FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Senate Education Committee Chairman Addresses State's Teacher Shortage with New Legislation Expanding Access to Arizona Teachers Academy
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— In response to the growing teacher shortage in Arizona, Senate Education Committee Chairman David Farnsworth is advancing new legislation that expands access to the Arizona Teachers Academy for community college students.
The Arizona Teachers Academy was established in 2018 to address the teacher shortage by paying tuition for students who commit to becoming teachers at public schools in Arizona after graduation. Today, more than 3,500 students are entering education-focused bachelor's degree programs across Maricopa Community Colleges, but the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship is not currently available to them due to a technicality in existing law. As a result, students who choose the more cost-effective community college bachelor's degree pathway do not have the ability to obtain the same state-funded tuition support as students who attend universities.
SB 1247 will expand access to the program for community college students with a goal of increasing the number of teachers in Arizona. The bill aims to put the best interests of students first by getting quality educators at the front of every classroom. With a limited pool of funds to support the Arizona Teachers Academy, it is critical that community colleges be included due to their ability to provide high-quality education options with affordable pathways for students who have a passion to teach.
"Teachers play a critical role not only in educating the next generation of learners but also in mentoring and guiding students beyond the classroom," said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. "Community college students have the same desire—to serve their community as pillars of knowledge. On behalf of the system, I thank Senator Farnsworth for helping move this important legislation forward."
"Educators are the backbone of our schools, without their hard work and commitment, our education system falls short of its true potential," said Chairman Farnsworth. "By expanding access to the Arizona Teachers Academy, we can help alleviate the teacher shortage and provide a better education to students in Arizona for generations to come."
SB 1247 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
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