How to Get a Teaching License in Arkansas

Arkansas has beautiful rolling vistas, an abundance of outdoor sports and a new presidential library. It is a great place to practice your profession as a teacher. Follow these steps to learn how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Visit the Web site of the Arkansas Department of Education (see the Who Can Help section below).
2. Take the Praxis I reading, writing and math tests and the Praxis II (all contents, principles of teaching) if you are an initial applicant with a bachelor's degree in teaching. After passing these tests and a criminal background check, apply for initial licensure.
3. Teach as a novice teacher for 1 to 3 years. During that time, a trained monitor will follow your progress as a teacher. At a time decided upon by you and your monitor, you will schedule the Praxis III performance assessment. Completion of this assessment allows for a standard 5-year license.
4. Apply for reciprocity if you are an out-of-state applicant. Arkansas honors the teaching licenses for all U.S. states as well as Department of Defense schools, the District of Columbia, Guam, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta.
5. Collect required documentation for a 1-year license to apply for reciprocity. This includes the application, official transcripts of all college course work and degrees, a copy of your current teaching license, copies of your fingerprint card and an application for a background check that is conducted by the FBI and Arkansas State Police. Out-of-country applicants will need their credentials evaluated by a private agency that performs this function.
6. Apply for reciprocity and a 5-year license. The required documents are the same as for the 1-year license plus documentation that you took a standardized test for the issuance of your license, or passing marks on the Praxis tests, or evidence of 3 years of teaching experience. For certain teaching areas, you must complete an Arkansas history course.

Tips & Warnings

• All categories of applicant must meet specific requirements to acquire a teaching license. Visit the Arkansas Department of Education Web site for all the details.

Who Can Help:

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