We appreciate the incredible interest in the Teacher Development Academy (TDA) and the many aspiring educators who have joined our waitlist. Due to recent funding reductions, TDA is unable to support two cohorts at the same time. As a result, the application window originally planned for December 2025 will not open as scheduled. The next TDA cohort (Cohort 3) is now anticipated to begin in January 2027. We understand this delay may be disappointing, and we remain deeply committed to providing a supportive, high-quality pathway to teacher certification for future participants.
Those wishing to begin their certification process sooner may explore alternative district-supported pathways offered through our university partners. For more information, please contact Monica Sanchez, Director of HR Diversity Recruitment and Inclusion Projects, at
[email protected].
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued interest in becoming a Tucson Unified educator. Please complete this form to share your contact information so we can notify you as soon as the next application window opens or if any new information becomes available.
Interest FormThe 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:
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.
