Orientations for Arkansas public school teachers and school counselors interested in information on state and federal funding for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process will be offered on the following dates:
- February 21, 2009, Dawson ESC, Arkadelphia
- March 7, 2009, SEAESC, Monticello
- March 14, 2009, ARESC, Pine Bluff
- March 21, 2009, ASU, Jonesboro
- April 4, 2009, Pulaski Tech College, Little Rock
- April 11, 2009, UAFS, Ft. Smith
- April 25, 2009, NWAESC, Farmington
A teacher qualifies to seek state fee support ($2,500) only if the individual:
- is licensed as an Arkansas teacher or school counselor,
- has taught in an Arkansas public school system at least three years prior to candidacy,
- currently teaches in an Arkansas public school, and
- attends an orientation.
NOTE: The required three years teaching experience in an Arkansas public school must be with an initial (3-year) and/or standard (5-year) teaching license in order to receive the state funding application. Years taught with a provisional (1-year) license do not count toward the required three years experience.
Unsuccessful state-funded candidates must repay state funds, as must Nationally Board Certified teachers who do not comply with any legal requirements concerning teaching tenure following certification.
Interested individuals are required to register at the Arkansas Department of Education’s National Board Certification Program webpage http://arkansased.org/teachers/certification_program.html beginning in early-February 2009. There is no cost for orientation attendance, and refreshments will be provided by the Arkansas Department of Education.