PHOENIX — Arizona schools desperately need teachers to fill vacant positions. But the state has not been processing teacher certifications fast enough.
Now a spokesperson for Governor Katie Hobbs says her office will work directly with the Arizona Department of Education to seek solutions. In a statement to 12News, Hobbs called into question the state superintendent’s priorities.
“It appears Superintendent Horne is more focused on collecting signatures for his re-election than on his actual job, which is concerning,” said Liliana Soto, a spokesperson for Hobbs by email last week. The remark is a political shot at Horne, referencing a report by The Arizona Republic that Horne was collecting signatures for re-election at a polling place on election day and was asked by election workers to leave.
“Reported delays are concerning”
Hobbs’ office tells 12News they would work with the Department of Education to develop solutions to address the backlog, which have lasted up to three months.
“The reported delays in processing teacher certifications in Arizona are concerning. Extended wait times are not just bureaucratic inconveniences; they impact public school districts and prevent dedicated educators from contributing to our children’s education,” said Soto.
In response to Soto’s comments, Horne’s office told 12News last week that staff employees continued working on the backlog. The department transitioned to a new computer system that is intended to improve timeliness.
“The state-of-the-art online certification system has been operating for approximately six weeks. While staff is working to process a large number of applications that came in prior to the new system going online, this system has won positive reviews from districts and the colleges of education for its efficiency and ease of use. It is working very well,” said Doug Nicks, spokesperson for Horne by email.
Delays lasting up to three months
Last month 12News reported frustration by school district leaders as the state was experiencing delays of up to three months to process paperwork for teacher certifications and renewals. School district leaders - already facing chronic teacher shortages - said the delays were hampering their ability to hire teachers and fill vacancies in a timely manner.
Horne told 12News that in October, his staff was working to process several thousand applications, with 12 staff members dedicated to that job, along with other tasks. The delays are happening at the same time the department is facing another backlog: private school voucher reimbursements.
22% of teacher positions needed to be filled in September
The organization that tracks teacher positions reported in September there were at least 8,800 full-time positions that needed to be filled, representing about 22% of all positions. Most of those vacancies were being filled by long-term substitutes.
“I would hope we would put a little more resources towards certifying teachers so we can get them into the classroom,” said Pamela Beitzel in October. Beitzel, a teacher in Prescott, waited more than 11 weeks for the state to process her certification application. “I’ve lived in Arizona my entire life and it just seems public education has become less and less of a priority.”
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.