The State of Arkansas is home to committed teachers and education leaders. The public and private sectors are dedicated to the improvement of its education system, too. Even the corporate sector is well-known for its significant investments in education in recognition of its crucial role in meeting workforce needs.
However, Arkansas’s current state of education presents considerable challenges. The main challenge is transforming it from a poor-performing state to a high-achieving state. Arkansas ranked #47 for education ranking among states with an educated population. The near-bottom ranking is, indeed, cause for concern.
Fortunately, there’s always hope. The increasing popularity of online teacher education programs means more people are interested in transforming its education system. Here, we will discuss what it takes to become a licensed teacher in Arkansas and its best teacher education programs.
Related:
- Best 1 Year Online Master’s in Education Programs
- Top Online Colleges for Early Childhood Education
- Best Online English as a Second Language Endorsement Programs
- Top Online Special Education Endorsement Programs
- Best Schools Offering Online Reading Endorsements
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), through the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), handles teaching certification matters. These include overseeing the entire teacher certification process, from review of applications to issuance and renewal of teaching certifications.
The general teaching certification process and requirements in Arkansas are as follows:
- Earn a bachelor’s from a regionally or nationally accredited institution. A degree in education is preferred but not required.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. You can either complete it as part of a bachelor’s degree in education or as a post-baccalaureate program if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in education.
- Achieve satisfactory/passing scores on three teacher exams, namely:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, a series of tests designed to evaluate your basic reading, writing, and math skills
- Praxis Subject Assessments, a series of exams based on your chosen content area
- Principles of Learning and Teaching, a test for the assessment of grade-level-relevant pedagogical knowledge
- Pass federal and state criminal background checks. These are essential because teachers work with children.
- Submit your complete licensure official application form available on the ADE website. Be sure to attach its required supporting documents, including:
- Proof of completion of the teacher preparation program
- Passing test scores
- Copies of teaching certificate, if any
- Official transcripts for your bachelor’s degree
- Official statement of status eligibility
- Records of employment
There’s an application fee that must be paid first before an application can be processed.
Arkansas also offers many alternative routes to teacher licensure, including:
- The Arkansas Professional Educator Pathway (ArPEP) offers first-time licensure opportunities; Adult Education, Special Education K-12, and Guidance and School Counseling are the exceptions. This is a 2-year program with intensive summer training and monthly training commitments. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree and passing scores on the Praxis Subject Assessment.
- The Arkansas Teacher Corps (ATC) offers first-time licensure opportunities, too; the same exceptions as ArPEP apply. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA and 21 ACT/1650 SAT score. The program requires completion of a 7-week intensive summer training and a 3-year teaching commitment.
- The American Board (ABCTE) pathway is designed for aspiring teachers in all subject areas for grades 4-8 and grades 7-12 in chemistry, biology, physics, social studies, math, and English. The self-paced, fully online program can be completed in 7-10 months.
Other alternative routes are:
- The Highly Qualified Professor (HQP) pathway is for individuals with at least a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience.
- The Teach Arkansas program consists of seven self-paced, fully online courses that take 1-2 years. A one-year paid residency is required.
- The Provisional Professional Teaching License (PPTL) pathway requires the completion of the 12-hour training in pedagogy, among others.
- The Teach for America (TFA) pathway consists of a 5-week summer institute and a 2-year teaching commitment.
- The master’s degree leading to a first-time license pathway grants candidates a provisional license to teach while enrolled in a graduate program.
Certified teachers must comply with renewal requirements, including professional development credits. Teaching licenses are usually renewed every five years.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
Arkansas universities that offer online programs in education usually have selective admission requirements and criteria. These admissions aspects are the same as those for on-campus programs. The result is that online students enjoy the same rigorous curriculum, quality of instruction, and student learning outcomes.
While the specific admissions criteria differ between universities, the following are the common requirements for bachelor’s degree programs:
- Completed admission application form and application fee
- High school diploma with satisfactory cumulative GPA; a GED equivalent is acceptable
- Completion of prerequisites, if applicable
- Official transcripts
For master’s and doctoral degree programs, the common requirements are:
- Bachelor’s degree for entry into a master’s degree program or master’s degree for a doctoral program. The degree must be from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Official transcripts from colleges and universities attended. Every academic program has a specific cumulative GPA requirement and, in some cases, specific grade requirements for certain courses.
