Mission and Objectives | Frequently
Asked Questions | Grants
Awards, Critical Shortage Areas
General Information
Required Praxis Assessments
Criminal Background Checks
Online Application/Program Fee/Downloadable Application
Additional Required Coursework
Teaching Position/NTLP License
When is the deadline to apply to the Non-Traditional Licensure Program (NTLP)? All required documentation, submission of the online application and payment of the program fee, must be received on or before June 15, 2008.
When should the online application and program fee be submitted? Applicants should submit the online application with the program fee after mailing all required admission documents to the NTLP offices. Submission of the online application and fee payment without submission of all required admission documents may cause an application to be delayed or denied.
What happens once I submit my online application and program fee? The NTLP office receives the online application and the program fee electronically. Completed applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Applicants accepted into the program receive a Letter of Acceptance announcing the date and time of the mandatory orientation meeting. Applicants must attend the orientation meeting to receive their NTLP site assignment (where they will attend all summer and monthly Instructional Modules). Applicants receive an Employment Eligibility Form as verification to a school district that the applicant will be licensed upon hire in a full-time teacher-of-record position, passing all required background checks, and completion of the summer Instructional Modules.
Where are the regional NTLP Instructional Sites located? NTLP instructional sites are in various locations across Arkansas generally in the NW, NE, SW, SE and Central regions. Participants receive their site assignment at the mandatory orientation meeting. Site representatives will be available at that time to answer questions and distribute information. Participants will be assigned, as much as is possible, to a site closest to where they reside.
Where should I look for a teaching position? NTLP teachers can be employed by any public school district or by an accredited private school provided the school can assign a Pathwise-certified mentor. This includes charter schools.
- A distance learning setting where a teacher is not actively engaged with students is not acceptable.
- A position teaching over the Internet by computer (cyber schools) is not acceptable.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in the Juvenile Detention facilities or Department of Human Services (DHS) facilities.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in an ABC Early Childhood program since this program requires that teachers hold an Initial or Standard license.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in an Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) unless the NTL teacher is teaching only in the licensure area and level indicated on the Employment Eligibility Form. For example, if the NTL teacher is hired in an ALE to teach English grades 7-12 and is only teaching English to children grades 7-12, then this is acceptable employment.
For any other circumstance the NTL teacher must contact the NTL office and speak with a Program Advisor to verify that the employment situation is acceptable.
What is a teacher-of-record-position? A teacher-of record means an NTLP teacher must be on a full-time contract with the school district teaching, in a position requiring a teaching license, a minimum of five (5) class periods per day (or the equivalent) in the appropriate licensure area (based on assessments passed).
What are the required admission documents?
Required admission documents consist of:
- official transcripts
- original Praxis I Basic Skills score report, or -original score report for substitute exam
- original Praxis II Content Knowledge score report
- copy of fingerprint card for criminal background check
- online NTL application with full payment of program fee
What do I do if I received my degree out-of-country? Out-of-country transcripts must be evaluated prior to application by an independent in-country evaluation agency. Academic credentials must be documented as being equal to a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. college or university. Clicking HERE will open a new window with a listing of agencies from which the NTLP will accept evaluations. DO NOT request transcripts or evaluations to be mailed directly to the NTLP office. Have the documents mailed to your home address.
Are there any tests whose scores will substitute for any of the required assessments? Applicants with a Master's degree may substitute scores from certain graduate assessments for the Praxis I: Basic Skills exam. Click here for more details.
Can I send faxed or photocopies of required admission documents? The Non-Traditional Licensure Program requires that applicants submit official transcripts from colleges/universities, original score report(s) for ALL Praxis testing sent by mail from Educational Testing Services (ETS), and original score report(s) for any substitute tests for Praxis I. This is required even if the applicant indicated to ETS to have the scores sent to the Arkansas Department of Education. The applicant should make several copies of the document(s) to have on file. No photocopies or faxed copies will be accepted.
Which are the correct Praxis II: Content Knowledge exams that I should take? Praxis II Content exams are based on a college/university preparation in the particular subject area (i.e., math, sciences, foreign languages). Test takers should have a program of study or a very good background in the content area, and take the exam(s) for which they are best prepared. The appropriate assessments for each teaching area/level can be found at ETS.
Can I take Praxis II exams in more than one subject area or level? Applicants may elect to take multiple exams, and must successfully complete all required exam(s) in the licensure area to be eligible to pursue and accept a teaching position in that area. However, upon acceptance of the first year teaching position the candidate will be licensed ONLY in the area/subject for which they have passed the required exam(s) and are currently teaching. Only NTLP participants teaching in the secondary content licensure areas of Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Drama/Speech or any Foreign Language may be issued a license in two areas. Participants may be licensed in both areas if they have successfully completed all non-pedagogical licensure Praxis exams for both licensure areas. The candidate must remain within the same level (Early, Middle or Secondary) for the duration of the two-year program.
How do I obtain the forms for my required Criminal Background Checks? You may obtain forms directly from any school district's administrative offices or by calling the Arkansas Department of Education Office of Professional Licensure at 501-682-4342.
What do I do if I am not able to pay by credit card or electronic check? If you do not have access to a computer (all Arkansas Public Libraries have computers you can use) and you are not able to access the online application please contact the NTLP office at 501-682-5535 to request the application be sent by mail.
What if I do not have access to a computer to complete the online application? If you do not have access to a computer (all Arkansas Public Libraries have computers you can use) and you are not able to access the online application please contact the NTLP office at 501-682-5535 to request the application be sent by mail.
Do I have to pay the program fee when I apply? Yes, the program fee must be paid at the time of submission of the online application. The online application will not submit or save without the payment of the program fee. Upon submission of the downloadable (paper) application payment is required by Cashier's check or money order.
