Arkansas Teacher Corps fellow Freda Calloway (ATC ’20) was recently featured in the newest episode of the I Am A Rural Teacher Podcast, “The Power of Teacher Corps Programs”. She discusses how she came to the teaching profession, the advantages of teaching in a “really rural” place, how her experience in a Teacher Corps program was different from the typical pathway to certification, her favorite moments in the classroom, the importance of connecting with students and families.

When life circumstances necessitated a career change, Freda realized she wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people by entering the classroom. Freda was able to earn her teaching certification with hands-on mentorship through the Arkansas Teacher Corps, which prioritizes placement in rural communities. Freda talks about this experience and how important it is for teachers to build relationships with students, families, and other teachers in their community.

“When I made up my mind that I wanted to teach, I also wanted to be a mentor. I just felt that I could use my experiences to help other children and students like myself.” – Freda Calloway, high school English and Journalism teacher in McGehee, AR

The I Am A Rural Teacher Podcast is a shared project of Rural Schools Collaborative and the National Rural Education Association, now with 20 episodes featuring outstanding rural educators across the globe. Arkansas Teacher Corps partners with the Rural Community Alliance to serve as the Rural Schools Collaborative’s Arkansas & Delta Regional Hub.