First-Time Arkansas Teaching Licensure Application Process
Before beginning this process, ensure you have completed all other requirements and have graduated.
There is a $75 fee for obtaining a standard license in Arkansas. If you are applying for a provisional license in Arkansas, there is no fee. However, you will still be required to pay the $75 fee. When you convert your Provisional license to a Standard license, the $75 fee will then be credited to your account.
Before beginning this application, you must be prepared to pay the $75.00 license fee (if applicable). You will not be able to submit your license application without entering payment information. Have your credit/debit card ready.
Application Process
- Log into the AELS website.
- Select Apply for a Standard License (Even if you are applying for a Provisional License)
Select First-time Licensure (recent graduate from an Arkansas institution)
Select Arkansas State University
Complete the information requested on the pages that follow.
Part 1 – Background Check Information
The system may skip this section if your background checks are current and approved.
If the system does not indicate your background checks are completed, mark Yes to indicate each is completed.
Tick the box to indicate that you acknowledge that all coursework must be documented by providing original college transcripts.
All official A-State transcripts must be requested and sent electronically from the Registrar’s Office to the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (ADESE), NOT Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Please be sure you have no holds so that you are able to request a transcript. You will enter the email address for Arkansas Department of Education, ade.educatorlicensure@ade.arkansas.gov, to send it from A-State to ADESE. If you did NOT receive your Bachelor’s degree from A-State, please send an official transcript with a Bachelor’s degree awarded from an accredited institution from which the degree was received.
After this section is complete, click Continue.
Part 2 – Profile Information
Review your profile information. Use the Update button if you need to make changes. Be sure to click Save if you make changes.
In the Contact section, you must have a current mailing address and at least one primary email and one primary phone number. Please do not provide an email that you check often; not your A-State email account.
Update your employment information if necessary.
Tick the box to indicate all information is correct.
After this section is complete, click Continue.
Part 3 - Application Information
Complete the application information by accurately responding to the questions.
Type your first and last name to serve as your electronic signature.
After this section is complete, click Submit.
Part 4 - Fee Payment
If your fee is already paid, the system will indicate that no fee is necessary.
If prompted, click Make Payment and enter your payment information.
Click Confirm, review your information, and click SUBMIT.
Print receipt.
Click Continue License Application.
Your license application has been submitted when you see the message “Your license application has been successfully submitted.”
After your application has been successfully submitted, your application will be reviewed and either approved or denied by Dr. Bowser. If approved, your application will move on to a licensure counselor at the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). If denied, you will receive an email stating why. You may be required to submit additional documentation. If denied, you will be required to start the online educator licensure application process again.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the process above, the following items are required to apply for a standard teaching license:
Praxis Score Report
Be sure when taking all Praxis exams to have scores submitted to Arkansas State University (Code 6011) and to the Arkansas Department of Education. You will not submit a paper copy of your score report unless requested to do so.
Professional Development
| Course Name | Hours | Course ID |
| Child Maltreatment Training | 2 hours | ERB21002 |
| Family and Community Engagement | 2 hours | PIB22001 |
| Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention | 2 hours | HWB23001 |
| Bullying Prevention | 2 hours | ERC20073 |
| Dyslexia | 1 hour | HWG14003 |
| Human Trafficking Awareness | 1 hour | ERB18063 |
| Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) – Arkansas Code of Ethics Training Video | 1 hour | ERC19048 |
| Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) - Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators: Ethical Scenarios in Education (2020) | 1 hour | ERC20059 |
| Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) - Social Media Guidelines | 3 hours | TCC14435 |
Include a copy of the Record of Learning: Courses as documentation of completion of the professional development required for initial licensure. MAT applicants must also submit the Ethics Verification Form.
You will submit this to the PEP Office via Canvas or via request by email from Mrs. Woolard.
Registration Process for ArkansasIDEAS
- Visit the ArkansasIDEAS website.
- To register, click, "Create New Account." You will be taken to the registration form.
- Follow the quick start instructions from there, and you should be able to register and take courses.
- After you complete your registration, it will take about 15 minutes for the system to process your information and create your course list. You may need to log out after registration and then log back in 15 minutes later to see the course listings.
For more information regarding creating an account or registering, see the LMS User Guide. Feel free to call ArkansasIDEAS Help Desk at 1-800-488-6689 or email ideas@aetn.org, if you have any questions, concerns, or need more information on receiving professional development.
Central Registry And Criminal Background Check
A central registry and criminal background check must be completed. Dates must not be older than one year at the time of licensing. If you have questions about background checks contact Clara Toney at the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) at clara.toney@arkansas.gov or 501-682-4342.
Check clearance of central registry and criminal background checks >>
Scientific Reading Instruction
In accordance with Act 416 of 2017, a candidate for Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) licensure must pass a stand-alone assessment of the essential components of beginning reading instruction based on the science of reading. Candidates leading to all other licensure areas meet the requirement for the Science of Reading Prescribed Pathway for Awareness to receive a standard license.
AELS Licensure Information
To check the status of your license, go to the Arkansas Department of Education's Licensure website. If your licensure status has not changed from pending to approved, contact Mrs. Sara Woolard at swoolard@astate.edu or 870-972-2099.
When this process has been totally completed, you will be able to print your license from your Arkansas Department of Education AELS account and you may begin your career as a teacher.
At A-State, your graduation checklist identifies the areas in which you are qualified to seek licensure. For example, many physical education majors have completed a program that will qualify them for licensure in physical education and coaching. Obtain initial licensure in all areas in which you are qualified. Talk with your advisor or department chair if you have questions. Areas for licensure can be added later, but it requires completing another online application, etc. Apply for and secure your license as soon as possible. Licensure requirements change from time to time, and if you wait, you may be required to complete additional work.
Out-of-State Licensure
To verify that an applicant can be recommended for licensure in another state, he/she must be eligible for professional licensure in the state of Arkansas. It is in your best interest to get licensed in the state of Arkansas before seeking licensure out-of-state. If you want to be licensed in other states, you must contact the state, or check the state’s web site for an application. Follow the instructions, which will include a recommendation from A- State. Send these completed out-of-state applications to Dr. Audrey Bowser at the address below.
Questions Regarding Licensure
Reach out to the Office of Professional Education for any questions regarding licensure!
Address:
Office of Professional Education
PO Box 720
State University, AR 72467
Sara Woolard
Educator Licensure Specialist
swoolard@AState.edu
870-972-2099
Dr. Audrey Bowser
Professional Licensure Officer
abowser@AState.edu
870-972-2099