In September 2003, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Special Education was awarded a State Improvement Grant (SIG). The focus of the SIG’s Goal Three 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 financial assistance to novice special education teachers to become fully licensed in special education and teach in an Arkansas school district with a high proportion of less than fully qualified special education teachers.
To address this objective, the ADE will be providing twenty-five (25) tuition reimbursements, up to $3,500, to persons 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 January 2005 for applicants that meet the following requirements:
1. Resident of Arkansas.
2. Currently employed by or will accept employment in a school 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 program 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 year for each year of tuition reimbursement received.
Persons interested in applying for the tuition reimbursement program for the 2005 Spring and Summer Terms and the 2005-06 academic year must complete the attached application. Any incomplete applications will be disallowed. Mail the application form to Susie Branon, 1401 W. Capitol, Suite 450, Little Rock, AR 72201 or fax to 501-682-4248. Applications must be received by January 12, 2005. Applicants will be notified by January 18, 2005, of the status of the application in the tuition reimbursement program.
Applicants will submit a copy of the grade report and receipt of course(s) payment to the ADE within 30 days to receive reimbursement for the course(s) and to be eligible for the following semester’s tuition.