Arkansas Teacher Corps fellows and staff met at Chicot Elementary in Little Rock on Saturday, November 8 for the second All Corps professional development of the 2024-25 year. We had so much fun while learning new skills, developing our content knowledge, and growing as professionals. The day began with a special icebreaker where fellows decorated paper bags so that other fellows could leave them shout-outs on index cards throughout the day. Fellows then engaged in a session facilitated by Breathe For Change in which they were able to build and practice their skills with using mindfulness-based classroom management.

After lunch catered by Certified Pies, fellows met in their content-specific groups to discuss various instructional planning topics in-depth, such as engagement and classroom management strategies in ELA, differentiating via small groups in K-2, building positive math identities in the mathematics classroom, exploring high-quality instructional resources for social studies, and exploring high-quality art instruction through the TESS Aspiring Teacher Rubric. The final session allowed fellows time to reflect on their classroom practice and explore strategies for managing their stress through mindfulness. The day then concluded with announcements, celebrations of those who had passed Praxis tests, and several raffle prizes for things like being on time, wearing your ATC nametag, and donating non-perishable goods for Chicot Elementary’s Thanksgiving food drive.

Overall, on the end of day survey, 99% of fellows said that the day’s PD gave them skills and/or strategies that they will begin to use in their classroom immediately. One fellow said, “I’ve never felt more supported as a teacher as I am with ATC.” Another fellow added, “I love ATC. I have gained more from ATC than any other PD I have attended. Thank you for the wonderful and great experience to be a member of a great program!”