How to Become a Teacher in Arkansas

Different States have different requirements for their public school teachers. They also offer different paths for meeting the basic requirements. Arkansas, like most States, allows for licensing of teachers right out of college, when they move in from another State, and when they decide to enter teaching from another profession. The following discussion points can help a prospective teacher discern just what steps to take next.

How to become a teacher in Arkansas - traditional route for residents

The traditional route of how to become a teacher in Arkansas begins after high school graduation. A student doesn't have to be 18, but the traditional route involves the first time a student goes to college, and teaching as the first career they choose. They usually major in education, focusing on the age or grade group they prefer to work with. At the end of the undergraduate program, the student spends a semester student teaching under the supervision of an established teacher before taking a certification exam. Once all the requirements are met, the student graduates college, receives his or her certification, and becomes a teacher.

How to become a teacher in AR - alternative route for residents

The alternative route for how to become a teacher in Arkansas is in place for people who already have a college degree and a career in another field, but have decided that they would like to teach. The alternative route is open to those who have a bachelor's degree in any field and 3 years of work experience. Once they have been hired in a teaching position, new teachers are then expected to enter a 2-year program of combined on-line classes and in-residence classes. They pay a fee of $1200 a year, and they are assigned a teaching mentor to help them gain the teaching skills they need as they work. At the end of this process, they receive their teaching certificate.

How to become a teacher in AR - for out-of-state teacher applicants

If a licensed teacher from another state is wondering, "How do I become a teacher in Arkansas," the first thing they need to do is get a provisional license. This is a one-year license that is usually granted by Arkansas upon seeing proof of the teacher's license in another state. In order to apply for a permanent license, the teacher has to prove that they have passed the Praxis 1 certification test, plus they have to either pass an Arkansas history class or show that they've been teaching for at least 3 years.

How do I become a teacher in Arkansas - necessary exams for residents

Some States design their own teacher testing programs, but others use a more standardized test called the Praxis 1 test in order to determine whether prospective teachers are qualified for the next steps in certification. Arkansas uses Praxis 1, a test that examines both a teacher's general readiness and his or competency in their subject area.

What bachelor's degree do I need for teaching in Arkansas?

In order to become certified for teaching in Arkansas, a student has to have a certain number of education hours. This will almost always mean majoring in education. To earn a teacher certificate in Arkansas, students will also have to have college credits in the area they want to teach, so most schools create a combined major that satisfies both requirements. A future teacher can major in, for example, math education or music education. Even if they haven't majored in those areas, as may be the case with those who turn to teaching after they've earned a bachelor's, they will still have to complete the requisite number of class hours.

What are the teacher preparation programs in Arkansas?

A teacher preparation program is a course of study that guides a student in how to become a teacher in Arkansas. Most of these programs are offered through colleges and universities, though some non-traditional programs may be available elsewhere. The course of study helps students learn about classroom techniques and prepares them for the Praxis 1 exam.

How do I renew my teacher certification in Arkansas?

The most important element of renewing a teacher certification in Arkansas is the 60 annual hours of professional development. Even teachers who aren't working but want to maintain their teacher certificate in Arkansas must complete these hours, which must be documented. The forms required to renew a teaching license every 5 years are available from the Arkansas Department of Education website.

Where do I go for more information about how to become a teacher in AR?

For those looking for good information on how to become a teacher in Arkansas, some of the best official sites include:

• Arkansas Department of Education Professional Development

  This page on the Arkansas Department of Education site discusses professional development requirements for renewal of teaching certification.

• Teach Arkansas

  This site, sponsored by the Department of Education, provides details on alternative routes to certification and information on teaching jobs.