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Special Education Teachers, Middle School Licensing in Arkansas

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

Renewal al (every 5 years

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Arkansas

Estimated timeline: 5 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have Bachelor's degree

    • must include 18 semester hours of secondary education and specialized 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 the State Board of Education. Examinations and
  2. 2

    Must have Bachelor's degree

    • must include 18 semester hours of secondary education and specialized 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 the State Board of Education. Examinations and Fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis II (Advanced tests of teaching skill and subject area content knowledge): $135.00, License Renewal (every 5 years): $75.00
  3. 3

    Education: Degree required.

  4. 4

    Experience: No experience required.

  5. 5

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  6. 6

    Certification: Certification required.

  7. 7

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  8. 8

    Specialty areas of licensure include teaching of the humanities, science and mathematics, and vocational education courses.

  9. 9

    Requirements: 1) Must have Bachelor's degree

    • must include 18 semester hours of secondary education and specialized requirements.
  10. 10

    2) Must successfully complete the required criminal background check.

  11. 11

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

  12. 12

    Examinations and Fees: All teachers must have successfully completed the following testing: Praxis II (Advanced tests of teaching skill and subject area content knowledge): $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
Praxis II (Advanced tests of teaching skill and subject area content knowledge)$135.00
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

    $53,660 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #44 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree 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 have Bachelor's degree; must include 18 semester hours of secondary education and specialized requirements. 2) Must successfully com...; Must have Bachelor's degree; must include 18 semester hours of secondary education and specialized requirements. 2) Must successfully com...).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Praxis II (Advanced tests of teaching skill and subject area content knowledge): $135.00; 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 $53,660, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $64,880. Arkansas ranks #44 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

$53,660

Hourly estimate

$25.80
17% below national median

Difference: -$11,220

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$44,830
  • P2525th percentile$49,690
  • P50Median$53,660
  • P7575th percentile$60,470
  • P9090th percentile$65,070

State vs National Median

State: $53,660
National: $64,880

Total employment: 760 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Ranking

#44 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Middle School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$99,270
#2Washington$95,440
#3New York$91,280
#4Rhode Island$89,840
#5Massachusetts$85,020

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Arkansas$53,660Degree requiredState exam required5 years
Missouri$53,410Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$55,510Specific course requiredThird-party exam required18 years
Mississippi$49,760Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$54,060Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$61,920Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$49,970Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries 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, Middle 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, Middle Schools in Arkansas?

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

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

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure in Arkansas.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Arkansas?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Arkansas is $53,660. Salaries range from $44,830 (10th percentile) to $65,070 (90th percentile).

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

Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in Arkansas earn 17% below the national median of $64,880, with a state median of $53,660.

How many Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools work in Arkansas?

Arkansas employs approximately 760 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, Middle 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, Middle School license in Arkansas?

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