- Valid teaching certificate, if applicable
- Relevant work experience, such as teaching or administrative experience, for a specific minimum number of years
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae
- Personal statement or statement of purpose
- Essays, usually with prompts, specific format, and number of words
- Letters of reference or recommendation
- Leadership portfolio
Many programs conduct applicant interviews as the final step in the admissions process. Be aware of the programs’ application forms, fees, and deadlines.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Arkansas
- Elementary School Teachers $59,327
- Middle School Teachers $60,090
- High School Teachers $60,100
- Special Education Teachers $57,297
- School Administrators $108,666
- Principals $107,871
- Assistant Principals $88,600
- Curriculum Developers $73,400
- Instructional Coordinators $75,470
- Librarians/Media Specialists $49,374
Scholarships for Future Educators in Arkansas
- The Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP), a tuition reimbursement program, is open for Arkansas teachers and administrators. The grant covers out-of-pocket expenses for up to six credits but not more than $3,000 per academic year.
- The Arkansas Education Association (AEA) awards scholarships to qualified teachers and administrators in public schools. The AEA Teacher of the Year Award, the Emma Scott – Scholarship for Future Teachers, and the TE Patterson – Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship are examples.
- The State Teacher Assistance Resource (STAR) Program awards scholarships to students in teacher licensure programs for up to three years.
- The TEACH Early Childhood Scholarship Program offers comprehensive scholarships for students in early childhood education programs.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Arkansas
The best universities offering online degree programs in education in Arkansas were selected based on these criteria:
- Were granted regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Recognized for their track record in academic excellence, student support services, career development services, and graduate outcomes
- Offer diverse education programs with a wide range of programs and concentrations.
- Enable students to overcome financial and geographical barriers to higher education (e.g., financial aid and online learning platforms)
Arkansas State University
A-State, a public research university, is the A-State System’s flagship university. Students enjoy the campus’ geographical proximity to the healthcare, business, and entertainment industries in Northeast Arkansas.
The Department of Teacher Education offers many online undergraduate and graduate programs in education. Students honor the traditions of academic excellence, experiential learning, and research skills that A-State promotes. Every academic program has CAEP accreditation, too.
- BS in Education in Special Education K-12
The 120-credit program trains students in competent and compassionate education for children with different learning needs. Only Arkansas residents are eligible for admission. Courses include Introduction to Teaching Special Education and Foundations of Reading for Special Education.
- BSE in Elementary Education
Students in the 125-credit program tackle relevant courses like Science for Teachers and Mathematics for School Teachers. Applicants can request for transfer of up to 90 credits. Students learn the skills for teaching with influence and competence for teaching in a wide range of subjects.
- MS in Education – Curriculum & Instruction
This is a 33-credit program with an application-based curriculum and a 20-month time-to-degree. Students choose from three tracks – Curriculum Director, Gifted, Talented and Creative Director, and Special Education Director.
- MS in Education – Early Childhood Education
Students can complete the 30-credit program in as few as 12 months. Their coursework enables them to develop advanced skills in early childhood education. Applicants must have a teaching license.
- MS in Education – Educational Theory and Practice
The 30-credit program can be completed in as few as 18 months. The application-based curriculum integrates technology with education practices. Students choose from three concentrations – Adult Education, English as a Second Language, and Instructional Technology.
Other graduate programs are:
- MS in Early Childhood Services
- MSE in Educational Leadership
- MSE in Reading
- MSE in School Counseling – Concentration in Crisis & Trauma or Special Populations
- Special Education – Concentration in Gifted, Talented, and Creative or Instructional Specialist K-12
- MAT in Teaching – Concentration in Art Education, Business Technology, Elementary, Middle Level, or Special Education
In-state Tuition: $276 (undergraduate); $340 (graduate) per credit hour
Online Education Degrees: 16, including concentrations
Arkansas Tech University
ATU, a public university, encourages its students and alumni to “Never Settle.” Students and alumni assert that, indeed, their top-notch education was aligned with the encouragement to go for the best and never settle for less. ATU itself is committed to student excellence and success.
The Graduate College offers many online graduate programs in education.
- MEd in Special Education
- Students complete the 36-credit curriculum with courses in Principles of Curriculum Development and Classroom Behavioral Management. This is a post-baccalaureate program for public school teachers with the desire to develop their special education-related competencies. Students complete a field experience and enjoy professional development activities. Stackable credentials include Endorsement in K-12 Dyslexia.
- MEd in K-12 Literacy
- Students in the MEd in K-12 literacy program learn effective skills in the diagnosis and intervention of reading issues, among others. Hands-on learning opportunities include lesson plan development and field experience.
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- The MEd in Educational Leadership program is designed in compliance with standards set by the NELP Building Level Standards, PSEL, and School Leadership Standards. Students can choose from these endorsements:
- K-12 Dyslexia Therapist
- Birth-K Special Education
- K-6, 7-12 Special Education
- K-12 Special Education
- The MEd in Educational Leadership program is designed in compliance with standards set by the NELP Building Level Standards, PSEL, and School Leadership Standards. Students can choose from these endorsements:
Students prepare for success as licensed P-12 building-level principals. The program has a one-year internship requirement.
