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Prerequisite Coursework in Arkansas
All states require that prospective teachers have at least a Bachelor’s degree and complete a state-approved teacher preparation program to receive certification. Some states also have specific course and credit-hour requirements.
Teacher education programs generally consist of two elements—curricula and fieldwork. Curricula generally include instruction on teaching fundamental skills, pedagogy (the science of teaching) and preparing students to research, design and implement learning experiences in their field of study. Fieldwork often includes field observations, internships, student teaching, or a combination of all three.
Check with your teacher preparation program or the Department of Education for more information about specific requirements. Arkansas does not list specific course or credit hour requirements, but every college or university teacher preparation program will have requirements of its own. Contact your teacher preparation program or the Department of Education for more information.
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Arkansas Teacher Certification Programs
Teacher preparation typically requires the completion of an accredited teaching certification program. To earn your teaching credential you will have to complete the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as an accredited certification program. More information on preparation for the Arkansas License and a list of accredited teacher preparation programs can be found at the Arkansas Department of Education Educator Preparation page.
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Required Tests for Arkansas
Arkansas requires teachers to take examinations in order to earn licensure. You can learn about the required tests for your subject area on the Praxis website.
You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’ Guide to the Praxis Exams and read more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.
Initial Teaching Certifications
Earning your Arkansas teaching credential will require completing the appropriate amount of undergraduate coursework and standardized tests, as well as completing an accredited teacher’s certification program.
Arkansas has two main levels of licensure – Provisional, which allows qualified professionals to teach while completing required coursework, and Standard, for teachers who have fulfilled the standard requirements. Learn more about earning your Arkansas teaching credential at the Arkansas Department of Education Educator Licensure Unit page.
Learn more about getting your teaching credential on Teach.com.
