Arkansas Teacher Requirements for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

The information below is collected from state regulatory agencies responsible for regulating school based speech-language pathologists and/or audiologists. The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information.

Audiologist

Audiologists in the public schools are contract employees and do not fall under specific teacher requirements of the State Department of Education. State licensure is typically required for practice in the schools. Contact the board for additional information.

Speech-Language Pathologist

Ancillary License—Speech Language Pathology (K–12), valid for 5 years

The Department shall issue an Ancillary License in a licensure area identified on Appendix A, excluding an administrator’s endorsement, upon receipt of the following from an applicant, whether or not the applicant is licensed in another state:

A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;
Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department’s Rules Governing Background Checks;
An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the specialty area assessment for licensure area as mandated by the State Board; and
For a first-time license, documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:
- Two (2) hours of parental involvement;
- Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;
- Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and
- Dyslexia awareness.
An applicant for an Ancillary License in speech-language pathology shall also submit an official transcript documenting an awarded bachelor’s and master’s or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in speech-language pathology, and either:

Successful completion of a graduate-level, accredited speech-language pathology program, or a degree with equivalent competencies; or
Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Citation: Ark. Code R. §005.16.5-2.02.3.1 [PDF]

Continuing Education Requirement

Thirty six clock hours of approved continuing professional education is required annually to maintain professional teaching license valid for five years in speech pathology for employment in a public education agency.

Citation: Ark. Code R. §005.16.5-2.02.3.1 [PDF]