The Arkansas Teacher Corps (ATC) is a partnership between the University of Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Education, and Arkansas public school districts to recruit, train, license, and support Arkansans as empowered teachers facilitating excellent, equitable education every day.
Participants, known as fellows, complete an initial six-week summer institute where they learn the foundations of instructional planning and delivery, before serving as teacher-of-record in a partner school district for three years while receiving over 80 hours of professional development and coaching each year. Partner schools are predominantly rural and all have high populations of students experiencing poverty and unlicensed teachers. Fellows receive transition stipends, licensure bonuses, and financial assistance with Praxis test registration.
Fellows per year
Teachers since 2013
Rural-serving teachers
Arkansas Rural Teacher Corps: Program Essentials
Post-baccalaureate 3 year licensure program
Full-time placement in high-need partner school as teacher of record
Six-week summer institute and ongoing professional development
Individualized coaching and mentoring support
Leadership development and personal wellness support
Small-group Praxis tutoring and test prep support
Training stipends, licensure bonuses, and testing vouchers
“ATC gives you tools to pass the PRAXIS exam, tutoring, covers expenses, and assigns a mentor in your content area. You have a coach through the entire three year program to observe your classroom, make sure lessons are in alignment, and give feedback you can actually use.”
Freda Calloway, Arkansas Teacher Corps Alum - McGehee, AR
“The learning environment is very relaxed. It's a very informal and collaborative space. Fellows are definitely challenged to look at themselves in their practice critically, but in a safe way where they can explore and really think about things differently.”
Brandon Lucius - Arkansas Teacher Corps
Featured Stories
I Am a Rural Teacher: Ava Hollins-Rogers – West Memphis, AR
Resilience shapes rural classrooms and communities in the Arkansas Delta
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Arkansas Teacher Corps Builds and Sustains Teacher-Leaders Across the Delta
Through intensive preparation, coaching, and community-centered professional development, ATC strengthens Arkansas’ rural educator workforce
What We’re Learning So Far: RSC’s Rural Educator Ecosystem Community of Learners
One year into the Community of Learners Project, participants inspire and uplift Rural Teacher Corps efforts nationwide
Explore the Network
