The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has introduced a new online tool designed to simplify the teacher certification process in response to the state’s persistent teacher shortage. According to data from the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association, nearly 25% of teaching positions remained vacant just a few weeks into the current school year, marking the ninth consecutive year of such shortages.
To address this challenge, ADE’s newly launched online system aims to streamline certification for both current educators and new applicants. Superintendent Tom Horne emphasized the benefits of the system, stating, “This tool simplifies the process, helping educators access the documents they need to succeed in their careers.”
The system allows applicants to complete and track their certification applications entirely online, with automated notifications sent at key milestones. To access the system, candidates must create an ADEConnect account.
This tool is part of ADE’s broader efforts to alleviate the state’s ongoing teacher shortage and support educators in their certification journey.
