Arkansas Tech University (ATU) graduates Carly Parish and Emma Hyslip have contributed to a new approach in preparing teacher candidates in Arkansas. They are among the first to complete a teacher apprenticeship program designed to support aspiring educators.
Parish and Hyslip participated in a 2-plus-2 program, which allowed them to spend two years at Ozarka College before finishing their bachelor’s degrees through ATU via distance learning. Throughout their studies, they worked as teacher apprentices at Cherokee Elementary School in the Highland School District.
Now holding their degrees, both graduates are certified to begin their teaching careers. “It’s a grow your own model,” said Dr. Tim Carter, dean of the ATU College of Education and Health. “The apprentices work like paraprofessionals in their schools while taking online classes with us at Arkansas Tech.” This model offers students a pathway to employment while completing their bachelor’s degree and a year-long residency.
The Arkansas Teacher Residency Program, initiated by the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2021 through a federal apprenticeship grant, aims to make teaching degrees more accessible to Arkansas residents. The program supports students who wish to complete their degree while employed as teacher apprentices within a school district.
For those interested in pursuing the Arkansas Teacher Registered Apprenticeship model through the ATU College of Education and Health, they may contact Veronica Scott, ATU director of teacher education student services, at (479) 968-0290 or via email at vscott@atu.edu.
Source: www.arkansastechnews.com via Google News.
