Three 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Students Matched with Mentor Teachers in Little Rock School District
Three 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students will gain invaluable experience as they serve year-long teacher residencies with Little Rock School District this school year.
The aspiring educators were celebrated during a May 9 Match Day event at J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory Academy, where they learned who their mentor teachers would be for the 2025鈥�26 school year as part of the Trojan Teacher Residency Program.
The event marked the first time the university has placed teacher residents at J.A. Fair and is part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 innovative, year-long paid residency program supported by Forward Arkansas. It provides future educators with hands-on classroom experience while being mentored by veteran teachers.
The three new residents鈥擪imbree Earnest, Britnie Harvill, and Sarah Smith鈥攁re all seniors majoring in elementary education.
Kimbree Earnest of Benton will teach second grade alongside Mrs. Carla Abraham. She described the Match Day celebration as overwhelming in the best way.
“The Match Day event held by J.A. Fair was amazing! I was amazed at how much time, money, and effort they put into making us feel so welcomed,鈥� Earnest said. 鈥淚 left Match Day feeling excited and ready for next fall!鈥�
Earnest said she pursued education because of her passion for children and the desire to make a difference.
鈥淚 want to be someone special in their lives, especially those who need someone like that,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eing selected for the residency program was a huge relief. I鈥檝e worked part time throughout college to make ends meet, and being paid to complete my residency is a huge blessing. I鈥檓 also thrilled to already have my foot in the door at a district I want to work for.鈥�
Britnie Harvill of Hensley and Sarah Smith of Little Rock were equally excited after meeting their mentors. Harvill was matched with third-grade teacher Sarah McPherson, a Teacher of the Year at J.A. Fair, while Smith will teach third grade alongside Mrs. Gilseppe Brishana.
The Trojan Teacher Residency Program, now in its third year and funded through a grant from Forward Arkansas, emphasizes collaboration between the university and school districts to better prepare teachers. Each resident is matched with a certified mentor who has at least three years of teaching experience. Together, they co-teach and plan lessons, giving students a more authentic and practical experience than traditional student teaching.
The celebratory Match Day event at J.A. Fair included performances from student dancers and cheerleaders, speeches from school and university leaders, and a gift presentation for each resident.
Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright offered a warm welcome and encouraged the residents to embrace the journey ahead.
鈥淲elcome to the Little Rock School District family,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淭his moment marks a new chapter in your educational journey. At a time when few individuals are seeking to become educators, I want to applaud your courage for stepping into this calling.鈥�
Each resident received personalized gifts from their mentor teachers as they began building the important relationships that will define their residency year and shape their futures as educators.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to see these three teacher residents grow as educators,鈥� said Dr. Rachel Eells, Windgate endowed director of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock School of Education. 鈥淲e can鈥檛 wait to see what this year brings.鈥