What is meant by Institutional Recommendation (Eligible for Credential)?
A program that leads to an Institutional Recommendation (IR) allows the graduate of that program to be “eligible for a credential” in that specific area of study. If a program is eligible for credential, it is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education as fulfilling the course requirements for certification (e.g., a teacher certificate or principal certificate). According to the Arizona Department of Education, the purpose of an IR is to verify the completion of an approved program in order to obtain a teaching or administrative certificate. An IR must be completed and signed by the institutions’ designated individual.
- For a certificate in a state other than Arizona, teacher candidates should apply to their respective state department of education. Please be aware that some states do not refer to this form as an Institutional Recommendation. It can also be called a College Verification Form, Completion of Approved Education Program, etc.
Where can I find specific information about what is required in my home state?
- For a certificate in Arizona, the candidate must complete the certification requirements for the Arizona Department of Education. This includes but is not limited to the following:
- Obtain an Institutional Recommendation Request Form which must be signed by the College of Education Dean
- Pass the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA) exams
- Arizona and Federal Government course
- Application fee
The Institutional Recommendation (Eligible for Credential) programs of study offered in the College of Education meet the teacher certification requirements outlined by the Arizona Department of Education.
**All students are required to check with their respective state Department of Education for determining the certification requirements of their state.
SPECIFIC STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION
Pathways to Initial Teacher Certification
There are generally three ways for students to complete the requirements for Initial Teacher Certification. Students who reside in states outside Arizona or who plan to teach in a state other than Arizona should review the specific requirements for their respective state department of education to determine the certification requirements of their state.
- Meet Arizona requirements for certification with institutional recommendation
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Grand Canyon University has programs that have been approved by the Arizona Department of Education which lead to an Institutional Recommendation
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Teacher candidates must contact the Arizona Department of Education to obtain information regarding certification requirements
- Meet state requirements with GCU degree
- Teacher candidate earns GCU degree as part of state requirement
- Teacher candidate must contact their specific state’s Department of Education to obtain information regarding certification requirements
- States have additional requirements including
- Fingerprinting
- Additional Courses
- State exams in General Content, Pedagogy and Subject specific tests
- Performance evaluation/demonstration of proficiency
- Meet Arizona requirements and apply for certificate/license through reciprocity
- Student must complete all requirements for Arizona certification – including AEPA tests and application
- Once they receive the Arizona certificate, they can submit an application to their state to be certified or licensed.
- Reciprocity is not automatic – there may be additional requirements per state (ie Teaching experience)
Where can I find specific information about what is required in my home state?
You can click here to go to the links for requirements for each state. You may also contact your Academic Advisor.
INSTITUTIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS AND FORM REQUESTS
Arizona Institutional Recommendation
The Arizona Department of Education requires an Institutional Recommendation (IR) for initial certification. This form needs to be signed by the Dean of the College of Education. The College of Education has the Arizona IR form available on site which can be completed on behalf of the teacher candidate. To request an Arizona IR, the teacher candidate will need to submit a request via email to the Office of Field Experience at fieldexperience@gcu.edu with the following information enclosed within the email:
- First and Last Name
- Student ID number
- Current Mailing Address
- Current Phone Number
- Program of Study
- Date of Degree Completion
Other State Requirements
Other states may require an Institutional Recommendation as part of their certification requirements or degree completion letter. The form can be found on the Department of Education website for the specific state. If all state requirements are met, the Dean of the College of Education may complete these forms and/or letters on behalf of the teacher candidate. The forms need to be faxed to the Office of Field Experience at 1.877.211.6292. Letter requests need to be submitted to fieldexperience@gcu.edu. The following information needs to be stated on the fax cover sheet or within the email request:
- First and Last Name
- Student ID number
- Current Mailing Address
- Current Phone Number
- Program of Study
- Date of Degree Completion
The forms will be completed and mailed to the teacher candidate’s current mailing address within 10 business days. If the form needs to be sent to a third party mailing address or fax number, the teacher candidate will need to complete a FERPA Release Form.
If you have specific certification questions, please contact the Office of Field Experience at 1.800.800.9776 ext 6358.