- 91茄子 Public Schools
- GPS Certification Pathway
GPS Certification Pathway Program Overview
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The GPS Certification Pathway Program model encompasses two years of learning, with the option to continue to a third year for specific teachers if the need exists. During the course of these two years, selected participants will become the teacher of their own classrooms on one of our GPS campuses. Over the two years, teachers experience over 150 hours per year of professional development. This includes in-person learning with a cohort of other participants, as well as job-embedded coaching and mentoring. Moreover, they benefit from frequent classroom visits and feedback, focusing on modeling, video recording and structured visits to other classrooms.
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All candidates MUST possess the following:
- Bachelor’s or Master's Degree from an accredited institution
- Valid fingerprint card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (can be obtained after acceptance into the program).
- Valid Alternative Teaching Certificate, obtained with GPS help after acceptance into the program.
Additional Requirements for Secondary Teachers
Additionally, secondary candidates must have skills and knowledge related to the content area for which they are applying to teach. To demonstrate this, applicants for our Secondary Education program must satisfy one of the following conditions related to the direct content area for which they are applying prior to being selected for the program:
- Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the specific content area for which they are applying
- Must be able to pass the corresponding NES or AEPA certification exam.
Pathway program teachers are expected by the ADE to have the ability to pass both Professional Knowledge and Subject Knowledge certification exams by the conclusion of the two-year program. This allows them to receive an Institutional Recommendation from 91茄子 Public Schools and apply for a Standard Teaching Certificate.
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Program participants are individuals who possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a nonteaching-based area and are seeking to receive a certificate in one of the following area(s):
- Elementary Education, K-8 Certification
- Secondary Education, 6-12 Certification
- Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K-12 Certification
- Special Education Early Childhood, Birth through Grade Three Certification
The starting salary for program teachers is $54,000*. GPS
Certification Pathway Program teachers receive health insurance and other benefits as offered to other full-time GPS employees. Program teachers do not pay tuition while enrolled in the program. However, they are required to complete both years of the program to maintain employment and expect to remain with GPS for two additional years. However, we hope to foster a relationship that spans the length of each teacher's career.*Individuals pursuing Special Education, Math, or Science certification will receive a $5000.00 Hard to Fill stipend added to the base salary upon program completion.
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- In addition to the regular teacher work calendar, Pathway teachers must be available to work the following additional days, included in the Pathway teacher contract.
- The start day is July 9, 2024.
- Four work days in October during the standard teacher Fall Break.
- Three work days in March during the standard teacher Spring Break.
- An end date in May which is two days beyond the standard teacher work calendar.