Teacher Development Academy

Apply for our TUSD Teacher Development Academy – the only requirement is a bachelor's degree!

The Teacher Development Academy is a FREE two-year program while you work in TUSD:

Receive a K-8 Elementary Teaching Certification
Receive Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement
Receive Reading Endorsement (required to teach after 2028)
No additional college course work
Limited to 30 participants

Receive a teacher's salary plus benefits while in the program:

Paid summer institutes twice a year (10 day/4 day)

Who should apply:

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply
Open to TAs, School Community Liaisons and other school support positions
Open to anyone (current employment in TUSD not required)

Program starts July 14, 2025 and will be complete in June 2027.

Application window is open October 1 - December 20, 2024!

Application Form (in PDF)

Would you like more information about the TUSD Teacher Development Academy?

Join us for any of the informational sessions listed below! All sessions are held at Howenstine Professional Learning Center.

Thursday, September 12 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Monday, September 30 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Thursday, October 3 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Monday, October 7 | 10:00 - 11:00 am
Wednesday, October 9 | 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 23 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Tuesday, November 4 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Thursday, November 7 | 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Thursday, November 14 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Monday, December 2 | 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Howenstine Professional Learning Center
Room 7
555 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716

The district is offering an in-house two-year teacher certification program to encourage, incent, and support individuals in becoming certified teachers at TUSD.

Initial criteria required:

Hold a bachelor's degree

Once initial criteria is met, next steps required:

Complete the application, which requires:
- Two letters of recommendation
  - One from employer/supervisor
  - One professional recommendation
- Completion of essays

Upon acceptance into the program, candidate needs to:

Provide a copy of your Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate OR obtain through Teacher Development Academy prior to July 14, 2025
Provide a copy of your Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card
Commitment for two-year cohort
- Two-year program cohort: July 2025 - June 2027
Commitment to teach for TUSD for two years after earning Elementary Education Certificate

Benefits of participating in the program:

Teacher salary and paid benefits
No tuition or fees
Small cohort group: limited to 20 participants
Additional stipends paid during the two-year commitment
- Year One: July and May Learning Institute
- Year Two: July and May Learning Institute
- Added duty pay during 2x Monthly Learning Cycles
  - Evenings/after-work hours

Have questions? Please email us!

Our Mission: The TUSD Teacher Development Academy is committed to enhancing a passion for instructional foundations by focusing on teaching skills that lead to achievement for all learners in a culturally responsive, inclusive, and safe environment preparing future-ready learners for civic and global engagement.

Vision:

Teacher Development Academy is a CADRE:

Creates community

Appreciation for diverse learners

Dedicated to student success

Reflective practitioner

Empowers all students equitably

The TUSD Teacher Development Academy is a CADRE that creates community with an appreciation for diverse learners, dedicated to student success, while being a reflective practitioner who empowers all students equitably.

Brought to you by:

Curriculum & Instruction Dept

Alicia Nourse
Program Director, Teacher Development Academy
520-225-4935