PHX Reporter

On April 18, 2025, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona signed into law HB2765, a legislative measure aimed at expanding access to the Arizona Teachers Academy for students pursuing a bachelor's degree in education at community colleges. The bill gained substantial bipartisan backing during the legislative session.

The bill was supported by Representative James Taylor, representing District 29, Litchfield Park, and Education Committee Chairman Senator David Farnsworth from District 10, Mesa, alongside Representative Matt Gress of District 4, Phoenix. Representative Taylor emphasized, "The competitive cost of tuition for teachers coming out of community colleges, paired with the high-quality instruction, is a worthwhile investment for the state."

The Arizona Teachers Academy, created in 2018, seeks to address the shortage of teachers by covering tuition costs for those who commit to teaching in the state's public schools post-graduation. Until recently, this program was only available to students at public universities and post-baccalaureate students at community colleges, leaving those pursuing a bachelor's degree at community colleges without similar incentives.

Currently, Maricopa Community Colleges’ tuition is significantly lower than in-state tuition at public universities. Over 3,700 students are engaged in education-focused bachelor's degree programs in the system, with the first group of graduates expected in May.

Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Chancellor of Maricopa Community Colleges, remarked, “This news could not have come at a better time, as we are only weeks away from celebrating Teacher Appreciation Day. By expanding the Arizona Teachers Academy scholarship to include community college students, our aspiring teachers will have access to scholarships that will prepare them to be classroom-ready. We commend the Arizona Legislature for its continued support of our students.”

The legislation recognizes community colleges' role in addressing the K-12 teacher shortage in Arizona. In support of this, a student from Rio Salado College, Cassandra McClellan, shared, “As a single mother with a limited income, pursuing higher education has been a financial challenge. A scholarship would help alleviate this financial strain, allowing me to focus on my studies and my role as a parent without the looming worry of student loans or out-of-pocket expenses.”

HB2765 will be effective 90 days post the legislative session's conclusion. At that time, students in elementary education-focused bachelor's programs can explore opportunities via the Arizona Teachers Academy at Maricopa Community Colleges.