August 28, 2026
ITEP’s accelerated 17-month Bachelor's in Elementary Education.
Good afternoon, TCUSD Family,
I wanted to share an opportunity that may be of interest to members of our TCUSD family, especially our teaching assistants, paraprofessionals, and others who have considered becoming certified teachers. I had the opportunity to visit with representatives from the University of Arizona’s Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ITEP), and I believe this is an opportunity worth sharing.
ITEP provides a pathway for Indigenous educators to earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and become certified teachers while completing the program in their home communities. I especially appreciate the program’s focus on preparing educators to incorporate tribal values, language, culture, and community into their teaching. The application is currently open for the Spring 2027 and Spring 2028 cohorts.
Through ITEP’s accelerated 17-month program, participants can:
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education
• Focus on Indigenous education and culturally sustaining teaching practices
• Receive support in preparing for required certification and literacy exams
• Graduate with an Arizona elementary teaching certificate
• Receive two years of teacher induction support after graduation
• Explore tuition assistance through the Arizona Teacher Academy or Arizona Native Scholars Grant
• Potentially receive additional support for living expenses, dependents, travel, books, technology, and professional development
• Focus on Indigenous education and culturally sustaining teaching practices
• Receive support in preparing for required certification and literacy exams
• Graduate with an Arizona elementary teaching certificate
• Receive two years of teacher induction support after graduation
• Explore tuition assistance through the Arizona Teacher Academy or Arizona Native Scholars Grant
• Potentially receive additional support for living expenses, dependents, travel, books, technology, and professional development
ITEP will also work with prospective students to review unofficial transcripts and develop an individual academic plan. If you are interested, you are encouraged to email your unofficial transcripts to itep@arizona.edu.
The ITEP team also offers 30-minute virtual informational sessions throughout Fall 2026. You can learn more about the program, application process, financial assistance, and what the pathway toward becoming a certified teacher could look like for you. I also want to share that we are working with ITEP to schedule an informational session specifically for interested TCUSD staff.
One thing I believe strongly in is developing and supporting the people who are already part of our schools and community. We have talented TAs, paraprofessionals, and staff members who already know our students, families, culture, and community. If becoming a teacher is something you have thought about, I encourage you to take a look at this opportunity and simply learn more.
For additional information or to schedule a quick conversation with the ITEP team, contact:
ITEP also hosts virtual Read Aloud opportunities featuring books by Indigenous authors and illustrators. Upcoming Fall 2026 sessions are scheduled for:
September 15 & 16
October 13 & 14
November 17 & 18
October 13 & 14
November 17 & 18
Sessions begin at 11:00 a.m. and are open to educators, classrooms, families, and community members. Additional program information, informational session registration, Read Aloud registration, and ITEP social media information are included in the forwarded message below. Please take a look, and if this is something you have ever considered, I encourage you to reach out and ask questions. It could be the beginning of a great opportunity.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Scott Nedrow
Superintendent
Tuba City Unified School District #15
#KidsComeFirst
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