Recognizing the indispensable role of tribal entities in developing State policy, the Governor convened a meeting attended by 21 of the 22 Arizona tribes and nations, as well as representatives of the Arizona Department of Education. Tribes in Arizona have long held education of tribal members as an essential component of improved economic and social welfare in reservation communities.

The tribal summit provided a means to discuss this common sentiment across state and tribal governments. Tribal support for education in Arizona is further evidenced by the large revenue sharing agreement that was passed into law in the State’s 2002 election.

As part of the tribal gaming pact with the State, approximately 55 percent of tribal revenue dollars are committed to education—in particular, teacher salary increases and classroom size reduction. This tribal commitment translates to approximately $27 million in 2004 and $32 million in 2005. These compacts extend for the next twenty-three years. Despite the overwhelming tribal support for two important education areas, a well-planned State education initiative is critical to knit together the efforts of the various partners into a comprehensive and systematic whole.

In a further meeting of tribal education leaders, IHEs, and the Governor’s Office, it became clear that an initiative lead by the Governor could coordinate the various efforts in place around the state to produce an exponential increase in the pool of highly qualified teachers available to staff high-needs schools. Ultimately, AzTEP was conceived by State leaders in discussions with stakeholders turned partners, and informed by the extensive and targeted teacher preparation initiatives currently in place at IHEs. AzTEPs origins demonstrate a sense of ownership and accountability for teacher quality across Arizona.