2023 Cohort
Clara Hellums-Jackson
Elementary, Dumas School District
"ATC is a great place to be a part of because they provide you with all the tools needed and necessary to become a great teacher."
Daphina Heard
Elementary, KIPP Delta Public Schools
"ATC has helped me to grow in so many areas and also helped me to be a more effective teacher."
Debrah McGruder
Business, Forrest City School District
"Everyone is really friendly and willing to help."
Jallen Johnson
Elementary, Pine Bluff School District
"I am extremely grateful for the guidance and knowledge I have gained through this program. It has truly helped me develop as an educator and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their teaching skills."
Dr. Lamario Bell
Music, Osceola School District
"I came to ATC with teaching experience. However, this program allowed me to find myself as an educator and showed me how to be an effective teacher. I learned experience doesn't make you effective. They have motivated me to come out my shell and taught me to use my experience to help me grow."
Lia Smith
Elementary, Forrest City School District
"This program has really made me push myself to be the best inside and outside the classroom. The love and support I get from the coaches, mentors, and staff is amazing. Everyone is so knowledgeable and kind."
Re’An Lewis
Science, Lakeside School District (Chicot Co)
"ATC is a family that you don't know you're getting blessed with until you're in the midst of it. Growth is inevitable here, and they provide a surplus of resources that will ensure it. Not only do they care about how well you teach, but they are also invested in your personal mental wellness. You could not have chosen a better licensure pathway."
Salena Boyd
Social Studies, Forrest City School District
"ATC is the best alternate teacher program in the state! The mentors put a lot into making sure you are prepared to enter the classroom and offer support throughout the year."
Stephanie Lane
Elementary, Lee County School District
"ATC has been an amazing support to me as a new teacher. ATC's leadership and guidance has provided me with the skills and knowledge to become confident in my teaching ability."
Taylor Swygert
ELA, Osceola School District
"I really enjoy ATC because it has reminded me why I wanted to be a teacher. I almost lost sight of that, but the support from my coach, the staff, and other fellows helped keep me going."
Tonya Osagie
Science, Blytheville School District
"ATC has become my family for life. Shortly after I was accepted in the program, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I shared this with the team and they assured me that I would be ok. The staff and fellows didn't allow me to miss a beat. They were certainly the wind beneath my wings. I could not have made it through Summer Institute without them."
Vann Jarmon
ELA, McGhee School District
"ATC came along when I didn't know what I was going to do. I was going with the flow. Once I became a fellow, everything in my life started to fall in place. I'm grateful for that."
Whitney Terry
Science, KIPP Delta Public Schools
"ATC has helped ground my educational journey. So, if you want a program that helps you thrive holistically, then ATC is your home!"
