Archive for: 2025 Fellows

"ATC is more than just a program. It’s like having a team that lifts you up, shares resources, encourages you during tough times, and celebrates every win with you. It’s about connection, growth, and belonging while you develop as a teacher."

"The ATC Family has been my anchor and my launchpad. It’s where I found people who believe in me on the days I forget how far I’ve come. It’s not just about teaching, it’s about becoming the kind of educator, leader, and human I always hoped I could be. Every challenge, every laugh, every long night of planning, we’ve been on this journey together. And that kind of bond? That’s family."

"To me, ATC Family means support, growth, and purpose. Being part of ATC has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve become a more confident, reflective educator with a stronger sense of why I teach. Most of all, I’ve gained a community that believes in me, challenges me, and celebrates every step of the journey."

"I was doing things in the classroom but didn't know why I was doing them. ATC taught me the WHY and the HOW to do things in the classroom efficiently to help grow my students and prepare them for success."

"ATC has allowed me to have a voice and help me with the fears of teaching. The community has been so overwhelmingly supportive. I am truly grateful."

"It’s been so much information and help. It felt overwhelming at times, but I feel so much better about entering the classroom now."

"I think back to that first Sunday afternoon, arriving at Hendrix College, trying to find where to park, and running a little late. The staff were there to greet me and help take my things to my first-ever dorm room. And that's how ATC has been throughout: supportive and caring. I've gained a lot of understanding, especially with lesson planning. I feel more confident now and feel I'll have the support and guidance to begin my first year in the classroom."

"The ATC Family is so vibrant. I love the positivity, diversity (ethnicity, personality, teaching styles), and just overall energy. I felt connected to everyone, even the people I didn't regularly interact with. I had a lovely experience with ATC's Summer Institute and I grew both as a professional and personally. Even though I've been in the classroom for 4 years, I still learned a ton from ATC that I wish I had learned before, and they also helped me build upper the foundations I already had established and gave me new tools to use— and refined my old ones—in my new adventure as a teacher. I can't thank ATC enough."

"At first I wasn't coming but thank God for changing my mind -- I had an amazing time!!! Looking forward to completing with this Cohort."

"To me, the ATC Family is a group of dedicated educators from diverse backgrounds who come together to build a strong, supportive community. ATC is doing great things for teachers in Arkansas by providing valuable resources, continuous support, and hands-on experiences that help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves in the classroom. Being part of ATC has made me feel less alone in my educational journey. I’ve found a sense of belonging, encouragement, and connection that reminds me I’m not in this work by myself."