2. 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.)

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

4. 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 + =

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Education Banquet
For all graduating students. Scholarships available.

12. 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

13.   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.

14. 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

15. Questions or Concerns?
Patty Powers, Education Professor and Faculty Advisor
Ben Behunin, Education Professor
Angela Amezaga, Transfer Specialist
Angelica Diaz De Leon, Academic Advisor
Marcy Hurtado, NAU PACTO Grant
Laura Grosso, ASU Student Outreach