Alternative Routes to Licensure

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Teacher in classroom with students raising hands

Choosing Your Alternative Pathway to Becoming a Teacher

If you hold a bachelor’s degree (non-education) and would like to transition into teaching, you must complete an alternative route program to obtain a teaching license.   

Choosing a pathway to licensure can be daunting. To make the decision easier, ask yourself a few questions:

  1. What do I want to teach (subject/grade level)?
  2. In what part of the state am I willing to teach?
  3. Do I want to go back to school for an educator’s license?
  4. Do I have three years of work experience in my desired teaching field?

Similarly, here are a few criteria to consider when reviewing alternative routes:

  1. Is my desired certification area offered in this program? Please click the link for the Alt Prep Routes Comparison. 
  2. What are admission requirements?
  3. What kind of school can I work in while I complete my internship (private, charter, public)?
  4. How much does it cost?

8 Ways to Become an Arkansas Teacher Through an Alternative Route

Arkansas currently has eight methods of obtaining certification through an alternative route. Click on the links below for more information. 

 

For more information, please contact:

Maria Touchstone, Recruitment and Retention Program Advisor
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Office of Educator Effectiveness
Four Capitol Mall, Box 5
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone:  501-683-6285
Fax:  501-682-5118