The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), Special Education State Improvement Grant (SIG) has some funds available to support the efforts of local school districts in Arkansas to recruit and retain qualified special education teachers. Financial assistance for the 2009 fall semester will be provided to individuals interested in pursuing special education licensure and teaching in an Arkansas school district with a high proportion of less than fully qualified special education teachers.
The ADE will provide tuition reimbursement, up to $3,500, to persons willing to pursue, or in the process of adding, special education licensure endorsement. Interested applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a resident of Arkansas.
2. Be currently employed by or will work in a school district with a high proportion of less than fully licensed special education teachers.
3. Be enrolled in a regionally accredited public or private college or university with an approved special education program taking a minimum of three (3) required 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 a period of time not less than that for which tuition reimbursement is received.
Persons interested in applying for the tuition reimbursement program for the 2009 fall term must complete the attached application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Mail the completed application to Donna Broyles, 1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 450, Little Rock, AR 72201, or fax it to 501-682-4248. Applications must be received by August 17, 2009. Applicants will be notified of status relative to acceptance in the tuition reimbursement program by August 24, 2009.
Approved applicants will be required to submit a copy of the program of study outlining the cost of the program along with an itemized receipt of course(s) payment from the Registrar by September 11, 2009. Candidates who received the tuition reimbursement will also be required to submit an official transcript indicating course completion and grade at the end of the semester.