Professional Teacher Preparation Program

The program has approval from the state of Arizona to recommend certification in Elementary (K-8) and Secondary (7-12) Education.  Requirements for a teaching credential can be earned concurrently while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.  Students master educational principles and apply these in many problem-solving situations during courses, through independent studies, and in a 12-week student teaching assignment.  Elementary school educators pursue a broadly based liberal arts, science, and social studies.  Secondary school educators will have significant coursework in a subject area typically taught in a public high school.

Course Sequencing

Students proceed from foundational coursework to practicum experiences to gain the most benefit from application of their knowledge. Teaching experience followed by careful reflection is an essential element in quality teacher education and professional practice. The program encourages students to engage in teaching activities throughout their educational preparation, through teaching internships, volunteer or paid positions in camps and schools, volunteering in adult literacy programs, and tutoring 

Elementary and Secondary Arizona State Teacher Certification

The certification competence meets the requirements for a teacher credential in the State of Arizona.  To find out whether certification in Arizona is reciprocal in another state, check to see whether that state has an interstate contract with Arizona.  Students intending to teach at the secondary level choose a content area such as Earth Science, English, Political Science, or Visual Arts, while students intending to teach at the elementary level pursue a broadly based liberal education including solid preparation in math, language arts, science, and social studies.

Expeditionary Learning Teacher Training

Education students can concentrate their studies in the philosophy and methodology of Expeditionary Learning to open doors for employment in Expeditionary Learning Schools like the Prescott-based Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy.  Prescott College is the only college approved by Expeditionary Learning Schools to offer a specific emphasis in Expeditionary Learning.

The Prescott community has the unique distinction of being the only community in the United States to offer Expeditionary Learning Schools-affiliated education in grades K-16.  Expeditionary Schools in Prescott include La Tierra Community School (K-8), Mile High Middle School (6-8), Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy (8-12), and Prescott College (13-16).

The Expeditionary Learning emphasis area includes the following courses:

• Expeditionary Learning
• Experiential Education and Expeditionary Learning Practicum
• Curriculum Theory and Application
• Authentic Assessment