Requirements for ECE Teacher Certification in Arkansas
Anyone who wants to be a teacher, and specifically wants to work to help young children get started on their educational path, will want to consider becoming a preschool teacher or an early childhood educator. In order to qualify for these positions, it will be necessary to hold a bachelor's degree and you will need to meet several other requirements put forth by the state of Arkansas. Because these teachers are working with young children, being well trained to do so helps ensure that the teachers know how to work best with them children so that their early experiences with education are good ones.
Arkansas Steps to Follow for Teachers
The demand for preschool teachers and early education providers is on the rise across the country, which has increased the need for higher education programs. If you want to become a licensed preschool teacher in Arkansas, you need to be prepared and ready to complete some of the following items:
Complete an Approved Degree or License Preparation Program
Pass All Required Exams & Assessments
Praxis Assessments
edTPA
Foundations of Reading Assessment
Apply for One of the Following
Standard or Provisional Arkansas Teaching License
Standards for Educator Licensure
Arkansas Educator Competencies
Special Education 101 Academy Course Competencies (PDF)
Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) Competencies (PDF)
Arkansas Teaching Standards (PDF)
Leader Excellence and Development System (LEADS)
Applying for Arkansas licensure by Reciprocity
Non-Traditional License (TFA, MAT/MED/MTLL, APPEL - formerly ADE Non-Traditional)
Step 1. Earn a Degree in Early Childhood Education
If you are a junior or senior in high school and you are considering this as your career path then, of course, the first step would be earning your high school diploma. If your school offers any certifications in early childhood education, then it would be highly recommended that you pursue those courses. Other courses that are available in high school will include psychology, health, English, and sociology which are all useful towards this career path. You will also want to volunteer to work with children to gain some experience. Any experience that you can gain showing that you have real and practical experience working with children will help you once you've completed some of the other qualifications that will be required. Often you can find opportunities to work in a classroom with a licensed teacher as a teacher’s assistant.
Assistant teachers will have the chance to work hand in hand with the children. They also have the chance to be involved with the children's behavioral issues as well as preparing academic material and socialization. An assistant teacher is required to always be under the supervision of a licensed teacher and this gives you the opportunity to begin gaining valuable experience.
Step 2. Complete any Required Exams
You will need to enter a college or university and pursue a degree in early childhood education. The college or university should be accredited and approved by the Arkansas Department of Education. Public schools in Arkansas require Preschool teachers to obtain a post-secondary early childhood education. Head Start schools in the state typically require the teachers to have a bachelor's degree at the minimum. Students who are studying for their bachelor's degree will have the chance to learn not only about early childhood development but also child psychology, health and safety, and nutrition. It is likely you will complete a student teaching assignment as part of your course curriculum.
Those who are preparing to be preschool teachers will be expected to complete a teacher's training program as well as earning a bachelor's degree. If you earn a BS in elementary education, then you will have the necessary degree to teach preschool through 4th grade, provided you meet all the other requirements. This will mean that you need to include in your curriculum Integrated Literacy and Language, Building Learning Environments, and Elementary Education.
Step 3. Standards and Qualifications
You will now need to start taking and passing the state certification tests. This will include the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators also known as CASE. This is an examination taken online and it demonstrates your proficiency in writing, reading, and math. You can choose whether or not to take each test individually or all at one time. In Reading, you will need to have a score of at least 156. You will need a score of 162 for the writing test and you will need to score at least a 150 in math.
The Praxis exam tests you in specific areas. This means you'll either need to take the B-K and P-4 teacher preparation which includes principles of learning and early childhood education. This test requires a score of at least 157. You may also need to take a test for Ages 3-4. If you need this endorsement, then you'll test for the education of young children and you'll need a minimum score of 160.
For those seeking K-6 in elementary education then you will need to take a mathematics test with a minimum score of 157. You will also need a science test and pass with a minimum of 159. Language arts and reading are also required and have a minimum score of 157 to pass. Finally, you will need a social studies test and you will need to score at least 155.
Some candidates may also need to take principles of learning and teaching and pass with at least 160. This would be for grades K-6. Arkansas does require background checks, and these are done through Child Maltreatment Centers for the state and through the FBI.
Step 4. Advancing in Your Career – Master’s Degrees and Endorsements
The best way to continue to grow in your career is to earn a master’s degree. You can do this by returning to school, full- or part-time, or you can take graduate courses to meet your continuing education requirements. No matter which you choose, you’ll be rewarded with increased pay and opportunities to advance.
