Arkansas Teacher Corps was awarded a grant totaling $131,250 by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) in March 2022. Grant funds will provide additional supports for fellows in the areas of teacher licensure, wraparound support, and social-emotional learning.

Licensure

Fellows are able to earn a $500 bonus for either (1) meeting all the requirements for a provisional license or (2) adding an additional chronic shortage area to their license if already licensed. Grant funds will also cover the costs of background checks, child maltreatment checks, Praxis test registration, and licensure application fees.

Wraparound Support

Incoming fellows in the 2022 cohort are able to apply for microgrants, in addition to the stipend, depending on their individual needs during the summer institute. Fellows will be able to apply for up to $500 for mental health services or technology needs and up to $1000 for moving expenses or childcare services. Requests will be approved based on need and the availability of funding.

Social-Emotional Learning

Six ATC fellows are able to complete the 200-hour Breathe For Change training this summer to earn certification as yoga teachers and social-emotional learning (SEL) facilitators. Participation in the Breathe For Change training will be 100% subsidized by grant funds at no cost to the fellow. This certification will enable each participant to lead SEL programs or other mindfulness/wellness events for students and adults in their home communities.

Grant funding will also cover the cost of whole-group training in social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and yoga for all ATC fellows to be held later this fall. All fellows will learn more about incorporating SEL into their classrooms.