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MAT Provisional License Information

BEFORE YOU BEGIN, WATCH THE VIDEO LINKED BELOW.

CLICK HERE for VIDEO

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching program may qualify for a provisional license provided that certain requirements are met.

What is a provisional license?

A provisional license is a “temporary” license that lets a person teach as a teacher of record while completing the remaining requirements for a standard license.  If approved, the provisional license is effective for two years provided that eligibility requirements are maintained.

Note:
Before beginning the process for a provisional license, you must have a job offer.

To remain eligible for a provisional license, you must:

  • Be continually enrolled and in good standing in your program of study.
  • Maintain employment at the school for which the provisional license was issued.

What do I need to be eligible for a provisional license?

  1. A job offer from an Arkansas public or charter school.
  2. Transcripts indicating bachelor’s degree completion.
    ‣ We will use your undergraduate transcript(s) that were submitted with your MAT application if possible.
    ‣ If we are missing any transcripts, we will contact you directly.
  3. Meet one of the two options below:
    1. Passing score(s) on the required Praxis subject assessment(s) for your content area.
      ‣ Review your score report to make sure recipient code 6012 is listed.
      ‣ Go to https://praxis.ets.org/state-requirements/arkansas-tests.html for information about Praxis requirements.

      – OR –
    2. At least 18 college credit hours in the content area of your provisional license with a 3.0 or better GPA in that coursework.
      ‣ Coursework subject to approval by the MAT program.
      ‣ Passing Praxis scores are still required in order to convert your provisional to a standard license.
  4. Complete the background check process.
    ‣ Go to uca.edu/ocs/background-checks/internship-and-licensure/ for information about the background check process.
    ‣ Background checks (both criminal history and child maltreatment) must be less than one year old at the time of licensing.
    ‣ To check the status of your background check, click here.
  5. Complete the mandatory professional development.
    ‣ Go to uca.edu/ocs/professional-development/ for information about the professional development requirements.
    ‣ Upload all certificates into the MAT Orientation & Program Information Organization in Blackboard.
    ‣ Once in the MAT Blackboard Organization, go to the Trainings/Certificates tab on the left, select the Document & Certificate Upload folder, and locate the AR Ideas PD Certificate tab.
  6. Complete educator ethics training. Information available here.
For Special Education MAT students only.
  • Complete six (6) credit hours — ELSE 6300 SpEd 101 Academy and ELSE 6375 Practice of Teaching Diverse Learners (or a substitution approved by the MAT Special Education program coordinator).

How do I show a school district that I am eligible to be hired?

If your district requests it and if you have completed the eligibility requirements above, you can request an eligibility letter.  To request a letter, click here.

When you are ready to start the provisional license process…

Click HERE and download the checklist.  Follow this checklist step-by-step.

TO APPLY FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE

STEP 1: Complete the online application for a provisional license by logging on HERE.

  • Select Apply for a Provisional License.
  • What type of provisional license are you seeking?  Provisional Non-Traditional MAT
  • Select your Education Preparation Program:  University of Central Arkansas
  • Verify your profile information is accurate and complete.  Update if necessary.
  • Review application information, electronically sign, and submit.

STEP 2: Provide the MAT coordinator with the following documents:

  1. The completed Provisional License Recommendation form with employment verification
  2. Official undergraduate transcript(s) (if not a UCA graduate)
  3. Copy of your passing Praxis subject assessment score(s)

STEP 3: Upload the following documents to the MAT Orientation organization through Blackboard:

  1. Completion certificates for professional development requirements (more info here)
  2. Educator ethics training verification form and completion certificate(s) (more info here)

The MAT coordinator will verify your eligibility to apply for a provisional license and will forward the required supporting documents to the Office of Candidate Services.  Allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed and license issued.

Questions? Contact the MAT program coordinator

Steve Ward,
MAT Program Coordinator
Email: wards@uca.edu
Phone: (501) 450-5848