In Arkansas, there are several ways to go about earning either a master’s or an endorsement within a specific area of teaching. These include a Master's of Arts in Teaching programs, which are approved by the Arkansas Department of Education and can include additional endorsements with just a little extra work (usually around 12 credit hours). Some of the endorsements you can earn are for ages 3-4 & grades 5-6. You can even earn an early childhood/special ed integrated add-on license or a variety of add-on licenses for different focus areas within special ed.
Popular Career Choices
Preschool Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Obtaining Financial Aid for The Pursuit of Your Degree
Paying for college is a concern shared by most who go. Very few are able to go to college without having to worry about how they are going to pay for it. This means that in an ideal situation you will start preparing in your junior year of high school. You should investigate any and all grants and other financial aid that might be available to you and make sure that you participate in any type of pursuit that might make you a better-qualified candidate to receive grants or financial aid.
Although it might seem time-consuming, there are students who gain a great deal of assistance by taking the necessary time to apply for everything they can. The state of Arkansas specifically puts out a variety of grants for the purpose of higher education. These are often subject-specific. Very often these are sub-fields within education. In addition to these, there are additional financial aid opportunities for those who either demonstrate personal characteristics or who qualify based on their own specific financial needs.
There are also federal grants and federal financial aid that may be available to a student. The federal student aid department issues out a variety of grants and other financial aid to each state and a student's specific situation will determine what aid is available to them. Very often this aid goes unclaimed simply because students failed to do the necessary research in order to find them.
According to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, it is of utmost importance that you apply for grants and financial aid as early as possible. There are a number of deadlines that must be met in order to receive those funds. Students who apply for these and do everything in their power to make sure that they are qualified to receive them and that put in before the deadlines have a very good chance of qualifying for some or all that they apply for.
Accredited Preparation Programs
The good news when it comes to choosing a college or university to earn your teaching degree, is the fact that there are over three dozen accredited colleges and universities from which to do so within the state of Arkansas. Half of these will allow you to earn an associate's degree in education while the others will allow you to go ahead and earn your bachelor's degree. Just under a dozen have master’s degrees and other advanced degrees available in education.
Within the state of Arkansas, one college was ranked by Kiplinger among the best values in public colleges in recent years. The state has 16 teacher programs that are not for profit and are accredited by the CAEP, the TEAC, and the NCATE. The University of Arkansas has been rated in the top 100 universities in the U.S. and there are numerous others that will offer a suitable degree and that may be in an area near you.
Some of the universities that are fully accredited by recognized accreditation organizations include Arkansas State University, Henderson State University, John Brown University, Arkansas Tech University, Southern Arkansas University, Williams Baptist College, University of the Ozarks, and several others.
Harding University
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Special Education M.S.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching B.S.
Educational Leadership and Administration M.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching B.S. and M.S.
Speech Teacher B.S.
ESL Teacher M.S.
School Counseling and Guidance Services M.S.
Many bachelor’s degrees dealing with specialized subject teaching degrees
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
Arkansas State University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Early Childhood Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Education and Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs; Post-grad Certificate
Education and Teaching of Individuals with Speech or Language Impediments; Post-grad Certificate
Educational Leadership and Administration; Doctorate
Elementary and Middle School Administration/Principalship; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Elementary Education and Teaching; Master’s
Reading Teacher Education; Master’s & Post-grad Certificate
Special Education and Teaching; Bachelor’s & Master’s
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
University of Arkansas
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance Services M.S.
General Education B.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching B.S. and M.S.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching B.S.
Special Education and Teaching B.S. and M.S.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
Ouachita Baptist University
Degrees Offered:
Early Childhood Education and teaching B.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching B.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching B.S.
Speech Teacher B.S.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
John Brown University
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance M.S.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching B.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching B.S.
Some bachelor’s for specialized subject teaching degrees.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission
University of Central Arkansas
Degrees Offered:
School Counseling and Guidance M.S.
General Education M.S., Educational Administration and Supervision M.S.
Elementary Education and Teaching B.S.
Kindergarten/Preschool Education and Teaching B.S.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching B.S.
Reading Teacher M.S.
Special Education and Teaching B.S. and M.S.
Accreditation By: General Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, Programmatic accreditation by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
In order to happen a teacher in Arkansas, leads have to acquire a bachelor's level and also satisfy particular education and learning requirements, which differ based on the grade level in addition to subject( s) instructed. Arkansas has actually likewise applied a performance-based certification system for state instructors. Arkansas teacher qualification is taken care of by the State Educator Licensure Gadget within the Arkansas Division of Education.
