School of Education - News - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Brings Leadership and Purpose to Stuttgart High Athletics

Samantha Koros — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:23:29 +0000

On any given afternoon at Stuttgart High School, you can find Ian Taylor moving between courts, guiding student-athletes through tennis drills or basketball practice while simultaneously imparting life lessons on discipline, teamwork and confidence.

Taylor’s journey to the sidelines began at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, where he was drawn to the university by the opportunity to serve as a Trojan women’s basketball manager. There, he found a passion for the behind-the-scenes operations of collegiate sports, which shaped his career path.

Working alongside coaches and athletes provided valuable insight into the leadership, preparation and teamwork required to run a successful athletic program. Encouraged by coaches and mentors, Taylor is continuing to build on that experience by pursuing a Master of Science in Sport Management, gaining a deeper understanding of how programs operate on and off the field.

Those lessons now shape his approach at Stuttgart High School, where he works daily with student-athletes as the boys and girls tennis coach and an assistant coach for the boys basketball program. Coaching two different sports has also taught him to develop a flexible leadership style. Over time, he has learned that effective coaching means adapting to the needs of each team and each student.

Dr. Katherine Helms, an associate professor of sports management, said Taylor’s passion for mentorship and athletics makes him a strong role model for student-athletes.

“Ian has seen first-hand the value of sports within education,” Helms said. “He understands that athletics can be a powerful way to teach life skills, and it’s exciting to see him using what he’s learning in the classroom to positively impact students.”

Faculty members at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock say experiences like Taylor’s highlight the broader impact athletics can have on students. Taylor Harrington, Ed.D., assistant professor in the School of Education, says mentors like Taylor can make a meaningful difference in rural communities. In towns like Stuttgart, where resources and extracurricular opportunities may be limited, educators and coaches often serve as important mentors, helping students build confidence and discover new opportunities.

For Taylor, that influence is personal.

“Coming from a rural community myself, I understand how much coaches and teachers can impact students’ lives,” Taylor says. “In a small town, the community really shows up for you. There’s a strong support system, and that gives you the ability to make a real difference. I always say to find the place that fits you. Your style will evolve, but the right environment will support you and help you succeed.”

For Taylor, coaching is about far more than wins and losses. It’s about creating opportunities for students to grow, both on and off the court. In communities like Stuttgart, where schools often serve as centers of opportunity, educators and coaches play a vital role in helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and imagine possibilities for their futures. Drawing on lessons he gained at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and his own experience growing up in a rural community, Taylor continues to invest in his students’ success, encouraging them to bloom where they are planted.

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Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education Celebrates 25 Years

Justin Bates — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:16:46 +0000

For 25 years, the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has helped shape the future of Arkansas classrooms — supporting educators and opening doors for thousands of talented students across the state.

Part of ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, the Mahony Center was established in 2001 to support programs that challenge and inspire advanced learners. Today, it is one of only about 20 centers of its kind in the United States.

“For 25 years, the Mahony Center has helped position ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a leader in gifted education,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, the center’s founding director. “Our goal has always been to cultivate talent at every level — from young students discovering their passions to educators strengthening their practice.”

Building a Talent Development Network

From the beginning, the Mahony Center was designed to connect multiple efforts under one mission: supporting talented students and the educators who teach them.

The Mahony Center combines student enrichment programs, teacher professional learning, curriculum development, and federally funded research focused on gifted education services in schools.

It also reflects the legacy of late Arkansas legislator Joseph Kirby “Jodie” Mahony II, a longtime advocate for public education who championed gifted programs and Advanced Placement opportunities across the state.

Today, the Mahony Center’s work reaches far beyond campus, supporting schools and educators throughout Arkansas and beyond.

“The Mahony Center continues to be a beacon of quality education in these challenging times for Arkansas. My father would be extremely proud of his legacy that is continued by Ann Robinson at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” said Jodie Mahony III, son of the late Arkansas legislator.

Transforming Student Experiences

One of the center’s signature programs, Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY), has offered enrichment opportunities for advanced learners and continues to thrive under the Mahony Center’s leadership.

Each summer, about 300 students in grades K–6 attend SLUFY, participating in hands-on courses that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and exploration. Over time, more than 13,500 students have taken part in the program.

Students design solutions to real-world problems, explore literature and the arts, and tackle STEM challenges in an environment that encourages curiosity and collaboration.

“We never want a child to wonder if they’ll get to return,” Robinson said. “The center exists to ensure that opportunities for accelerated and advanced learning remain accessible and sustainable.”

