How to Become a Teacher in arkansas

by | Nov 18, 2025 | Uncategorized

Becoming a teacher in Arkansas is one of the most rewarding career moves you can make right now. The state is actively hiring in almost every subject area and grade level, salaries are climbing, loan-forgiveness programs are generous, and you have multiple pathways to get licensed even if you already have a bachelor’s degree in something completely unrelated.

If you’ve been dreaming of standing in front of a classroom (or if you just want a stable, meaningful job that comes with summers off), this guide is written exactly for you. Let’s walk through everything you need to know in plain English no confusing jargon, just the real steps.

Step 1: Decide What and Where You Want to Teach

Arkansas needs teachers in:

  • Elementary (K–6)

  • Middle and high school content areas (Math, Science, English, Social Studies, etc.)

  • Special Education (huge demand)

  • Career & Technical Education

  • ESL / ELL

Quick reality check: If you choose high-need areas like Special Ed, Math, Science, or TESOL, you’ll qualify for more scholarships and possibly faster alternative routes.

Step 2: Choose Your Pathway

You have three main routes in Arkansas. Pick the one that fits your life.

Traditional Route (You’re still in college or want the full experience)

  • Earn a Bachelor’s degree in education from an approved Arkansas college or university.

  • Complete a state-approved educator preparation program (includes student teaching).

  • Pass the required Praxis exams.

  • Apply for your Initial License (valid 3 years).

Alternative Route (You already have a Bachelor’s degree in any field)

  • Enroll in an approved alternative certification program:

    • Arkansas Professional Pathway to Educator Licensure (APPEL)

    • American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)

    • Teach Arkansas / ARTeacher

    • Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs at many universities

  • Most programs let you start teaching full-time on a Provisional License while you finish coursework.

  • You’ll still need to pass Praxis exams (we’ll talk about those in a minute).

Out-of-State Teachers If you’re already licensed somewhere else, Arkansas has reciprocity with almost every state. You may only need to pass one or two additional Praxis tests and submit transcripts.

Step 3: Pass the Required Praxis Exams

Here’s the part most people stress about—but you don’t have to.

Arkansas currently requires:

  • Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (Reading, Writing, Math) – can be waived with high enough ACT, SAT, or GRE scores.

  • Praxis Subject Assessments (the “content knowledge” test for your exact license area example: Praxis 5161 Math, 5354 Special Ed, 5001 Elementary multiple subjects, etc.)

  • Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) or Pedagogy exam for your grade level.

We know the Praxis can feel overwhelming, especially if you graduated years ago. That’s exactly why TakeMyPraxisExam.com exists. Hundreds of future Arkansas teachers have used our expert-led prep courses, practice tests that mimic the real exam, and one-on-one tutoring to pass on their first try. Many of our students raise their scores 20–40 points after just a few weeks.

Step 4: Background Checks and Application

  • Complete Arkansas State Police + FBI fingerprint background checks.

  • Complete Child Maltreatment Registry check.

  • Submit your online application through the Arkansas Department of Education Educator Licensure portal (it’s actually pretty user-friendly).

  • Pay the license fee (around $75–$100 depending on the type).

Step 5: Land Your First Teaching Job

Arkansas posts almost every public school opening on the statewide job board at arkansas.gov/teach. Many districts will interview and hire you even before you finish all requirements if you’re enrolled in an alternative program.

Starting salaries (2025–2026):

  • State Minimum: A state law raised the minimum starting teacher salary to $50,000 per year.

  • Average Starting Salary: Some sources estimate the average starting salary to be around $53,316, while others place it closer to $50,031 (as a benchmark).

  • Salary Range: Entry-level salaries generally fall within a range. For example, one source suggests a typical range of $45,540 (25th percentile) to $60,437 (75th percentile). Another source shows a range of $38,500 to $49,600 for the 25th to 75th percentile.

  • District Variation: Actual starting pay depends on the specific school district, with some districts potentially offering higher starting salaries than others

Financial Help You Probably Didn’t Know About

  • Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program (up to $5,000 reimbursement for testing and prep fees)

  • State Teacher Education Program (STEP) loan forgiveness

  • Federal TEACH Grant ($4,000 per year if you teach in a high-need school)

  • Many districts pay for your Praxis attempts if you commit to them

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a teacher in Arkansas if I already have a degree? Most alternative routes let you start teaching in 6–24 months while finishing requirements.

Do I really have to take the Praxis Core (the basic skills one)? No ACT 24+, SAT 1170+, or GRE 300+ waives it completely.

What if I fail a Praxis exam? You can retake it as many times as needed (every 28 days). That’s why smart test-takers invest in proven prep instead of guessing.

Is Special Education a good choice right now? Yes. Arkansas has a critical shortage. You’ll have job offers before you even finish the program, and many districts pay an extra stipend.

Can I teach private school without a license? Most private schools still prefer licensed teachers, but they aren’t required by law to hire only licensed staff.

Do I need a Master’s degree? Not for your first license. Many teachers start with a Bachelor’s and get their Master’s later (districts often pay for it).

Will Arkansas accept my teaching license from another state? Almost always usually just one or two additional tests.

Ready to Make This Happen?

You’re closer than you think. Thousands of Arkansans have switched careers into teaching in the last few years, and 2025–2026 is shaping up to be one of the best hiring years in a decade.

The only thing standing between you and your own classroom is usually just passing those Praxis exams with confidence.

Head over to https://takemypraxisexam.com/ right now and grab our free Praxis practice test + score report. See exactly where you stand and get a custom study plan that fits your schedule.

You’ve got this and we’ve got your back every step of the way.

See you in the classroom, future teacher.