Admission Application Process
Programs offered for Arizona Certification
Early Childhood Education (Dual certification in Early Childhood Special Education is available)
Elementary Education
Secondary Education - Business
Secondary Education - English
Secondary Education - History
Secondary Education - Mathematics
Secondary Education - Music - Choral Emphasis (in conjunction with Mesa Community College)
Secondary Education - Music - Instrumental Emphasis (in conjunction with Mesa Community College)
Prospective Education students are expected to apply to the School of Education (SoE) Teacher Education Program within their first two terms at Ottawa University. SoE acceptance and denial occurs three times per year: October 1st, February 1st, and July 1st. Students who have not been fully accepted in the SoE and continue to take courses do so at their own risk. Students will not be able to move forward into methods core without Director of School Partnerships-AZ or designee approval until fully accepted. Students who are initially denied may reapply one more time if deficiencies are met within one year.
The preferred first SoE course for a teacher candidate is EDU 30731 Teaching Profession I. This introductory course provides an overview of the status of education today and affords an opportunity for the teacher candidate to apply for admission to the Teacher Education Program. In this course, the Teacher Education Program Handbook is distributed and reviewed. Students may also enroll in EDU 20000 Technology for Educators, EDU 31233 Educational Psychology, or EDU 33035 Foundations of Schools in a Diverse Society as an entry point as well.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSIONS (PROGRAM ENTRANCE):
1. Complete an application to the teacher education program;
2. Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5;
3. Complete a Basic Skills Assessment. Exam Options: ETS Core Academic Skills for Educators Exam section and passing scores (Reading 156, Writing 162, Mathematics 150*), an ACT composite score of 24,or an SAT composite score of 1100
*All exams must be within 5 years of recency. Passing scores must be received by the end of second eight-week term for students to continue in the program.
4. Provide two recommendations completed by a high school faculty member, college faculty member, or professional who can verify candidate’s suitability to the teaching profession.
5. Provide faculty or academic advisor sponsorship with certification pathway understanding form.
6. Earn a grade of “B” or higher in Teaching Profession I.
7. Submit ADE fingerprint/background clearance. This must be kept current during the entire education program enrollment.
8. Submit official transcripts from all higher education institutions attended.
9. Provide a current health certificate to the Teacher Education office.
Arizona Teacher Education Certification (Program Exit):
At the end of student teaching (the last requirement for education majors), teacher candidates may obtain an Institutional Recommendation form that alerts the State Department of Teacher Certification that the teacher candidate has fulfilled all academic requirements associated with teacher certification in the State of Arizona.
To obtain the Institutional Recommendation form, the teacher candidate must have:
1. Maintained a cumulative grade point average no less than a 2.50 in all courseork.
2. Maintained a cumulative grade point average of no less than a 2.75 in teacher education coursework.
3. Possess an Arizona State Department of Education valid IVP fingerprint card.
4. Show proof of "passing performance" in the Arizona Educator Professional Assessment (AEPA) or
National Evaluation Series (NES).
5. Complete the teacher education program in which certification is sought and in be good standing with
the university.
6. Obtain a recommendation and clearnance from his/her academic advisor.
7. Receive clearance and signature from the AZ Certification Officer.
At Ottawa University – Arizona, the institutional recommendation is issued by AZ Certification Officer. The academic advisor of the candidate certifies the program of study to be complete. With these documents in place, signature on the Institutional Recommendation form, plus an exit appointment, and the valid IVP fingerprint card, the teacher candidate is eligible to approach the Arizona State Department for Teacher Certification, where he/she presents the appropriate fee before receiving his/her first certification, which is valid for two years.