Robinson said for students in grades 7 through 9, challenging experiences are offered through MT Stage, a program that is funded by the Arkansas Department of Education through its AEGIS initiative. Focused on musical theatre, MT Stage offers students the opportunity to move from Shakespeare through current Broadway productions.

Supporting Educators Across Arkansas

The Mahony Center also plays a major role in supporting teachers across the state.

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI), now in its 32nd year of operation, has served more than 12,000 teachers in the past 15 years alone. Through APSI, an official initiative of the College Board, teachers gain new strategies and classroom resources that help students succeed in Advanced Placement courses and prepare for college-level work.

In addition to working with high school teachers, the Mahony Center provides professional development opportunities to elementary teachers, gifted and talented coordinators, and principals. Initiated with federal funding, the Center provides support to schools to adopt the use of existing data to spot talent and provide engaging opportunities in the classroom.

Research and Curriculum Innovation

The center is also nationally recognized for developing research-based curriculum and classroom resources.

Over the years, the Mahony Center has produced 25 Blueprints for Biographies curriculum guides, including 15 STEM-focused guides developed and tested with federal support.

The Mahony Center’s STEM Starters research initiatives, funded through multiple Jacob K. Javits grants totaling more than $6.6 million, have introduced engineering and computer science learning models in elementary classrooms across Arkansas and are featured in a recent national publication, “.”

These programs combine literacy and STEM instruction, allowing students to explore real-world challenges while learning about inventors, scientists, and innovators.

Mahony Center by the Numbers

25 years advancing gifted education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock
14,000+ students served through Summer Laureate
300 students attend Summer Laureate each summer
690 educators from Arkansas, nationally, and internationally participated in APSI in 2025
$6.6 million in federal funding supporting STEM initiatives
25 Blueprints for Biographies curriculum guides developed

Looking Ahead

As the Mahony Center celebrates its 25th anniversary, its mission remains the same: to encourage talented students, support educators in within-school and out-of-school settings, expand opportunities for accelerated learning across Arkansas, and engage in research on talent development.

Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, ongoing research, and innovative programs, the center continues to play an important role in shaping gifted education in the state.

“The Mahony Center is more than a program,” Robinson said. “It’s a commitment to excellence — and to the belief that talent deserves to be nurtured.”

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Teacher Residency Graduate Named Jacksonville Middle School Teacher of the Year

Justin Bates — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Chadwick Comer was part of the inaugural Trojan Teacher Residency Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, spending a full year co-teaching with a mentor educator while earning a salary and completing his degree. He is now being recognized as Teacher of the Year at Jacksonville Middle School, the same place where his teaching career began.

The paid teacher residency program places education majors in a K-12 classroom for a full academic year, allowing them to co-teach with an experienced mentor while completing their coursework. Comer, a Middle Childhood Educational Development major, graduated in 2024 and was hired by Jacksonville Middle School immediately after completing the program.

“It was definitely helpful earning an income while completing my last year of college,” Comer said. “The program builds confidence by allowing you to be in the classroom on a full-time basis. From day one, you are teaching, planning, grading, and meeting with parents under the watchful eye of a mentor teacher who is ready to step in if things get overwhelming.”

Comer said spending a full year in the classroom and as part of the school community also made the transition from student to full-time teacher seamless.

“It was an easy decision to stay,” he said. “The entire staff was incredibly supportive from the first day to the last. We were treated as teachers, not interns or observers. We were teachers in every sense of the word.”

Now in his second year in the classroom, Comer said being named Teacher of the Year is both humbling and affirming.

“As a second-year teacher, it means a great deal to me,” he said. “It means that I am noticed and valued. I work with so many amazing teachers that it makes this award mean that much more.”

Comer said having a mentor teacher and utilizing the residency model helped bridge the gap between coursework and classroom realities.

“There is a significant difference between theory and practice,” he said. “An experienced mentor teacher is the bridge between what we learned in class and what we should do in the classroom.”

He said the residency experience was a more effective method than the traditional student-teaching models.

“Traditional models were weekly observations,” Comer said. “You visited the classroom for a day and went home. The residency program puts you in the classroom the entire time. You learn the curriculum, form bonds with students, and become part of the school community.”

Comer’s experience is part of a broader shift in teacher preparation across the state. Beginning in 2027, Arkansas will require all first-time teacher candidates to complete a one-year supervised residency as part of their licensure process, expanding clinical training beyond traditional student teaching.

Dr. Rachel Eells, director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Education, said the residency model positions graduates and school districts for long-term success.

“As Arkansas moves to require one-year residencies for all teacher candidates, we are committed to providing a high-quality experience that includes coaching and support from our team, along with opportunities to co-teach with strong mentor teachers,” Eells said. “Our close partnerships with districts like Jacksonville also allow some residents to earn a salary while completing their training.”

