UA Teach For Arkansas Program Receives SBC Foundation Grant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - This fall, 33 Arkansas Delta residents, many of them single working parents, will dedicate their nights and weekends to becoming teachers, thanks in part to a generous grant of $60,000 from the Southwestern Bell (SBC) Foundation. As new and returning participants in the University of Arkansas’ Teach for Arkansas program, all are committed to using their skills to improve the education of children in Delta elementary schools.

Initiated by the UA College of Education and Health Professions, Teach for Arkansas is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas and Phillips Community College in Helena, Ark. Professors from both institutions deliver the bachelor of science in education and master of arts in teaching degrees to community college students through state-of-the-art distance education technology and on-site instruction in Helena.

With the support of the SBC Foundation, 21 students will be able to work toward their bachelor’s degree in elementary education during the fall 2000 semester. In a July ceremony, Robert Ferrell, area manager of External Affairs for Southwestern Bell, presented a check for $60,000 to G. David Gearhart, vice chancellor for University Advancement, and Sharon Hunt, interim dean for the College of Education and Health Professions, to fund the Teach for Arkansas undergraduate scholarships for another year. In addition, the gift will help Delta schools cover the costs of mentoring the 12 interns in the master’s of arts in teaching program. The contribution is part of SBC Foundation’s four-year, $220,000 commitment to the Teach for Arkansas program, which began in 1998. Teach for Arkansas is also supported by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

Gearhart said, "This innovative project has had a major impact on the elementary schools of the Delta as well as on the College of Education and Health Professions. We deeply appreciate this marvelous support from the SBC Foundation."

Hunt said, "It was a proud moment to accept the SBC Foundation’s gift to the College in support of the Teach for Arkansas program. The Foundation’s ongoing support of the program has made it possible for students from the Arkansas Delta to pursue their dreams of becoming teachers and offers Delta schools a group of committed professionals eager to bring outstanding skills to the children."

Priscilla Griffith, department head for curriculum and instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions, coordinates the Teach for Arkansas program. She visited students in Helena this summer.

Griffin said, "I was impressed with the promise and dedication of students in the program. Many students are single parents who, in addition to their studies, have to work full time in order to make ends meet and to support their families. The students are willing to do so because they are committed to their education and to taking teaching jobs in Delta schools where there is a critical need for teachers.

One of the Teach for Arkansas student said, "Without Teach for Arkansas and the University of Arkansas, this would have been impossible for me."

Another student said, "Living in rural community, I feel that becoming a dedicated and sincere teacher can only enhance my community and reinforce my commitment to my family." Griffith added, "This is a program that is really changing the lives of children in the Arkansas Delta. Superintendents and teachers are impressed with how well prepared the Teach for Arkansas students are. Even while interns, they are able to make real contributions in classrooms."

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