona State University 2.5 GPA

Second language requirement The University of Arizona requires second language up to the 4th semester (SPA 202 for example) ASU and NAU do not require second language coursework

Application deadlines Northern Arizona University Whole month of February for Fall Whole month of September for Spring Arizona State University General admissions application as soon as one year in advance University of Arizona Second Friday in February for Fall Second Friday in September for Spring

Priority Spring Registration Dates Credits Required November 14th at 7:00 am Students with 45+ completed credits  Online registration opens November 16th at 7:00 am Students with 30+ completed credits  Online registration opens November 21st at 7:00 am Students with 15+ completed credits  Online registration opens November 23rd at 7:00 am All Students Online registration open

Education Banquet For all graduating students. Scholarships available.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools and educational service agencies that serve low-income families, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. If you have PLUS loans only, you are not eligible for this type of forgiveness. FED Loans Servicing

  If your five consecutive, complete years of qualifying teaching service began before October 30, 2004: You may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Requirements: Levels of Education Subject Area: Loan Forgiveness Full-time teacher for Elementary students Demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing and mathematics and other areas of elementary curriculum. $5,000 Full-time teacher for Secondary students Taught a subject area that was relevant to academic major. Highly qualified, full-time teacher for Secondary students Taught subject area in mathematics or science. $17,500 Highly qualified, full-time Special Education teacher Primary responsibility was to provide special education to children with disabilities, taught children with disabilities corresponding to your area of special education training. Demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in content areas of the curriculum you taught.

If your five consecutive, complete years of qualifying teaching service began on or after October 30, 2004: You may be eligible for loan forgiveness. Requirements Subject Area Loan Forgiveness Highly qualified, full-time teacher for elementary or secondary students. None specified. $5,000 Highly qualified, special education teacher. Primary responsibility was to provide special education to children with disabilities. Taught children with disabilities that corresponded to your area of special education training. Demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in content areas of curriculum that you taught.   $17,500 Highly qualified, full-time teacher for secondary students Taught in subject areas for mathematics or science

Questions or Concerns? Patty Powers, Education Professor and Faculty Advisor patricia.powers@azwestern.edu Ben Behunin, Education Professor benjamin,behunin@azwestern.edu Angela Amezaga, Transfer Specialist angela.amezaga@azwestern.edu Angelica Diaz De Leon, Academic Advisor angelica.diazdeleon@azwestern.edu Marcy Hurtado, NAU PACTO Grant Marcelina.huratdo@nau.edu Laura Grosso, ASU Student Outreach Laura.Grosso@asu.edu