Welcome to the Teacher Education Partnership Commission (TEPC)

The mission of the Teacher Education Partnership Commission is to assess needs in PreK-12 teacher recruitment, preparation, and retention in Arizona and to respond as a partner in the establishment of programs and services to address these needs.

The TEPC supports teacher education through the following goals:

• To design a proactive plan to increase the numbers of students entering the teaching profession.

• To increase the numbers of qualified teachers available to fill positions in Arizona, particularly in areas of critical need. To enhance the professional development of teachers.

• To plan, support, and offer rewards that result in greater retention of quality teachers.

• To implement activities that improve the professional image of teaching and the self-image of teachers.

The membership of the TEPC is a broad-based group of individuals who are stakeholders in resolving the teacher shortage situation. Membership includes a representative of the Arizona legislature, the Arizona Department of Education, the County Superintendent of Schools and representatives from the business community.  There are also representatives from the Maricopa County Community College District, Northern Arizona University, Arizona State University Tempe, Polytechnic and West campuses, the University of Arizona, Grand Canyon University, the University of Phoenix, and Ottawa University. Superintendents, principals and teachers represent local school districts throughout Maricopa County.