SE Valley Times

For a decade, Rio Salado College has collaborated with Great Hearts Academies to integrate educator preparation students into classrooms. Great Hearts stands as the largest employer of Rio's Teacher in Residence (TIR) candidates, with over 60 alumni teaching across their campuses. Additionally, 22 graduates from the Alternative Path to Certification program in special education have secured long-term employment post-certification.

Great Hearts Academies operates as a non-profit charter school management organization overseeing schools in Arizona, Texas, and Louisiana. "Initially, our partnership was limited to placing Rio students for field experiences or student teaching in our Traditional Post Baccalaureate program," stated Kim Tobey, Director of Rio’s Teacher Certification Programs. Over seven years, this collaboration expanded significantly.

Marla Babcock, Great Hearts Arizona’s Regional Director of Exceptional Student Services, noted that the organization carefully evaluated teacher certification programs before endorsing Rio’s. "What drew us to Rio in the first place was that it’s a comprehensive program that accomplishes the task of certification, yet it is customizable," she explained.

The TIR program targets individuals already holding bachelor’s degrees and allows those employed at schools to fulfill teaching certification requirements through online classes at Rio Salado College. "Great Hearts does the initial vetting of potential employees for their school sites," Tobey mentioned regarding candidate selection.

Babcock emphasized that candidates must exhibit high personal character and integrity. "We also want our teachers to communicate compassion, goodwill, and an attitude of service," she added.

The partnership addresses Arizona's teacher shortage by preparing candidates who can be considered teachers while completing their coursework. "It’s like an apprenticeship while taking coursework," Tobey remarked.

Furthermore, this collaboration allows Rio Salado College to extend its reach beyond traditional public schools into diverse educational environments such as charter schools. “Twenty years ago, we only worked with traditional public schools,” Tobey recalled.

Many educators trained by Rio choose to remain at Great Hearts due to its supportive environment. Babcock observed that these educators often stay beyond initial commitments because they feel valued and encouraged to grow within the organization.

Veronica Neal exemplifies success within this framework; after completing her certification at Rio Salado College in 2011 and working across several districts, she spent seven years thriving at Great Hearts due to its supportive culture. “Great Hearts is invested in your career and interests,” Neal shared about her experience there.