How to Become a Teacher in Arkansas

To become a teacher in Arkansas using American Board teacher certification, candidates will need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete the American Board program by passing the required pedagogy and subject area exams.*

2. Apply to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) and complete the appropriate ADE licensure application form.

3. Obtain a teaching position in an Arkansas school. The school may either be an Arkansas public or charter school. The school must be a public school; it cannot be a private school.

4. Submit evidence of your offer of employment to the Arkansas Department of Education and complete both the criminal records check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check.

*All candidates must have their background checks approved before they can begin their professional development (step 6). The background check cannot be over one year old when candidates submit their offer of employment to the Arkansas Department of Education.

5. Apply for your teaching license. You will initially receive a 3-year non-renewable provisional teaching license.

6. Complete required professional development courses and certifications as required by the state. These include courses in Child Maltreatment, Parental Involvement, Teen Suicide Prevention, and Dyslexia Awareness. These courses can be completed for free on the ArkansasIDEAS website. The ADE will let candidates know exactly which courses will be required of them on ArkansasIDEAs based on their individual program. Waivers will not be given based on prior experience.

7. Begin teaching. You will initially teach on a 3-year non-renewable provisional teaching license.

*= Candidates seeking certification in Elementary Education must also complete the Reading Assessment Exam as mandated by ADE. 

UPGRADE YOUR LICENSE

In order to upgrade your provisional teaching license into a 5-year renewable standard teaching license you must complete the following steps:

1. Participate in a 2-year mentoring program as required by the state. This program will pair you with an experienced teacher within your school for classroom observations and advice. The state superintendent may require a third year of mentoring.

2. Participate in the Teacher Excellence and Support System (T.E.S.S.) training program and undergo a summative evaluation. You must receive a proficient or distinguished overall rating by your third year of teaching. Your employing school district may receive a waiver for an alternate evaluation system.

3. If applicable, submit documentation of the successful completion of Arkansas History and Disciplinary Literacy requirements. Learn more about these requirements at ArkansasIDEAS.

4. Provide a recommendation from the superintendent of the employing school district.

5. Complete the appropriate Arkansas Department of Education licensure application form and payment.