Press Release For Immediate Release

 Arizona Science Center Teams Up with Arizona Teacher Residency Program to Offer Hands-On, Dynamic Training in Science Teaching

PHOENIX, AZ – January 23, 2023 – Aspiring Arizona K-12 teachers have a new training opportunity to gain experience in teaching science in imaginative, project-based ways–while getting paid. Arizona Science Center has joined in partnership with Arizona Teacher Residency for aspiring educators to earn hours toward their degree and gain valuable experience to bring into the classroom. 

Modeled after medical residencies, the Arizona Teacher Residency program (AZTR) offers teacher candidates a rigorous graduate education (which is tuition-free for most), a yearlong paid classroom apprenticeship, and ongoing professional learning. Arizona Science Center will be a site for training during the summer of 2023 and beyond. 

“Arizona Science Center is thrilled to partner with Arizona Teacher Residency to expand our offerings to elevate future Arizona educators,” said Guy Labine, Hazel A. Hare President and Chief Executive Officer. “By creating meaningful partnerships, we can work to ensure students across all communities receive high-quality education, especially in science subjects, that leads to improved lifelong learning and healthier communities.”

The first cohort of AZTR residents will begin their Science Teaching Methods course this summer at Arizona Science Center where they can put what they’ve learned into practice with hands-on science teaching opportunities.

“Strengthening our teacher workforce is one of the most effective ways to improve Arizona’s education system,” said Dr. Victoria Theisen-Homer, Director of the Arizona Teacher Residency, Northern Arizona University. “We owe it to our teachers and students to do everything we can to support a diverse, high-quality teaching workforce who are prepared to teach critical subjects in engaging ways, and sustain themselves in this incredibly meaningful career. This partnership with Arizona Science Center is an exciting addition to strengthen our program and further support our residents.”

Each participating teacher resident will teach in the Arizona Science Center summer camps for at least two weeks, while they are taking their science methods course. All residents will be paid a full wage for their work. 

“This partnership is a win-win-win! As we expand our camp offerings, Arizona Science Center will have ideal science camp counselors. Future educators will be introduced to the extensive resources of the Science Center that they can use in their classrooms for years to come. And campers this summer will have fabulous instructors in the form of thoroughly-prepared teachers ready to start their journeys into the classroom,” said Guy Labine.

To learn more about this collaboration or to apply to AZTR, visit aztr.org. Applications for the second cohort (which begins June 5th, 2023) are due February 26, 2023.

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About Arizona Science Center 

The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate, and engage curious minds through science. The Center is committed to providing a safe environment that aligns with expert protocols for COVID-19. Leadership actively monitors and evolves policies to ensure a focus on the health and safety of guests and team members. The Center, located at 600 E. Washington Street in downtown Phoenix, features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater. CREATE at Arizona Science Center®, adjacent to the main building, is the newest addition. This 6,500 square foot community makerspace provides workshops, including 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking and sewing. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Camp Innovation, Teen programs, Professional Development and Learning for Educators, and adults’ night out: Science With A Twist. The Center also offers a broad range of online science learning resources for parents, educators, students and anyone curious about science. For further details, please visit azscience.org.

About Arizona Teacher Residency

The Arizona Teacher Residency, a program of Northern Arizona University, was established in 2021 with support from the Arizona Department of Education. The first-of-its-kind, two-year graduate program provides aspiring teachers with in-classroom experience, a living stipend, a master’s degree, a job at a partnering school district, induction support from a trained instructional mentor, and continuing professional learning from the Arizona K12 Center, where the program is anchored. The Arizona Teacher Residency is the only teacher residency program in the state that has been developed with the support of the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR). To learn more, or apply for the next cohort of residents, visit aztr.org

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