| Online Dual Licensure Program: | Program Coordinator: | Interim Department Chair: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashburn 150 | Amber Brantley | Sunny Styles-Foster | |
| University of Central Arkansas | Phone: 501.450.5461 | Phone: 501.450.5429 | |
| 201 Donaghey Ave | abrantley@uca.edu | sunnyf@uca.edu | |
| Conway, AR 72035 |
Welcome!
UCA is excited to announce the NEW Online Dual Licensure: K-6 Elementary & K-12 Special Education Program. This fully online degree prepares candidates for dual licensure in K-6 Elementary and K-12 Special Education with a focus on equitable, inclusive access for all students. Candidates can choose either K-6 Elementary and/or K-12 Special Education licensure. The Online Dual Licensure: K-6 Elementary & K-12 Special Education Program will start our first cohort in January 2024. There are a number of opportunities that may provide funding to help cover the cost of this program, depending on your financial needs and employment situation. UCA Office of Financial Aid and the Arkansas Department of Education can help identify sources of financial aid. The dual licensure program recognizes the significant need for teachers licensed in K-6 Elementary and K-12 Special Education, particularly in geographically isolated areas in the state. Our goal is to support ALL students in Arkansas with a high-quality teacher preparation program.
This online performance-based undergraduate program completion pathway for dual licensure in elementary education and special education is designed to prepare candidates for positions as teachers in grades K-6 and Special Education K-12, which will prepare them to address the needs of all students, including those with disabilities. Upon completion of the program, candidates are expected to (a) understand and apply knowledge related to the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of elementary education; (b) possess knowledge and skills to effectively teach all content areas including literacy/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies; (c) know the way children learn and develop; (d) use knowledge of how children learn and develop to design and implement age appropriate instruction; (e) understand language acquisition, cultural influences on learning, emotional and social development, exceptionalities, diverse student populations, and inclusion and equity in classrooms and schools; (f) integrate technology into instruction and learning; (g) use research and developmentally appropriate practices in their teaching; and (h) know the roles and responsibilities of the profession of teaching.
The program also recognizes the changing and complex role of educators working with students with disabilities, and as such, prepares the candidates to (a) provide support and instruction to students with cognitive, physical, behavior, multiple, and/or health disabilities from kindergarten through 12th grade; (b) access the general education curriculum demonstrating a strong knowledge and skill set in academic content areas for instructing students with disabilities; (c) effectively collaborate and work closely with general education teachers, related service personnel, administrators, and families to ensure all students are given every opportunity to reach their full potential; and (d) understand and apply knowledge related to the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of special education.
This program is highly selective and enrolls a limited number of candidates each year. Based upon characteristics such as completion of prerequisite classes, employment in a school district, geographic location, recommendations, and academic qualifications will be used to evaluate applicants for selection.
Student Requirements:
Candidates admitted to this program MUST be employed as kindergarten-6th grade OR special education instructional support position by an accredited school with approved MOU due to the coursework implementation.
Ideally, but not required, candidate completed an associates degree program that meets the requirements of the university’s existing 2+2 partnerships. This includes specific lower division coursework.
GPA requirements include the following:
- Cumulative 2.70 GPA or better
- Cumulative 2.50 GPA or better with at least a 3.00 GPA in the last 30 credit hours
Important Dates:
October 1st – Applications Open
December 1st – Applications Due
December 20th – Cohort 1 Announced (notification via portal)
TBD – Online Orientation
January 11th – Spring Courses Begin