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Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in Arkansas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al (every 5 years

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: 5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must hold a Bachelor's degree and a content area teaching license with a Graduate level program of study in the specified requirements. 2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check. 3) Must secure a signed recommendation by the Institutional Certifying Officer. 4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

    • Examinations and
  2. 2

    Must hold a Bachelor's degree and a content area teaching license with a Graduate level program of study in the specified requirements. 2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check. 3) Must secure a signed recommendation by the Institutional Certifying Officer. 4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

    • Examinations and fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis $135.00, License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00
  3. 3

    Education: Specific course required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  6. 6

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  7. 7

    Certification: Certification required.

  8. 8

    License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).

  9. 9

    Requirements: 1) Must hold a Bachelor's degree and a content area teaching license with a Graduate level program of study in the specified requirements.

  10. 10

    2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check.

  11. 11

    4) Other requirements/provisions as specified by State law or State Board of Education.

  12. 12

    Examinations and fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis $135.00, License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Certifying Officer
Fee TypeAmount
License Renewal (every 5 years)$75.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    Renewal al (every 5 years

  4. Salary Position

    $51,590 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #45 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (License Type: Secondary license (another license is a prerequisite).).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Must hold a Bachelor's degree and a content area teaching license with a Graduate level program of study in the specified requirements. 2...; Must hold a Bachelor's degree and a content area teaching license with a Graduate level program of study in the specified requirements. 2...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Education~Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al (every 5 years; continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of $51,590, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $63,000. Arkansas ranks #45 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 5 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,118

Median annual salary

$51,590

Hourly estimate

$24.80
18% below national median

Difference: -$11,410

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,600
  • P2525th percentile$49,160
  • P50Median$51,590
  • P7575th percentile$59,390
  • P9090th percentile$63,980

State vs National Median

State: $51,590
National: $63,000

Total employment: 1,310 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking

#45 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$90,530
#2Washington$85,340
#3Connecticut$81,220
#4New York$80,750
#5Massachusetts$78,820

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arkansas$51,590Specific course requiredState exam required5 years
Missouri$52,140Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$61,080Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Mississippi$48,860Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$54,410Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$60,270Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$49,030Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Arkansas Department of Education • Office of Educator Licensure

Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B, Little Rock, AR, 72201

Phone: 5016824342

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Arkansas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,620Degree required5 years
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$64,610Degree required5 years
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$63,170Degree required5 years
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,020Degree required5 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Arkansas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 5 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arkansas?

Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Arkansas?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in Arkansas.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arkansas is $51,590. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $63,980 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arkansas earn 18% below the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $51,590.

How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in Arkansas?

Arkansas employs approximately 1,310 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to Arkansas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Education / Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/.

How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in Arkansas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al (every 5 years.