The state superintendent's powers are mostly administrative, with little influence over education policy.

[1] While the superintendent oversees teacher certification and administers state policy, other officials and boards exert control over most substantive aspects of education in the state.

[1] The State Board of Education sets curricular and academic standards.

[1] As of 2017, Arizona's Superintendent of Public Instruction is the lowest paid state education administrator in the United States, being paid $85,000 compared to the national average of $174,000.

[3] The Superintendent of Public Instruction is fourth (behind the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Treasurer, respectively) in the line of succession to the office of Governor of Arizona.