3 minute read
Publication Sneak Peek
The Cutting Edge
This segment features content from other AAEA publications. The Cutting Edge is a monthly publication available to AACTEA members. The following excerpt comes from the August 2023 issue.
LRSD & UA Little Rock Collaborate on Teacher Residency Model
The Little Rock School District recently decided to move forward with a program designed to train UA Little Rock students to become teachers. Hopefully, this teacher residency program could help address teacher shortages. Five selected students from UA Little Rock will be training an entire year in the district this coming year. The goal is to produce a steady stream of high-quality teachers who are ready for the classroom after the program is finished. While this pilot is starting small this year, the ultimate goal is to expand and have a real pipeline of teachers well prepared for teaching and learning.
Arkansas Military and First Responders Academy (AMFRA) Announces New Partnerships
A recent announcement was made regarding the Academy's new partnerships with several local agencies to enhance educational exposure and develop new internship opportunities for students. New partners will include the Little Rock Police Department, Little Rock Fire Department, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services, the Arkansas National Guard, Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Arkansas Fire Training Academy, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and the Forge Institute. AMFRA is a recently opened public charter school that serves students in grades 9-12 in preparation for the military and first responders’ industries.
ATU and Local School Districts - Partners in Education
Arkansas Tech University has recently entered into memorandums of understanding that will create student scholar residency pilot programs with the Russellville School District and Dardanelle School District for the 2023-24 school year.
ATU students who are completing their education degree and licensure requirements will be eligible to apply for a paid year-long residency within a school in one of the partner districts. The goal of this program is to enhance the preparation of teacher candidates as they seek to become full-time classroom instructors ready for teaching and learning. Research indicates that paid year-long residency experiences benefit the resident, students, the supervising teacher and the school by providing real-life classroom experiences.
During the pilot year of 2023-24, there will be three year-long residencies available for ATU students to serve in the Russellville School District and two year-long residencies available for ATU students to serve in the Dardanelle School District. Funding assistance for the program will be provided by a Forward Arkansas grant obtained by ATU.
