Policy Number: 5.120
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
This policy replaces the previous board policy that was revised in 2018. This policy ensures compliance with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Assumed Practices B.2.a, which was revised in September 2025, the Arkansas Division of Higher Education (ADHE), and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) while recognizing multiple professional and academic pathways that demonstrate instructional competence at the college level. External program accreditors may require specific additional/alternative credentials than those listed below. In such cases, a letter of variance should demonstrate how faculty align with accreditation requirements. The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent, transparent standards for determining faculty qualifications for teaching credit-bearing courses at National Park College (NPC).
SCOPE
This policy applies to all faculty and instructors in for-credit programs, including concurrent and/or dual enrollment courses, or programs in which Prior Learning credit could be transcripted.
AUTHORITY
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education Board Policies (Adopted October 01, 2015)
- National Park College is fully accredited with the Higher Learning Commission and complies with the commission’s Assumed Practices B.2. when hiring faculty.
- Arkansas Access Legislation: HB 1512, 6-16-1203. Teacher skills and training.
DEFINITIONS
Faculty and instructors refer to anyone assigned to teach courses for the college. The term faculty can also be used generically to refer to a group of individuals assigned to the responsibility of instruction.
“General Education” as used below, is defined as courses and degree programs intended to transfer to a four year university.
POLICY STATEMENT
Faculty are credentialed according to a tiered model recognizing academic preparation, licensure, and relevant professional experience as valid indicators of
qualification. Each faculty member must meet at least one of the credentialing tiers described below for the discipline or course assigned. Regardless of tier, all faculty are required to adhere to NPC and ADHE requirements, including criminal background check and child-maltreatment training and any required AP/IB training or certification when applicable.
Credentialing Tiers
Tier 1 – Master’s Degree in the Field Taught
Minimum Qualification:
- Master’s degree in the discipline or a closely related field.
Application:
- Preferred for transfer-level general education and academic disciplines.
Tier 2 – Master’s Degree Plus 18 Graduate Hours in the Field Taught
Minimum Qualification:
- Master’s degree in any field plus a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline.
Application:
- Appropriate for general education and transfer-level courses when the master’s degree is outside, but closely related to, the discipline.
Tier 3 – Master’s Degree with Documented Professional Experience
Minimum Qualification:
- Master’s degree and
- Documented, substantial, and relevant professional experience in the field.
Application:
- Primarily used for general education and transfer-level courses when the master's degree is outside, but closely related to the discipline.
Additional Requirements:
- Letter of Variance documenting relevant professional experience.
Tier 4 – Master’s Degree Plus Arkansas State Teaching License
Minimum Qualification:
- Master’s degree and
- A valid Arkansas teaching license in the specific content area.
Application:
- Primarily used for concurrent or dual-credit instructors teaching at partner high schools.
Tier 5 – Bachelor’s Degree with Documented Professional Experience
Minimum Qualification:
- Bachelor’s degree in the discipline or related field, and
- Documented, substantial, and relevant professional experience in the field.
Application:
- Used primarily for career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, and applied science programs emphasizing hands-on learning and industry application.
Additional Requirements:
- Letter of Variance documenting relevant professional experience.
Tier 6 – Associate’s Degree and Appropriate Licensure or Certification
Minimum Qualification:
- Associate degree and
- Appropriate licensure or certification in a specialized trade or technical area
Application:
- Used primarily for career and technical education (CTE), workforce development, and applied science programs emphasizing hands-on learning and industry application.
Developmental and Precollege Courses
Instructors teaching developmental or precollege education courses should hold a master’s degree whenever possible but must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in the field taught. Faculty under Tier 3 or Tier 4 may qualify upon approval by the Vice President for Academic Affairs if professional experience or licensure demonstrates instructional competence.
Faculty Credentialing Review Process
When a faculty member’s qualifications do not clearly meet the minimum requirements outlined above, the Faculty Credentialing Review Committee may be convened to evaluate equivalent experience, training, or achievement.
- The Committee will review supporting documentation, including transcripts, résumés, portfolios, licensure, and evidence of professional accomplishment.
- The Committee will recommend approval or denial of equivalency to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
- The Vice President of Academic Affairs will issue a final determination and maintain a written record in the instructor’s credentialing file.
- All equivalency determinations will be reviewed periodically for continued validity.
Ongoing Review and Professional Development
All instructors, regardless of tier, are required to:
- Participate annually in professional development related to teaching effectiveness, pedagogy, and disciplinary currency;
- Maintain current licensure or certifications where applicable; and
- Engage in continued learning or professional practice to remain current in their instructional field.
Credentialing files will be reviewed regularly to ensure continued compliance with institutional, state, and accrediting standards.