Eells said Comer exemplifies the impact of that approach.

“We are incredibly proud to have worked with Mr. Comer as part of our inaugural Trojan Teacher Residency cohort,” she said. “From the beginning of his residency, he demonstrated a deep commitment to his students, his school, and his district. He exemplifies excellence in education and continues to lead by example by returning to campus to participate in alumni panels and encourage future teacher residents.”

Comer encourages future students considering the paid residency pathway to be professional, prepare, and build relationships.

“You are not just participating in a residency — you are building a real-time résumé,” he said. “You are not a resident. You are a teacher.”

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��Vlog��ý System Board Approves New Bachelor’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Artificial Intelligence at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Justin Bates — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

The University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees approved two new undergraduate degree programs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during its January meeting, expanding academic offerings that address workforce needs in education and technology.

The Board approved a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Artificial Intelligence.

“These degrees address two very different but equally important needs in Arkansas,” said Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ann Bain. “They give students practical pathways into high-demand fields while supporting the long-term needs of our region, and I’m proud of our faculty for listening to our community and responding in meaningful ways.”

The new bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will be housed in the School of Education and will prepare graduates to teach children from pre-kindergarten through second grade. The program responds to a growing shortage of highly qualified early childhood educators across Central Arkansas.

The program is strengthened by a recent gift of $4.2M from the Trinity Foundation, which supports curriculum development, instructional materials, and faculty resources aimed at preparing classroom-ready early childhood educators.

Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education, said the degree reflects both community demand and the university’s mission to be a strong community partner.

“Strong early learning experiences shape everything that comes after,” Eells said. “This program allows us to prepare teachers who are ready to support young learners and families while helping address a critical need in Arkansas schools.”

The Board also approved a bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, a new program housed in the Department of Computer Science. Designed as a stand-alone degree, the program offers focused coursework in areas such as machine learning, data analytics, robotics, and ethical AI applications.

Dr. Ahmed AbuHalimeh, chair of the Department of Computer Science, said the program was developed in response to rapid growth in AI-related careers across multiple industries.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming how organizations operate,” AbuHalimeh said. “This program gives students the technical skills and applied experience needed to succeed in a fast-changing field while supporting workforce needs in Arkansas and beyond.”

The proposal for both degrees will be forwarded to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board for its consideration. If approved, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock plans to begin offering the degrees in fall 2026.

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Dr. Rose Berry Collection Showcases Children’s Literature and Creative Play

Justin Bates — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The Dr. Rose Berry Collection brings whimsy and literary history to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Ottenheimer Library through a curated display of children’s books and creative artifacts.

The exhibit, located on the library’s fourth floor, features playful puppets and illustrated works inspired by Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, as well as Beatrix Potter and Hill Top: A National Treasure by Linda Lear. A commemorative plaque anchors the display, honoring Dr. Berry and her lasting impact on education and storytelling at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

In addition to viewing the display, visitors can check out select books from the collection, allowing students, faculty, and community members to engage directly with the children’s literature that shaped Berry’s work.

Berry passed away in 2010, but her influence continues through her students and the creative spirit reflected in the collection.

“This collection is a reflection of the work she did with children,” said Carol Macheak, collections management coordinator at Ottenheimer Library. “She loved children and she loved children’s books. This just emphasizes that work and that love of educating children.”

Berry founded the university’s Department of Elementary Education and served for many years as chair of the Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, playing a central role in developing teacher-preparation programs. During her 24 years at what was then Little Rock University and later ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she became the first recipient of the university’s Outstanding Teaching Award in 1974, an honor later known as the Donaghey Outstanding Teacher Award. She was also named Arkansas Woman of the Year.

Known as a gifted storyteller, Berry brought literature to life through imaginative teaching and innovative outreach, including the “Dial-A-Story” program, which allowed children to call in and listen to recorded stories.

The exhibit blends creativity, history, and education, reflecting Berry’s belief in the transformative power of books and the arts while inviting visitors to reconnect with the wonder of children’s literature.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock, ��Vlog��ýCCB Partner to Expand Bachelor’s Degree Pathways

Justin Bates — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:08:57 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville have launched a new 2+2 transfer partnership that allows students to complete their first two years at ��Vlog��ýCCB and then transition seamlessly to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock to earn bachelor’s degrees in middle-level education and nursing without losing credits.

The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed Thursday in H. Tyndall Dickinson Hall, creates a clear and affordable pathway from associate to bachelor’s degree while strengthening Arkansas’s workforce in two of the state’s highest-demand fields.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Chancellor Christina S. Drale said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to student success and the future of Arkansas.