Will my program fee be refunded if I choose to withdraw from the NTLP? The program fee, (minus a non-refundable $50 processing charge) will be refunded, if the NTLP office is notified in writing that the applicant is withdrawing from the program and the applicant has not attended any summer Instructional Modules. Correspondence must be postmarked no later than August 1, 2008 for any refund to be considered.
When should I submit the online application and program fee? Applicants should submit the online application with the program fee after mailing all required admission documents to the NTLP offices. Submission of the online application and payment fee without submission of all required admission documents may cause an application to be delayed or denied.
What happens once I submit my online application and program fee? The NTLP office receives the online application and the program fee electronically. Completed applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Applicants accepted into the program receive a Letter of Acceptance announcing the date and time of the mandatory orientation meeting. Applicants must attend the orientation meeting to receive their NTLP site assignment (where they will attend all summer and monthly Instructional Modules). Applicants receive an Employment Eligibility Form as verification to a school district that the applicant will be licensed upon hire in a full-time teacher-of-record position and completion of the summer Instructional Modules.
Is any college or university coursework required? Additional coursework is required for those applying to the program to teach in Early Childhood Education (P-4), Middle Childhood Education (4-8) and Social Studies (7-12).
The following coursework must be completed PRIOR TO being admitted to the NTLP:
Three (3) college-credit-hours of Arkansas History for the following license areas: Early Childhood Education (P-4), Middle Childhood Education (4-8) and Social Studies (7-12).
Six (6) college-credit-hours of Methods of Teaching Reading for the following license areas: Early Childhood Education (P-4) and Middle Childhood Education (4-8).
Arkansas History can be taken at any 2 or 4-year college/university by independent study, online, correspondence or by attending classes on campus.
Only certain Methods of Teaching Reading courses have been approved by the ADE. Click here (PDF) UPDATED 11/1/07 to find a listing of approved courses and contact information on how to register.
Where should I look for a teaching position? NTLP teachers can be employed by any public school district or by an accredited private school provided the school can assign a Pathwise certified mentor. A teacher-of record means an NTLP teacher must be on a full-time contract with the school district teaching a minimum of five (5) class periods per day (or the equivalent) in the appropriate licensure area (based on assessments).
- NTLP teachers can be employed by any public school district or by an accredited private school provided the school can assign a Pathwise-certified mentor. This includes charter schools.
- A distance learning setting where a teacher is not actively engaged with students is not acceptable.
- A position teaching over the Internet by computer (cyber schools) is not acceptable.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in the Juvenile Detention facilities or Department of Human Services (DHS) facilities.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in an ABC Early Childhood program since this program requires that teachers hold an Initial or Standard license.
- NTLP teachers may not be employed in an Alternative Learning Environment (ALE) unless the NTL teacher is teaching only in the licensure area and level indicated on the Employment Eligibility Form. For example, if the NTL teacher is hired in an ALE to teach English grades 7-12 and is only teaching English to children grades 7-12, then this is acceptable employment.
For any other circumstance the NTL teacher must contact the NTL office and speak with a Program Advisor to verify that the employment situation is acceptable.
What is a teacher-of-record position? A teacher-of record means an NTLP teacher must be on a full-time contract with the school district teaching, in a position requiring a teaching license, a minimum of five (5) class periods per day (or the equivalent) in the appropriate licensure area (based on assessments).
Can I be licensed in more than one area or level? Upon acceptance of the first year teaching position the candidate will be licensed ONLY in the area/subject for which they have passed the required exam(s) and are currently teaching. The candidate must remain within the same level (Early, Middle or Secondary) for the duration of the two-year program. Only NTLP participants teaching in the secondary content license areas of Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies or any Foreign Language may be issued a license in two (2) of these areas. Participants may be licensed in both areas if they have successfully completed all non-pedagogical licensure Praxis exams for both license areas.
Do I have to find a teaching position before I apply to the program? Applicants do not have to find a teaching position before applying to the program. However, if a position is not obtained by September 1, the teacher must either accept a position that is offered, or "go on hold". Applicants should search for positions and express interest to school districts by inquiring about application requirements. Almost every district will want assurance that the applicant will be licensed once they are hired. Acceptance to the program with the accompanying Employment Eligibility Form will verify that the teacher will be licensed for the upcoming school year (pending completion of the summer Instructional Modules and passing all required background checks).
What if I do not find a full-time teaching position? For applicants who do not find a full-time teacher-of- record position for the upcoming school year the following options are available:
(1) Before August 1, 2008, if the NTLP office is notified in writing that the applicant is withdrawing from the program and the applicant has not attended any summer Instructional Modules, the program fee will be refunded.
(2) If employment is not secured by September 1, the participant shall accept teaching employment (if offered) working in conjunction with the ADE Office of Teacher Recruitment.
(3) If the candidate does not accept said employment he or she may be administratively withdrawn from the program.
(4) If the candidate or the Office of Teacher Recruitment does not find appropriate employment, the candidate would be maintained on "hold" (one year only), until the following year.
What does being "on hold" mean? Participants in the NTLP have three (3) years to complete the two-year program. If a participant has completed the NTLP Summer Instructional Modules and is unable to find appropriate employment, either on his or her own, or through the Office of Teacher Recruitment by September 1, then the participant would be "on hold" in the program. The participant would not attend any monthly (Saturday) Instructional Modules, but would continue to look for and could accept a teaching position in the appropriate licensure area(s). Once the participant is hired in a full-time position he or she would start attending monthly Instructional Modules in the month employment is gained, and make up any missed modules. This could result in the participant requiring more than the two years for program completion. However, under no circumstances could a participant take more than three (3) years to complete two years of the program.
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