§ 6-81-601. Purpose
There is an existing need in the state to enhance the academic expertise of employed teachers in Arkansas by providing opportunities for them to pursue additional college instruction related to their employment.
§ 6-81-602. Establishment
There is established a program to be known as the “Teacher Opportunity Program”.
§ 6-81-603. Administration
(a) The Teacher Opportunity Program shall be administered by the Division of Higher Education, which shall have the authority to establish necessary rules, procedures, and selection criteria for the administration of the program and to designate necessary forms and schedules. (b) The division may utilize an appropriate advisory committee to assist it in its responsibilities […]
§ 6-81-604. Conditions
The Division of Higher Education may make initial and continuing grants to students under the following conditions: (1) Grant recipients shall be bona fide residents of the State of Arkansas, as defined by the Division of Higher Education; (2) Grant recipients shall maintain current certification with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, allowing them […]
§ 6-81-605. Grants — Priority
(a) (1) The first priority for the award of funds under the Teacher Opportunity Program is the award of reimbursements for additional education in: (A) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields; (B) Computer science; (C) Literacy or reading; (D) Prekindergarten education; or (E) Special education. (2) If funds are available after all awards are made […]
§ 6-81-606. Discrimination prohibited
This subchapter shall in no way discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or area of teacher education.
§ 6-81-607. Definitions
As used in this subchapter: (1) “Classroom teacher” means an individual who is required to hold a teaching license from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and who is: (A) Engaged directly in instruction with students in a classroom setting for more than seventy percent (70%) of the individual’s contracted time; (B) A media […]
§ 6-81-608. Dual Licensure Incentive Program
(a) There is created the Dual Licensure Incentive Program to encourage classroom teachers currently employed by school districts in the state to return to college to obtain licensure in one (1) or more additional subject areas. (b) The program shall be administered by the Division of Higher Education. (c) (1) A classroom teacher returning to […]
§ 6-81-609. Dual licensure funding
(a) (1) (A) A classroom teacher employed by a school district in the state may receive a reimbursement from the Dual Licensure Incentive Program if the classroom teacher returns to an approved institution of higher education to obtain licensure in an additional subject area: (i) Declared to be a shortage area by the Division of […]