(a) A standard lifetime teaching license:

1. (1) Is issued to an applicant based on age or retirement eligibility requirements as set forth in this part; and

2. (2) Entitles the license holder to a release from:

   1. (A) Annual professional development requirements, subject to employment requirements; and
   2. (B) License renewal requirements.

(b)

1. (1) Applicants for the standard lifetime teaching license shall meet the following eligibility requirements:

   1. (A) Hold a current or expired Arkansas standard license;
   2. (B) Be at least sixty-two (62) years of age or retired from active teaching under Arkansas Code § 24-7-701, Arkansas Code § 24-7-702, or Arkansas Code § 24-7-704; and
   3. (C) Document that the applicant has either:

(a) (a) In an educational setting, including without limitation:

1. (1) (1) A public school;
2. (2) (2) A private school;
3. (3) (3) An institution of higher education;
4. (4) (4) An education service cooperative;
5. (5) (5) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education; or
6. (6) (6) An adult education setting; or

(b) (b) For another agency/organization that employs licensed teachers for educational purposes; or

1. (ii) Made significant contributions to education, educational research, or the profession of teaching through:

(b) (b) Teaching experience;

1. (c) (c) Excellence in teaching; or

   1. (d) (d) Educational innovation.

2. (2) The division shall issue a lifetime teaching license upon:

   1. (A) The applicant submitting to the division a completed application requesting the lifetime teaching license;
   2. (B) Documentation from the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System of retirement (if sixty-two (62) years of age, no verification is needed) under Arkansas Code § 24-7-701, Arkansas Code § 24-7-702, or Arkansas Code § 24-7-704; and
   3. (C) Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Rules Governing Background Checks, 6 CAR pt. 194.

3. (3) The required background check or Child Maltreatment Central Registry check cannot be older than one (1) year at the time of application.

   1. (c) The lifetime teaching license shall reflect the applicant’s licensure areas at the time of the application.

      1. (d) A teacher holding a lifetime teaching license is not required to renew his or her teaching license.

(f)

1. (1) A lifetime teaching license holder is not subject to the requirements for annual professional development.

2. (2) However, if the license holder is employed at an educational entity in a position that requires a license issued by the State Board of Education, including a position for which licensure was waived by the state board, the license holder shall comply with the:

   1. (A) Requirements for a professional growth plan; and
   2. (B) Educational entity’s professional development requirements.