Highlights
- The AEA partnered with Augustana University to offer union members up to nine free graduate credits toward a master's degree.
- Union members can complete a nine-credit program for as little as $450; non-members pay around $1,125.
- Four microcredential tracks are available, covering AI, primary sources, mathematics, and Native student instruction.
- Some Arizona school districts already allow microcredentials to count toward salary increases and performance evaluations.
The Arizona Education Association struck a deal with Augustana University to give its members up to nine free graduate credits, lowering the cost of a master's degree to as little as $450 for union educators.
Under the partnership, microcredentials are free for AEA members and $75 for non-members, plus a $50 transcription fee to convert the credential into graduate credit. Non-union educators who complete the full nine-credit program pay roughly $1,125. Credits apply toward a Master of Arts in Teaching from Augustana University, which is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and offers classes on campus and online.
Four microcredential tracks are currently available: AI instruction developed with Microsoft, primary-source integration developed with the Library of Congress, mathematics instruction developed with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and Native student instruction developed with the National Indian Education Association.
The AEA represents more than 22,000 Arizona public school employees, including teachers, librarians, counselors, custodians, and cafeteria workers. AEA President Marisol Garcia said in a press release that "Arizona educators are brilliant, hard-working professionals who should be able to advance their education without going into debt." Garcia also noted that "as underfunded school districts continue to scale back professional development opportunities, this partnership gives educators an affordable way to strengthen their practice and better serve students across Arizona."
Some Arizona school districts already allow microcredentials to count toward salary increase plans, performance plans, and evaluations, though others require college credits; the new program lets educators convert microcredentials into graduate credits to satisfy those requirements.
The AEA's professional development page and Augustana University's program listing are both live; enrollment details are available directly through both institutions.
Sources
Every factual claim in this article traces to one of the sources below. See how we work for the editorial process.
- azpbs.org retrieved 05/06/2026 21:06
- arizonaea.org retrieved 05/06/2026 21:06
- augie.edu retrieved 05/06/2026 21:06
Authored by The Scottsdale Signal. Drafted by AI from primary-source material under our beat-specific editorial guides; reviewed by humans before publish under our five-gate process. Sources retrieved at 05/06/2026 21:06. Every claim traces to a source.