Additionally, all candidates need to finish a history check in addition to pass the Technique Principles of Learning and also Training as well as the Technique Topic Evaluations correct to the recommendation areas tried to find. Revealing applicants that complete every one of the demands are received a preliminary training license. Those that hold a bachelor's level yet have not yet ended up an educator prep work program might be qualified for various instructor accreditation in Arkansas. The first training permit is valid for 5 years as well as also is thought about a period of induction for brand-new teachers.
Educators need to furthermore complete expert improvement hrs for each and also annually throughout which they instruct in an Arkansas public university. 9.1% To go after educating in Arkansas under the basic course, it is very crucial to finish an authorized teacher preparation work program. You can see a list of accepted teacher prep work programs in Arkansas via the Arkansas Division of Education And Also Understanding.
Programs that lie out-of-state or provided online have to be certified by amongst the six regional approving companies acknowledged by the United States Department of Education As Well As Discovering. Completing a program that is not properly recognized may avoid you from being qualified for instructor accreditation unless you finish a second program. Arkansas similarly requires instructor prep work programs to be licensed by the Council for Accreditation of Instructor Prep Work (CAEP).
As in various other states, the Practice test collection is needed for teacher certification in Arkansas. Leads originally take the Technique Concepts of Comprehending as well as likewise Coach, which is a typical abilities exam in pedagogy. Next off, potential teachers will definitely require to pass the proper subject-area analysis( s) for the endorsement area they are looking for. Candidates that are seeking recommendation in primary education (K-6) and/or unique education and learning as well as knowing (K-12) need to in addition pass the Arkansas Foundations of Assessing analysis.
Fingerprinting can be done at any type of type of Arkansas police office or using LiveScan. To utilize for Arkansas trainer qualification, you ought to end up the calls for activities above along with offering the complying with documents: Proof of final thought of a bachelor's degree and additionally an authorized teacher prep work program. Passing ratings on the Praxis Core, Ideas of Understanding and additionally Teaching, as well as Subject Evaluation( s) for the endorsement location searched for.
In order to come to be a teacher in Arkansas, prospects need to make a bachelor's degree as well as fulfill specific education and learning as well as discovering needs, which vary based upon the high quality degree as well as additionally subject( s) informed. Arkansas has actually furthermore carried out a performance-based qualification system for state educators. Arkansas trainer qualification is managed by the State Teacher Licensure Gadget within the Arkansas Division of Education.
Additionally, all candidates must finish a background check in addition to pass the Practice Principles of Recognizing and also Instructing and also the Practice Topic Evaluations appropriate to the recommendation places looked for. Instructing applicants that finish every one of the requirements are qualified for an initial training license. Those that hold a bachelor's degree yet have really not yet completed a teacher prep work program might be qualified for alternative instructor credentials in Arkansas. The initial coach certificate is legitimate for 5 years and likewise is thought about a period of induction for brand-new teachers.
Educators need to additionally finish expert development of human resources for each and every year throughout which they instruct in an Arkansas public college. 9.1% To go after coach qualification in Arkansas under the standard path, it is needed to complete an approved instructor prep work program. You can see a listing of authorized teacher prep work programs in Arkansas via the Arkansas Department of Education And Learning And Learning.
As in lots of various other states, the Praxis examination collection is needed for teacher qualification in Arkansas. Candidates first take the Practice Ideas of Finding in addition to Training, which is a standard capabilities exam in rearing. Next, potential teachers will absolutely require to pass the optimal subject-area assessment( s) for the endorsement place they are searching for.
Content-area evaluations are usually taken in the direction of completion of a trainer prep work program. Some educator prep work programs will certainly likewise require pupils to take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination, though this examination is not a licensure need in Arkansas. Prospects that are trying to find recommendation in primary education and learning (K-6) and/or special education (K-12) have to additionally pass the Arkansas Foundations of Looking into assessment.
Fingerprinting can be done at any type of Arkansas authorities work environment or through LiveScan. To ask for Arkansas instructor accreditation, you need to finish the needed actions over and supply the adhering to papers: Proof of conclusion of a bachelor's level and likewise an authorized educator prep work program. Passing scores on the Practice Core, Concepts of Discovering as well as additional Advisor, along with Topic Analysis( s) for the recommendation area looked for.
One of the most sought after positions is that of a Preschool Teacher in Arkansas. The requirements for this position are relatively high as it involves teaching both pre-kindergarten children and young children, so it is important to know what you are getting into.
