Master of Arts in Teaching Provisional License Process
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program may qualify for a provisional license provided that certain requirements are met.
Before you can initiate the process for a Provisional License, you must have a job offer in the state of Arkansas. Do NOT begin this process until you have met all the requirements listed below.
To remain eligible for a provisional license, you must:
- Be continually enrolled and in good standing in the MAT program
- Maintain employment at the school for which the provisional license was issued
- Meet the requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education
Program Requirements
For Special Education MAT candidates only
Complete six (6) credit hours — ELSE 5003 SPED Academy 101 and an approved 3-credit-hour special education course.
Praxis Exams
If you are unsure which Praxis exam is required for your licensure area, please visit the Arkansas Department of Education website. You can find the exam(s) you need to take by the area you are getting licensed in.
The Foundations of Reading exam for Elementary and Special Education is not required for a provisional license. It is required to get a standard license after completion of the MAT program.
Offer of Employment
Ask the superintendent or designee to complete the Provisional License Recommendation form that states your employment as teacher of record, in the area(s) in which you are getting your license. You will submit this to the PEP Office email to Mrs. Woolard at swoolard@astate.edu.
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
Instructions for Background Checks are available. Please read the instructions carefully to insure backgrounds are processed quickly and efficiently.
Check clearance of the central registry and criminal background checks >>
You can log in to your AELS account to view your background. Click "view current license information" and look under Non-Criminal Background Information (NCBC). You should have 3 approvals: FBI, ASP, and Central Registry. All 3 need to be within 1 year. FBI and State are fingerprints, Central Registry is the Child Maltreatment check.
Questions about Program Requirements?
For questions about program requirements, contact your MAT program coordinator.
MAT – Elementary, Middle-Level, Art, and Business
Dr. Joanna Grymes
grymesj@AState.edu
(870) 972-3059
MAT – Special Education
Mrs. Karen Farley
pfarley@astate.edu
(870) 972-3062
Licensure Process
Once all requirements are complete you may begin the licensure process.
View licensure application process guide >>