College of Education’s approach to classroom experience and teacher preparation highlighted amid Arizona’s teacher shortage

As Arizona continues to navigate a teacher shortage, the University of Arizona College of Education is being recognized for its approach to preparing future educators for successful careers in the classroom.

A recent feature from 13 News examined how high-quality teacher preparation programs can help more aspiring educators earn their certifications and enter the profession. The story highlighted the College of Education’s 94% teacher certification rate, significantly higher than the statewide rate of 72% among students who pursue teaching degrees.

The College’s approach includes placing teacher candidates in classrooms alongside experienced mentor teachers, giving students the opportunity to gain firsthand classroom experience while developing their skills and confidence as educators.

“We want them to feel comfortable in the setting, they learn to work out some of the challenges, they have a network of support when they enter the profession,” said Dean Regina Deil-Amen in the 13 News feature.

For students like College of Education student Eve Lescarbeau, early classroom experiences can also reinforce their commitment to teaching. Lescarbeau told 13 News that working in a classroom during her first year at the University of Arizona made her even more excited about becoming a teacher.

The College also offers pathways such as Teach Arizona and the Arizona Teacher’s Academy, which provide funding opportunities for students pursuing teaching degrees while encouraging graduates to begin their careers in Arizona.

The feature underscores the College of Education’s commitment to preparing highly qualified educators and supporting students from their first classroom experiences through certification and into the teaching profession.

Read the full feature from 13 News: Getting teachers into the classroom: High-quality programs improve certification rates