Teacher Pipline Project
Building Tomorrow’s Educators One Classroom at a Time
Student teaching should be a time of growth—an opportunity to gain real-world experience, receive mentorship, and build confidence to lead a classroom. Yet too often, future educators are placed in vacant classrooms without guidance, forced to take on full responsibilities before they’re ready. Without support, many leave the profession before they even begin.
AEF is changing that trajectory through the Teacher Pipeline Project. Started as a pilot initiative in Summer 2025, AEF is partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) on the inaugural year of the Teacher Pipeline Project. We are currently seeking new university partners for the 2026-2027 school year.
Teacher Pipeline Project
By investing directly in the development of future educators, AEF is strengthening the teacher pipeline, improving preparation experiences, and building the conditions necessary for long-term teacher retention. Through strategic partnerships with higher education, high-quality training, and exposure to Arizona Teachers of the Year and A+ Schools of Excellence, AEF is supporting new teachers to enter the classroom confident, supported, and ready to thrive.
The student teaching experience can significantly contribute to whether or not teacher candidates decide to become educators or abandon the profession. Ensuring teacher candidates have a positive, meaningful student teaching experience is a critical juncture where theoretical training meets practical application. By investing in structured mentorship programs, comprehensive training for cooperating teachers, and equitable placement in supportive school environments, the Arizona Educational Foundation aims to enhance the student teaching experience, fostering resilience and commitment among teacher candidates to reduce attrition rates and strengthen the educator pipeline.
Hear what current teaching students are saying
Help Build the Teacher Pipeline
Transforming pathways to excellence in the classroom is only achievable with the generosity of visionary donors like you!