PHOENIX — Arizona is making it easier for aspiring educators to enter the classroom—even if they’ve only earned a high school diploma or GED.

In response to the state’s ongoing teacher shortage, the Arizona Department of Education has launched a new pilot program that aims to fast-track individuals into the profession with training, mentorship, and pay included.

This year, the state is experiencing a 15% vacancy rate for classroom educators. While that’s an improvement from previous years, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said it’s still not enough.

“We have to find everywhere we can to solve it,” Horne said.

The department’s solution : a four-year, state-funded program that allows high school graduates to work as paid teacher’s assistants while they take colle

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