Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools (PITAS) is designed for para-professionals, educational assistants, and others in Native-serving schools across Arizona who want to become certified K-8 teachers. PITAS Scholars will earn either their bachelor’s or master’s degree in Elementary Education and be eligible to apply for Arizona state teaching certification in approximately two years while they stay in their home communities and continue working in their communities. Classes will be delivered in a hybrid format that accommodates most work schedules, and Scholars will participate in two-weekend community residencies, one each semester, and a two-week summer residency at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.
We are currently recruiting for the next PITAS cohort, which will begin classes mid-August 2025 and graduate in May 2027.
PITAS is designed for students to stay in their home communities while also earning their degrees to become Arizona-certified teachers! Northern Arizona University and the College of Education staff are committed to supporting each person’s successful journey through coursework, graduation, and into a teaching position.
In the past semesters, PITAS Scholars have been fortunate to receive a small stipend each semester and a personal laptop. If funding is available, future PITAS Scholars may receive a small stipend and a laptop. As an admitted student in the PITAS Elementary Education with Certification program, Scholars are eligible to participate in the Arizona Teachers Academy (ATA), which will cover tuition and mandatory fees after all other scholarships and gift aid are applied. To receive ATA this funding, you will need to complete a FAFSA application each year you are in the program. PITAS Scholars must also remain in good academic standing at NAU. Finally, as a result of receiving this funding, you will commit to teaching at an approved public, BIE, or contract school located in Arizona for the number of years you receive the funding.
A word of caution: consider your options carefully, as withdrawing from the classes after established university deadlines may result in personal responsibility for tuition and fees.
PITAS was developed because Indigenous leaders and educators requested a pathway for community members to become certified classroom teachers. Housed in Northern Arizona University’s College of Education, PITAS centers on Indigenous educational approaches and knowledge. Our goal is to prepare culturally responsive teachers for schools serving Arizona’s 22 Native Nations.
Eligibility criteria
Individuals working as Para-Professionals, Educational Assistants, etc., in schools on or bordering any of Arizona’s 22 Native Nations and are located in Arizona are eligible if they can provide a fingerprint clearance card and have the following verified by a College of Education Academic Advisor:
For the bachelor’s degree pathway:
For the master’s degree pathway:
For the full list of requirements and instructions about how to apply, please refer to the “Get started now!” tab.
STEP 1: Apply for admittance to Northern Arizona University.
UNDERGRADUATE students wanting to pursue the BSEd in Elementary Education should submit an application by clicking this link: Transfer Application.
GRADUATE students wanting to pursue the MEd in Elementary Education with Certification should submit an application by clicking this link: Graduate College Application.
STEP 2: Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA by clicking this link: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Have your FAFSA sent to NAU by selecting Northern Arizona University at the end of the application. If selected for verification, your FAFSA file must be verified. You will receive an email to your NAU email if verification is required.
STEP 3: Apply to the College of Education Professional Education Program.
STEP 4: After you have applied to the Professional Education Program (Step 4 above), email Dr. Sig Boloz to express your interest in PITAS/PITAS Bridge.
STEP 5: After you are fully admitted and enrolled in PITAS/PITAS Bridge classes, you will be offered an ATA funding agreement through your Louie To-Do list. Be sure to read the ATA Agreement carefully before accepting its terms and conditions and remember that you are required to teach in an Arizona public, BIE, or grant school for the number of years you receive ATA funding.
PITAS is a two-year program. Virtual synchronous classes on Zoom are held twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00-8:00 P.M. AZT during the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
The cohort has one required in-person weekend meeting during each of the Fall and Spring semesters and a required two-week, in-person Summer residency at the Northern Arizona University campus in Flagstaff.
Benefits of program participation
First cohort of Indigenous teacher education program graduates from NAU
NAU creates pathway for Indigenous educators to earn degrees
Indigenous teachers program aims to combat teacher shortage in tribal communities
How NAU is tackling the teacher shortage in Indigenous communities