How To Become a Teacher in Arkansas 2025

<h3 id="section---Step1DecideWhatSubjectAndGradeLevelYouWantToTeach">Step 1: Decide What Subject and Grade Level You Want To Teach</h3><p>Determining the grade levels and subjects you're most interested in teaching can help you determine what type of teaching program to pursue. For example, if you want to <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Kindergarten_Teacher_How_to_Become_a_Kindergarten_Teacher_in_5_Steps.html">become a kindergarten teacher</a>, then majoring in early childhood education can give you a solid foundation in working with young kids. </p><p>In the same way, education requirements can differ for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Let's take a closer look at the requirements for each type of teaching career. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAnElementarySchoolTeacher">Becoming an Elementary School Teacher</h4><p>Elementary school teachers commonly major in elementary education and complete student teaching requirements at elementary schools. They complete certification exams specifically geared toward educating elementary-age students. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAMiddleSchoolTeacher">Becoming a Middle School Teacher</h4><p>Typically, middle school teacher educational requirements involve majoring in middle school education or the specific subject area you would like to teach. You'll complete student teaching experiences at middle schools and complete specialized exams to earn your teaching credentials in middle school education. </p><h4 id="section---BecomingAHighSchoolTeacher">Becoming a High School Teacher</h4><p>Common high school teacher educational requirements include getting a degree in secondary education or the specific subject you plan to teach. You will fill student teaching positions in high schools and complete certification exams relative to educating teenagers preparing for college and career options. </p><h3 id="section---Step2ChooseYourMajor">Step 2: Choose Your Major</h3><p>Knowing your desired teaching career path can help you choose the major that best aligns with your goals. For example, if you want to teach special education classes, then you'll probably want to major in special education. </p><p>If you're not sure about your specific career goals or you want to be able to teach multiple grade levels or subjects, you can choose a more generalized education or teaching degree. This will help you gain experience working with various student groups. </p><p>When considering your major, it's important to enroll in a state-approved teacher preparation program. These programs are often combined with education degrees, though they are also available as post-baccalaureate certificate programs for those who choose a non-education major. You can even complete a teacher preparation program as part of some master's degrees. </p><h3 id="section---Step3EarnYourBachelorSDegree">Step 3: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree</h3><p>All teachers in Arkansas are expected to hold a bachelor's degree. This degree can be in any subject as long as learners complete a teacher preparation program as part of or in addition to their degree program. </p><p>Most aspiring teachers choose a degree in an education-related field. These programs provide coursework on grade- or subject-specific education, as well as on classroom management and teaching philosophies. </p><p>As part of the teacher preparation program, prospective teachers will also complete a student teaching placement, sometimes called an internship. These placements typically last for at least one semester and allow students to gain supervised experience leading a classroom at the grade level and/or in the subject they plan to teach. </p><h3 id="section---Step4ConsiderAMasterSDegree">Step 4: Consider a Master's Degree</h3><p>Though getting a master's degree isn't required to work as a teacher in Arkansas, there can be benefits of doing so. Having a master's degree can help you qualify for advanced teaching positions and, potentially, a higher salary. </p><p>If you already hold a non-education bachelor's degree, pursuing a master's in education can help you fulfill state teaching requirements. This is particularly true if you choose a master's degree program that encompasses a teacher preparation program. </p><p>What's more, getting a master's degree can help you pursue advanced knowledge in a particular subject or specialization. For example, if you have a bachelor's degree in education, you could pursue a master's degree in biology to teach the subject in high school. You could also earn a master's degree to switch from one teaching specialization to another. </p><h3 id="section---Step5PassArkansasTeachingExamsAndGainLicensure">Step 5: Pass Arkansas Teaching Exams and Gain Licensure</h3><p>To become a certified teacher, candidates must pass a series of exams to qualify for state licensure. These are the Praxis Exam Series tests, available through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). </p><p>All candidates must take the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) test and any subject matter tests corresponding to the subjects they plan to teach. They may also be required to take the Praxis Subject Assessment and the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test. </p><p>Once you have passed all required exams, you can apply for a standard teaching license in Arkansas by completing an online application. With the application, you will need to submit the application fee, official transcripts, test scores, and results of a fingerprint-based background check. </p><h3 id="section---Step6ApplyForTeachingJobs">Step 6: Apply for Teaching Jobs</h3><p>After receiving your teaching license, you are free to begin applying for teaching jobs. You can start by applying with your local school district or any school system where you completed student teaching assignments. </p><p>It's also good to consider applying to other public or private schools throughout the state. Consider looking for open positions by checking school or district websites and attending hiring events. </p><h2 id="section---HowToChooseTheRightTeachingDegreeProgram">How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree Program</h2><p>Choosing the right teaching degree can be quite simple if you know what subject or grade level you want to teach. Those interested in teaching elementary school can major in elementary education, while those teaching physical education at any level may want to pursue a physical education degree. </p><p>Though some teaching positions may require specific degrees, others do not. If you're uncertain which age group or subject you'd like to teach, or if you don't want to specialize, consider a more general education program that will enable you to gain experience in various subjects and grades. </p><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutBecomingATeacherInArkansas">FAQs About Becoming a Teacher in Arkansas</h2><p>If you still have questions about becoming a private or public school teacher in Arkansas, keep reading. Below, we'll answer various questions you may be wondering about. </p><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeDoYouNeedToBeATeacherInArkansas">What Degree Do You Need To Be a Teacher in Arkansas?</h3><p>New teachers can begin their careers with a bachelor's degree in any subject as long as they have also completed a teacher preparation program. These programs are often available as part of education degree programs. You may also be able to earn a post-baccalaureate teaching certificate to help you fulfill state requirements for teachers if you already have a non-education bachelor's degree. </p><h3 id="section---HowShouldYouGetATeachingLicense">How Should You Get a Teaching License?</h3><p>To get a teaching license in Arkansas, follow the steps outlined in this article. These steps include completing a bachelor's degree and teacher preparation program, passing state-required certification exams, and submitting a license application and supporting documents to <a href="https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov">Arkansas's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education</a>. </p><h3 id="section---HowLongDoesItTakeToBecomeATeacherInArkansas">How Long Does It Take To Become a Teacher in Arkansas?</h3><p>If you already have a bachelor's degree in any subject, you can complete a short-term teacher preparation program, get your license, and begin a full-time teaching career in as little as one year. If you're just beginning college, it will take longer to complete all necessary coursework and gain hands-on experience in the classroom. Those following this more traditional path to a teaching license in Arkansas usually need about four to five years to meet all requirements. </p><h3 id="section---DoRequirementsDifferAtPrivateSchoolsAndPublicSchools">Do Requirements Differ at Private Schools and Public Schools?</h3><p>Though all schools in Arkansas must meet basic standards established by the state, individual schools and districts may have additional regulations and requirements. With this in mind, it is possible that public and private schools will have different requirements for teachers. Check with any school or district you plan to apply with to learn more about their specific requirements. </p><h2 id="section---EarnYourTeacherCertification">Earn Your Teacher Certification</h2><p>If you're ready to begin a rewarding career as a teacher in Arkansas, explore the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about their degree programs and to choose the right option for you.</p>