Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 


Is the University of Central Arkansas CAEP accredited?

Yes.

The University of Central Arkansas was created in 1907 by the Arkansas General Assembly as the Arkansas Normal School. UCA’s original mission was to prepare teachers for the state, a fact  emphasized by its location in the geographical center of Arkansas. With federal and state initiatives plus the expectations of the citizens of our state, UCA and the College of  Education are committed to the high standards of teacher preparation, effective partnerships with K-12 schools, and the continued high expectations of learning for all children. Evidence of this commitment to quality preparation is the longstanding national accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1953 and currently by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Further, the University of Central Arkansas is a member of and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) as a bachelor’s, master’s, specialist’s, and doctoral degree granting institution.

The University of Central Arkansas is also committed to maintaining its leadership role in the state by providing quality programs for those it serves. Because of the ever changing landscape of education, those leading our schools must be prepared to use the most contemporary methods to ensure effective schools. By empowering educational professionals to face the rich and diverse challenges waiting them, UCA is upholding its traditions while affirming expectations for its future. The professional education programs at the University of Central Arkansas incorporate nationally recognized performance-based standards that result in highly qualified professionals for our public schools.


How do I know which Praxis exams to take?

To see the list of required Praxis exams, visit the site below and find your intended area of licensure.  Test requirements can change frequently, so always refer to this site before registering for an exam.  If you have questions about the Praxis exam requirements, contact the Office of Candidate Services.

www.ets.org/praxis/ar/requirements


How do I add an additional area or licensure level to my existing license?

Though there are some exceptions, many areas and levels can be added to your license by completing the corresponding required Praxis Subject Assessment(s).

Generally speaking, you can add content areas within your licensure level (K-12, 7-12, 4-8, etc.) or within one level above or below your licensure level.  See the chart below for some of the common options for adding areas or levels to your license.

If your initial license is … Then you can add …
P-4 early childhood education K-6 elementary education
P-4 early childhood education Grades 4-8 math, language arts, social studies, or science
K-6 elementary education Grades 4-8 math, language arts, social studies, or science
4-8 middle level math, lang arts, soc studies, or science K-6 elementary education
4-8 middle level math, lang arts, soc studies, or science 7-12 secondary content areas
7-12 secondary education Grades 4-8 math, language arts, social studies, or science
7-12 secondary education Other 7-12 secondary content areas
K-12 art, music, world languages, or PE/health Grades 4-8 math, language arts, social studies, or science
K-12 art, music, world languages, or PE/health 7-12 secondary content areas
K-12 art, music, world languages, or PE/health Other K-12 areas

NOTE:  Some endorsements require the completion of additional requirements. For example, to add any level of social studies (elementary, middle level, or secondary), you must have an Arkansas history course.

The information above is not a complete list of options. For more information and for more options, visit the Arkansas Department of Education website by clicking here.

Ancillary and instructional support areas (such as media specialist, school counselor, and building administrator), require a graduate-level program of study and cannot be added by testing alone.


How do I find available teaching positions?

Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators – Jobs Postings


How do I obtain the mailing address for school districts?

ADE Data Center – School Locator


How do I renew an expired license?

Office of Educator Licensure
Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4342
Fax: 501-682-4898

How do I convert an out-of-state license to an Arkansas license?

Office of Educator Licensure
Four Capitol Mall, Room 106-B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: 501-682-4342
Fax: 501-682-4898