As a student looking for an actual job in the field of preschool, one of the first things that you should do is to enroll yourself in some of the many classes that teach how to become a preschool teacher. When I was in school I worked as an early childhood educator, and in order to qualify, I had to go through a program where I learned all of the basic skills and knowledge that were needing to be a preschool teacher. You can find this information by looking online, in books written by preschool instructors, and in a variety of other places.
Once you have attended a program on how to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas, you will then need to attend an exam that is administered by the state in order to get your license. You will have to pass this exam in order to work as a preschool teacher.
The requirements for this position are extremely high, but if you want to know how to become a preschool teacher, you should know that you will need to get your first teaching certificate, followed by a teaching credential. after you have taught for at least three years.
Another thing to know about the requirements to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas is that they are very specific. and strict. You cannot teach preschool if you are an illegal immigrant, cannot speak and understand English, have a criminal past, or have any of a host of other things that disqualifies you.
The good news is that there are several courses and programs out there that can help you learn how to become a preschool teacher. There are many programs that will provide you with both classroom instruction and computer based training in order to get you prepared for the real world.
In order to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas, you will have to be licensed, certified, and certified again in order to teach children. You can go to school to get all of these things, or you can look into a local school or preschool to find out what programs are available.
The best part about learning how to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas is that it is not only highly competitive, but also very exciting. Many people who work in this field have found that they have the opportunity to have a hand in shaping the future of their child's education, and they have fun doing it.
If you are looking for employment opportunities and looking for ways to learn how to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas, you may want to look into the various websites available online that offer information on these positions. As with anything else, these are very competitive, but there are always jobs and openings.
There are many great career options available if you know how to become a preschool teacher in Arkansas. This is one of the most popular positions available and people continue to move into this field because they love working with children.
Career Options and Salary Info for Teachers
The wages for preschool teachers can range anywhere from $8.60 per hour up to just under $24 and it is determined by a number of factors. On average, preschool teachers will start off at somewhere around $18,000 and an average preschool teacher with some experience typically earns close to $32,000 a year. Experienced teachers can earn up to $48,000 or $49,000 a year. Some of the factors that will determine where your wage or salary falls include how much experience you have, the area where you are applying to be a teacher, your level of education, and whether or not you are applying at a public or private facility.
Arkansas Preschool Teacher Careers Options
The obvious career path for someone with this degree would be to teach preschool or elementary School. But this isn't the only career path available for those with this type of degree. Other career opportunities would include such things as being the director of a child care center. This position would require the management of day-to-day operations within a Childcare Center or daycare.
Someone in this position would be responsible for not only preparing programs for the children but also working with the staff and making sure that they are trained and that they uphold the objectives and standards of the company you work for. It would also mean working with parents as well as performing other administrative tasks.
There's also an opportunity to work within a home-based service. This would mean working sometimes one-on-one or in other situations would mean working with several children but through a home-based service. This provides parents and children with the opportunity to get an early education in the convenience and comfort of their own home. It is also possible to become a consultant in helping families develop ideas to meet the various needs of their children. It is common for parents to feel all alone in this pursuit and the advantage of having an experienced consultant can be very advantageous.
Projections suggest that more than 12% of current teachers will be lost over the next decade. This means that there will be a growing need for this career. Here are some more options for positions you can hold with a degree in early childhood education.
Public Schools –
All states have a public-school system, which provides a K-12 education for all residents of the state. If you choose to become a teacher in a public school, you will have to earn at least a bachelor’s in order to run your own classroom. These schools have strictly structured pay scales, and so, you may have to earn a higher degree to earn a significantly higher salary.
Private Schools –
Private schools often are faith-based, or they may try to provide a more specialized form of K-12 education. Either way, teachers in private schools often make significantly less than their public-school counterparts.
Head-Start Programs –
These programs exist to give a leg up to very young students, allowing them to attend an early-learning environment in lieu of a basic daycare facility.
Community-based programs –
These programs are often only run part of the year, either during the summer or as a counter-part to a regular schoolyear education. Pay for these positions depends on the community, if they are running it, or the non-profit. These programs usually have a STEM focus and are hands-on learning experiences, meant to engage children in new forms of learning.
Faith-based programs –
These programs can range from teaching English to non-English speaking families, including children, to similar STEM-based activities you might encounter in community programs. You can likely expect the pay to be lower than those community or non-profit positions and expect a certain amount of proselytizing.