Alliant Launches Teacher Preparation Programs In Arizona

Phoenix, AZ /PRNewswire/ - Alliant University has been approved to offer Teacher Preparation Programs by the Arizona School Board of Education (ASBE). The programs offer an Alternative Certification Pathway leading to an Elementary or a Secondary Teacher Certification. Candidates in the program may also earn a concurrent Master of Arts in Education (MAE) in Teaching.

Arizona is in the midst of a teacher shortage crisis. As one of the leading teacher preparation universities, Alliant sees a societal imperative to ensure that every child has the opportunity to get a quality education and that every classroom have a qualified teacher at the helm—regardless of the zip code.

To this end, Alliant is offering their established expertise in teacher preparation and unparalleled approach to professional practice as a model to help increase the number of qualified, well-prepared teachers in Arizona.

Through Alliant's innovative teacher certification model, candidates can earn their teaching certification in as few as 12 months and concurrently earn their MAE in Teaching degree in an additional 4.5 months.

The coursework in these programs is offered online with an extensive hands-on training field component. As part of this program, candidates will fulfill a paid teaching internship while paired up with a university mentor and a field supervisor—an experienced teacher who will provide mentorship through assessments and individualized coaching sessions—allowing candidates to be guided while they simultaneously learn, teach, and earn an income.

Alliant will also focus on tackling one of the key root causes of the teacher shortage crisis: attrition. Alliant's In-Service Academy (ISA) will provide professional development for each alumnus. The ISA helps ensure that teachers stay in their classrooms and school districts by providing ongoing professional development and mentorship for two years post program completion.

"Alliant has a strong history of teacher preparation, and we focus on the critical areas of the teacher shortage to help solve this crisis and specialize in alternative certification programs that bring qualified teachers to the classrooms most in need almost immediately," says Andy Vaughn, President and CEO of Alliant University. "Alliant's vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni, and we see no greater path to achieving this vision than by preparing our students to make their impact in one of society's most vital professions."

Candidates can now apply for the Arizona Teacher Preparation Programs beginning in the fall.

More information about Alliant's Teacher Preparation Programs is available at: Arizona.alliant.edu.

About Alliant University
Alliant is a private university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) which offers programs in psychology, education, business management, forensic studies, and law.

Alliant's mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership, and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world.

Alliant's vision: An Inclusive World Empowered by Alliant Alumni.

More information is available at www.alliant.edu.