| Online Teacher Preparation Program: | Program Coordinator: | Interim Department Chair: | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashburn 150 | Sunny Styles-Foster | ||
| University of Central Arkansas | Phone: 501.450.5429 | ||
| 201 Donaghey Ave | sunnyf@uca.edu | ||
| Conway, AR 72035 |
We are not accepting a new cohort at this time. Please stay tuned to the website for updates!
Welcome!
This online performance-based undergraduate program completion pathway is designed to prepare aspiring teachers for today’s classrooms. 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.
Candidates will choose one of three licensure pathways:
- K-6 Elementary
- K-12 Special Education
- Dual license: K-6 Elementary and K-12 Special Education
If you are currently employed in an Arkansas Private School, you can see if your school is accredited and recognized by DESE by going to this link for the ANSAA.
If you are currently employed in an Arkansas Charter School, you can see if your school is on the list at the ADE Data Center link.
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.
Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree from a public two-year institution in Arkansas is required OR at least 60 credit hours and completion of the 35 hour State Minimum Core curriculum (as determined by the UCA Registrar’s Office, following a thorough review all official college transcripts); Anyone who has completed (or will complete) either a 2+2 Elementary Education or 2+2 Special Education pathway at one of our partner institutions will automatically meet the required coursework needed. Anyone not coming in under one of those agreements will undergo a transcript review to ensure required courses have been completed, before being admitted into the program.
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