How to Become a Teacher in Arkansas

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently signed legislation raising the base pay for incoming Arkansas public school teachers to $50,000. This could make teaching an attractive option for college students or professionals wanting to switch careers.

College students researching how to become a teacher in Arkansas should consider earning a bachelor’s in education. This degree provides the skills and experience necessary for certification. Experienced professionals with a bachelor’s in another subject can research the state’s other certification pathways.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

You can follow these steps to qualify for and maintain an Arkansas teacher certification. Participating in Teach for America or the Arkansas Teacher Corps can also qualify you for certification.

Many Arkansas colleges and universities offer state-approved educator preparation programs. A bachelor’s in education may require classes in the legal and historical developments in education, classroom learning theories, and American educational history. You also complete informal field experiences, which prepare you for student teaching.

You can major in a subject other than education as long as you take all required teacher-preparation classes. Some students double major in education and the subject they hope to teach.

All states require educators-in-training to complete student teaching. Your school pairs you with a mentor teacher in your community. This highly trained professional provides essential feedback as you take on greater responsibilities.

Like other states, Arkansas requires a semester of student teaching. Educators-in-training preparing for grades 7-12 certification may split their time between a middle and high school. Building a good relationship with your mentor teacher may lead to a letter of recommendation.

Earning an Arkansas teacher certification involves passing ETS Praxis tests. Educators-in-training must take a Praxis test in early, middle, or secondary education. You must also pass a test in any specific subject area you wish to teach, such as math or history.

You’ll pay a fee for each Praxis test you attempt. Your school may offer free test preparation resources.

Congratulations on earning a college degree, completing student teaching, and passing all the required Praxis tests! You can now apply for an Arkansas teacher certification by creating an account on the state’s Division of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) website. This website also contains the latest information on how to become a teacher in Arkansas.

DESE online advisors can help you gather and submit required materials, such as proof of college education and test scores. You must also pass state and federal criminal background checks. DESE may need up to two weeks to process your completed application.

Like teachers in other states, Arkansas educators must complete professional development (PD) classes to maintain their certification. As of 2015, the DESE requires 36 hours of PD every year. You can complete most or all of this annual requirement during the summer.

Your district may offer state-approved PD classes throughout the year. New educators should speak with their principal or experienced teachers to decide which classes benefit them most.

In 2023, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the Arkansas LEARNS Act, raising the base pay for incoming public school teachers to $50,000. Classroom teachers can make more by earning an advanced degree.

The table below reflects the latest median salary information for Arkansas educators. Positions in large cities may pay more to make up for these areas’ higher costs of living. Recent college graduates may earn significantly less.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 13, 2024.