Forty-one aspiring educators joined Arkansas Teacher Corps this summer, and their first assignment was an immersive training that will be foundational to their success in the state's highest-needs schools.

The Arkansas Teacher Corps, a program in the College of Education and Health Professions' Department of Education Reform, offers a grow-your-own pathway for non-certified school staff and community members to earn a teacher's license. The program brings these 41 Arkansans one step closer to reaching their dream of becoming educators, but it also helps reduce teacher shortages across the state and boosts student academic achievement and personal growth in the schools where fellows teach.

Eighty-seven percent of these future teachers — part of the program's 13th cohort — are from low-income communities. Just over half are first-generation college graduates, and 73% are native Arkansans.

Fredaysia Estell of Blytheville, who plans to teach middle school math this fall, called the ATC summer training "unforgettable."

"This program has me confident that I will be an awesome fellow and a great first-year teacher," she said. "This experience is bringing me out of my comfort zone and helping me to not be stagnant. There are many people here to support and encourage you. It's a big, productive family."

During the summer institute, fellows attended sessions on instructional planning, classroom culture and professionalism, while also working with an ATC summer mentor to practice creating and delivering rigorous, standards-aligned lessons. They also had their fair share of fun. One of the first things they did together during the summer training was take a group photo with foldable fans representing the College of Education and Health Professions' WE CARE mission. WE CARE stands for Wellness and Education Commitment to Arkansas Excellence, and this summer, the college encouraged "fans" to show their support by snapping photos for social media.

Anika Brown of Osceola said she's grateful for the summer training and how ATC has already shaped her as an educator. "ATC gave the structure, coaching and community I needed to grow through challenges and celebrate successes," she said. "I've learned how to set clear goals, hold high expectations and reflect honestly on my practice. I'm proud of how far I've come and excited to keep growing with the support of this community."

The Arkansas Teacher Corps is known for its high-quality teacher training, and applicants seek out the program based on the thorough training and coaching support. The initial summer intensive is followed by more than 40 hours of professional development and 40 hours of individualized classroom coaching each year during the three-year fellowship. The support system remains in place even after the program ends.

The Teacher Corps also emphasizes emotional resilience training and mental health support, which leads to high retention rates. Fellows learn mindfulness techniques for self-care and managing student behavior.

Asia Henry of Pine Bluff said the ATC has helped her professionally and personally. "The sessions are not only geared towards making empowered educators, but empowered and resilient humans," she said. "I do not doubt that anyone who has gone through this program will leave the same."

Olivia Johnson, another aspiring teacher from Pine Bluff, said the ATC has given her a circle of dedicated educators who lift each other up and share a common purpose. "My experience with ATC has shaped me into a more resilient, resourceful educator and helped me to appreciate the power of community in this profession," she said. "I am thankful and grateful for the support, mentorship and encouragement I've received every step of the way."

Jamie Powell, ATC's director of coaching and co-director of its summer institute, said it has been "humbling and joyful" to work with cohort 13 this summer — a select group of novice and veteran teachers she described as a committed and passionate.

"Many of our fellows are homegrown, and this investment in themselves and their practice will positively impact their communities in the fall. Fellows' hard work over the summer has led to a supportive community of educators who have grown significantly in their professionalism and practice," Powell said.

The 12 previous ATC cohorts prepared 310 teachers to serve in 99 schools and 42 districts throughout central, eastern and southern Arkansas. Now cohort 13 is following in their footsteps.

"ATC has truly been a blessing for my teaching career, and I can't wait to see where I am after three years," said fellow Adrienne Hartaway.