Bill would expand Arizona Teachers Academy eligibility for community college students

A bill that would make community college students eligible for the Arizona Teachers Academy is moving forward at the state Legislature.

The program provides scholarships to students who commit to teaching at state public schools after graduation, but it was created before community colleges had bachelor's degree options.

Lauren Armour works for the Maricopa County Community College District. She testified in favor of House Bill 2765.

“This upcoming graduation, we won’t know for certain yet because grades aren’t in, but we expect to see our first bachelor’s of education students walking across the stage, so this program’s gonna be really important very soon," Armour said.

The Senate Education Committee passed the bill unanimously this week. It’s one of two bills with the same goal.

Currently, those who already have a bachelor's degree and are just seeking a teaching certificate are eligible for the academy, but students who pursue a bachelor's degree from a community college from the start are not eligible.

KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.