Master Teacher FAQs
What is a Master Teacher?
"A Master Teacher is an individual recognized for excellence in the classroom, including the ability to improve student achievement, the ability to mentor other teachers in achieving excellence in their classrooms, and the ability to communicate effectively with their community."
What are the qualifications of becoming a Master Teacher, Mentor or Coach?
In order to apply for designation as a Master Teacher a teacher must:
- Have a minimum of 5 years teaching experience
- Be fully certified in the subject or grade level you are teaching and show evidence of meeting the Highly Qualified Criteria
- Have positive teaching evaluations, with no formal plans of improvement related to their job performance anytime in the three years prior to application.
Do I have to be an Arizona resident to apply?
Because this is a state-funded program, applicants must hold a current Provisional or Standard Arizona teaching certificate and must be employed by an Arizona School District or Charter School. The five years of teaching experience does not have to be in Arizona.
How do I apply?
Visit www.azk12.org and click on Learn More about the Master Teacher Application. Access the application under MT Application Info.
Is there a fee involved?
There is no fee involved with the application process.
What is involved in the Master Teacher application?
In this application process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your ability to demonstrate excellence in your teaching, mentoring or coaching practice. Each individual component in the application requires three types of information; documentation, evaluation, and reflection.
How long should expect to spend on my application?
The application is designed to provide you an opportunity to plan, implement and reflect on your practices over at least a 2-3 month time period. Through this application you should expect to engage in job embedded professional development that will enhance your work as a reflective and influential teacher, mentor or coach that greatly impacts student achievement in Arizona schools.
When is the deadline to submit my application for review?
There is one submission period scheduled each year that covers the winter and spring (second semester). The application will have an exact date for submission and explicit submission requirements.
How do I earn the designation of Master Teacher?
All applicants whose score on the required Master Teacher, Mentor/Coach Application meets or exceeds a specific designated score will be identified as Master Teachers.
What are the benefits of becoming a Master Teacher, Mentor/Coach?
Master Teachers are awarded certificates by the State Board of Education and the Arizona K12 Center and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional development and teacher leadership opportunities through out the year. Master Teachers also serve as the core of the Master Teacher Mentor Program in selected districts throughout the state. For more, refer the District Participation Application on the Master Teacher page of azk12.org.
What professional development is available for completing the Master Teacher application?
A professional development log is included in the Master Teacher Online Application under downloadable forms and can be completed for professional development hours spent on preparing you application.
What is the difference between Master Teacher and Master Teacher Mentor/Coach?
Master Teacher Mentors/Coaches are often chosen from the pool of Master Teachers, pending agreements made by individual districts. Beginning in 2010, there is a separate application process and designation for those who are already coaching or mentoring.
Who do I contact for information regarding the application process?
Please contact MTdata@azk12.org for questions regarding the application.
Who do I contact if my district is interested in participating in the Master Teacher Mentoring Program?
Please contact MTdata@azk12.org if your district is interested in applying for the Master Teacher Program.
Who do I contact for information regarding Mentor Training and Induction Programs?
Taryl Hargens at thargens@azk12.org
What is required if selected as a Master Teacher Mentor/Coach?
If you work in a district that has a grant agreement with the Arizona K12 Center you will
- Serve as a Master Teacher Mentor/Coach and provide defined mentoring/coaching for teachers at a site/district
- Participate in state-sponsored professional development for mentors/coaches and established cohorts for up to a three year period
- Complete a required Individual Professional Development Plan each year and all other required data and training components of the program and participate in program evaluation
What are the District/School Requirements if selected to participate in the Master Teacher Mentor Program?
- Complete an application outlining the District's interest and willingness to meet the requirements of participation
- Seek to provide at least half-time release for Master Teacher Mentors/coaches
- Demonstrate need and capacity to utilize mentors/coaches effectively
- Provide expenses for travel and substitutes as necessary for training
- Provide stipends to designated Master Teachers who are serving as Mentors/Coaches.