- In-state Tuition: $314.50 per credit hour (graduate)
- Online Education Degrees: 3
Southern Arkansas University
SAU, a public university, offers traditional and unique academic programs in many disciplines. Students and alumni attest to the university’s commitment to student achievement in and out of the classroom. Such commitment extends to its online programs, which apply the same academic rigor and quality of instruction as on-campus programs.
- BSE in Elementary Education K-6 STEM
- Students in the BSE in Elementary Education K-6 STEM program learn the value of each child as a unique individual. The coursework emphasizes child development and applies its principles to teaching methods. Theory and pedagogy are emphasized alongside observational skills.
- MEd in Instructional Facilitator/LEAD Teacher
- The 30-hour program prepares candidates for licensure and leadership in the classroom. Students must demonstrate their teaching competencies through field experiences. The curriculum complies with the standards set in the Arkansas Teacher Leader Model Standards in K-12 settings. Students must have a valid teaching license.
- MEd in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education
- The 30-credit program is intended for professionals with leadership ambitions and teachers who seek advanced skills in adult education. Graduates work as teachers and professionals in adult education settings, such as in social services agencies.
- Other online graduate degree programs in education are:
- MA in Teaching
- MEd in College Counseling and Student Affairs
- MEd in Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision
- MEd in Special Education
- In-state Tuition: $240 (undergraduate); $312 (graduate) per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 7
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville
Known as UArk, the public land-grant research university is the UA System’s flagship campus. Online students in its education degree programs say that their positive learning experiences made their studies productive. Their professors went beyond the extra mile to ensure effective student learning and engagement.
- BS in Educational Studies
- This is a degree completion program for individuals with an associate degree who want to earn teaching licensure.
- MEd in Community College Leadership
- The 30-credit program with a two-year time-to-degree welcomes aspiring leaders in community colleges. Students gain the knowledge and skills for effective management and leadership.
- EdD in Adult and Lifelong Learning
- Students in the 96-credit program can earn a graduate degree in 2.5 years of full-time study. Students learn the advanced competencies to lead adult and lifelong learning programs in the public and private sectors.
- Other graduate online programs are:
- MEd in Adult and Lifelong Learning
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- MEd in Educational Technology
- MEd in Physical Education
- MEd in Special Education
- MEd – TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- MS in Agricultural and Extension Education
- EdD in Educational Leadership
- In-state Tuition: $255.51 (undergraduate);$437.54 (graduate) per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 11
University of Arkansas Little Rock
UA Little Rock, a public research university, offers several outstanding online programs in education at affordable costs.
- BSE in Middle Childhood Education
- Students prepare for teaching success in Grades 4-8 through a rigorous curriculum and hands-on learning experiences. This is a 120-credit licensure program with the option of choosing two content areas – science, math, social studies, and language arts.
- MEd in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education K-12
- The 30-credit program provides students with specialized competencies in educating gifted children. Theory and practical applications are equally emphasized.
- MEd in Reading
- The 30-credit accelerated program allows students to earn an endorsement in reading or dyslexia (K-12). Students can choose between the Reading Specialist Licensure and Reading Generalist tracks.
- MEd in Learning Systems Technology Education
- This is a 36-credit program for aspiring learning scientists and instructional designers. Graduates work in diverse fields, including public K-12 schools, colleges, and corporate training programs.
- In-state Tuition: $292 (undergraduate); $396 (graduate) per credit hour
- Online Education Degrees: 4
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Arkansas
University of Central Arkansas
- Location: Conway, AR
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 10
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $10,118 (in-state); $17,258 (out-of-state)
- MSE in Advanced Studies of Teacher Leadership
- MSE in Literacy with Dyslexia Endorsement
- MSE in Special Education
- MS in Instructional Technology
- MS in Library Media and Information Technologies
- MS in School Counseling
- MS in School Leadership, Management, and Administration
- MAT in Master of Arts in Teaching
- MAT in Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education
- EdS in Educational Leadership
Harding University
- Location: Searcy, AR
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 6
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $24,888
- BA in Education
- MA in Excellence in Teaching
- MA in Teaching
- MEd in Reading with Dyslexia Endorsement
- MEd in Special Education K-12
- MS in Education
John Brown University
- Location: Siloam Springs, AR
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 5
- Accreditation: HLC
- Average Tuition and Fees: $30,832
- MEd in School Counseling
- MA in Teaching
- MA in Education Studies
- MEd in Education Studies
- MEd in Special Education
