ATC Staff, Fellows Attend Education Innovation Rally

On September 26-27, Arkansas Teacher Corps staff and fellows attended the 2022 Education Innovation Rally in Hot Springs, AR hosted by the U of A’s Office of Innovation for Education. ATC executive director Brandon Lucius and ATC director of institute Matthew Caston led breakout sessions on teacher retention and team leadership respectively. ATC teacher coach Kendra Ide, recruiter Whitney Carter, summer equity co-facilitator Dasnee McChristian, and fellows Ava Hollins-Rogers (ATC ’20) and Tyler Lewis (ATC ’20) were also in attendance.

ATC Staff Hold Team Retreat at DeGray Lake

Arkansas Teacher Corps staff gathered on September 12-14 for a retreat at DeGray Lake State Park in Bismarck, AR. For new staff and returning team members alike, the three-day retreat provided the perfect opportunity to get to know each other, reconnect, and build community among our team. From core values to program expectations to PD logistics, the ATC team is ready for the 2022-23 year!

ATC Receives $205,800 Grant For Fellow Support

Arkansas Teacher Corps was awarded a grant totaling $205,800 by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) in August 2022. Grant funds will provide additional supports for fellows in the areas of teacher licensure, wraparound support, and educator wellness for the 2022-23 school year.

Arkansas Teacher Corps Named UA Outstanding Team

Arkansas Teacher Corps was awarded the annual Outstanding Team Award for 2021 by the University of Arkansas Staff Senate. This honor celebrates ATC's successful transition to a new virtual coaching platform in response to the COVID-19 pandemic while increasing the amount of feedback per fellow and fellows' overall satisfaction with coaching.

Eight ATC Fellows Selected For Ed Equity Fellowship

Temisha Daniel (ATC '19), Nora Fisher-Cummings (ATC '20), Ava Hollins-Rogers (ATC '19), Maggie Howard (ATC '19), DaLecia Jones (ATC '19), Darrah Maxfield (ATC '19), Ta'Nessa Robinson (ATC '17), Kimberly Taylor (ATC '21), and Brianna Young (ATC '20) have been accepted to the Arkansas Academy for Educational Equity fellowship, a program of the College of Education & Health Professions at the University of Arkansas that results in a M.Ed. in Educational Equity.

Six ATC Fellows To Complete Yoga Teacher Training

Freda Calloway (ATC '20), TyKesha L Cross (ATC '20), DaLecia Jones (ATC '19), Max Parker (ATC '21), Randi Sparks (ATC '13), and Adrian Williams (ATC '14) were selected for sponsorship to complete the Breathe For Change 200-hour Wellness, SEL and Yoga Teacher Training. Upon completion, they will be certified to teach inclusive yoga classes and lead social-emotional learning within ATC and their school districts.

Students of ATC Fellows Report Greater Learning

A recent survey of students taught by Arkansas Teacher Corps fellows found that students' self-reported grit, self-efficacy, and emotional regulation have increased since September 2021 when the survey was previously administered. Students also reported notable growth in classroom learning and their teachers’ personal investment in their learning. However, students also indicated a decrease in growth mindset and self-management. 

ATC Receives $131,250 Grant to Support Fellows

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 for the 2021-22 school year.

Virtual Coaching Model Sees Greater Fellow Growth

Arkansas Teacher Corps made a quick pivot to virtual coaching when COVID hit Arkansas schools in 2020. Since then, our team's focus on continual learning and improvement have led us to formalize a technology plan, fully implement a comprehensive virtual coaching platform, and see our teacher-fellows make unprecedented gains: increased teacher satisfaction, retention, and growth.