In September 2003, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Special Education Office was awarded a federal State Improvement Grant (SIG). The focus of Goal Three of the SIG is to support the efforts of local school districts in Arkansas to recruit and retain qualified special education teachers. An objective addressing this goal is to provide some financial assistance to licensed teachers seeking additional licensure endorsement in special education, with the understanding that these individuals will teach special education in an Arkansas school district with a high proportion of less than fully qualified special education teachers.
To address this objective, the ADE will provide tuition reimbursement to persons who are willing to pursue or are in the process of adding special education licensure endorsement. Reimbursement for college course credit successfully completed in special education will be available beginning August 2004 for applicants that meet the following requirements:
1. Resident of Arkansas.
2. Currently employed by or willing to work in a school district with a high proportion of less than fully licensed special education teachers.
3. Enrolled in a regionally accredited public or private college or university with an approved special education teacher training program and taking a minimum of 3 course hours per term or semester.
4. Maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average.
5. Agree to teach in a public school in Arkansas in a designated school needing fully licensed special education teachers for one school year for each year of tuition reimbursement received.
Persons interested in applying for the tuition reimbursement program for 2004 Summer Terms and the 2004-2005 academic year must complete the attached application in its entirety. An incomplete application will be disallowed. Mail the application form to Susie Branon, 1401 W. Capitol, Suite 450, Little Rock, AR 72201, or fax to her attention at 501-682-4248. Applications must be received by June 15, 2004. Applicants will be notified of their status relative to acceptance in the tuition reimbursement program by July 1, 2004.
Applicants will submit a copy of their transcript and receipt to the ADE within 30 days of receipt to receive reimbursement for the course(s) and to be eligible for the following semester’s stipend.