“We’re especially proud to be here with our colleagues from ��Vlog��ýCCB to celebrate this step forward together,” Drale said. “Today’s signing represents our shared dedication to student success, and I’m excited for what it means for future educators and nurses in our state.”

Provost Ann Bain said the agreement provides a practical solution for students balancing college with work and family responsibilities.

“Through this 2+2 partnership, students beginning at ��Vlog��ýCCB can now pursue seamless transitions into bachelor’s degrees in middle-level education and our RN-to-BSN in nursing — two fields that are critical to the health and strength of Arkansas,” Bain said. “It provides students with a clear and affordable path to a meaningful career while helping address real workforce needs. This can change the lives of their families as well as those in their communities.”

��Vlog��ýCCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said the partnership connects students to the education they need to compete for good-paying jobs.

“Over the next decade, two out of every three good-paying jobs will require a bachelor’s degree,” Shonk said, citing data from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. “This partnership gives our students direct access to that opportunity and the chance to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.”

��Vlog��ýCCB Provost Zach Perrine said the agreement ensures students can move smoothly from a two-year college to a four-year university without losing time or credits.

“2+2 partnerships like this ensure students can transparently and seamlessly move from their community college to a university,” Perrine said. “By connecting students to critical pathways in education and health care, we are improving families, our community, and our state.”

��Vlog��ýCCB serves students throughout north-central Arkansas with affordable associate degrees and technical certificates, and the new agreement is designed to reduce transfer barriers while expanding access to bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields.

Drale said the collaboration is just the beginning.

“It’s easy to see this partnership is a win for our campuses, but ultimately for Arkansas students,” she said.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Education Among Best Programs in Country

Justin Bates — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

A recent online study places ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Education among the best places to receive an undergraduate degree in education in the region.

was conducted by online education website , a resource for individuals pursuing a career in teaching. The study placed ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Education among the 35 best to receive an undergraduate degree in the west south central region of the country, comprising institutions in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas.

Among the highlights of the program, the study cited the school’s student success rate with a 94 percent passing rate on the Praxis II, a test that measures the knowledge and skills one needs to become a certified teacher. The passing rate is among the best in the country.

The study also noted that the School of Education offers online and on-campus courses for undergraduate teaching programs in elementary and special education, and offers middle education degree paths in social studies, language arts, mathematics, and science.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s School of Education is built on a foundation of success, providing students with knowledge to teach K-12, and higher education, as well as preparing students for educational leadership roles.

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top bachelor’s-level teaching programs in the country,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, Windgate endowed director of the School of Education. “This distinction reflects the dedication of our faculty, the strength of our curriculum, and our deep commitment to preparing exceptional educators who will make a lasting impact in classrooms across Arkansas and beyond.”

The program also offers graduate-level courses with three licensure programs and five graduate certificate programs that will help enhance teaching skills with concentrations in curriculum and instruction, gifted and talented education, reading, and information systems technology education.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Hosts Nearly 700 teachers for 31st Year of Advanced Placement Summer Institute

Mara Crumby — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 13:02:00 +0000

Nearly 700 teachers from Arkansas and across the country came together for the 31^st year of Advanced Placement Summer Institute (APSI) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Put on by the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, APSI hosted 492 Arkansas teachers and 198 out-of-state and home school teachers.

The Jodie Mahony Center offered three weeks of courses to help teachers improve their content knowledge and teaching skills. Two weeks were offered online and one week on campus. Each week offered 12 courses covering a total of 19 different AP courses. Each week the APSI covered 30 hours of intensive training, including labs, hands-on activities, and instructional strategies that teachers can take back to their classrooms.

“Advanced Placement is one of the approved accelerated learning options that districts have to provide opportunities for their students to attain college credit while in high school,” said Lori Delk, professional learning director at the Jodie Mahony Center and APSI coordinator “APSI training has been a tried-and-true way of increasing rigor in classrooms across the state, not just in AP classes but in all the classes that the teachers receiving training teach. As a former AP teacher who attended dozens of APSIs over my career, I can speak first hand to the efficacy of the training and of the strategies that are shared with the teachers.”

Dr. Ann Robinson, distinguished professor of education and founding director of the Jodie Mahony Center, called APSI a highlight of the summer.

“It is one of our earliest and most impactful professional development programs,” Robinson said. “The participants, who attend from across Arkansas, the nation, and even around the world, make this a rich and wonderful experience for everyone involved.”

Each week-long institute course is taught by a College Board-endorsed consultant who has received extensive training from , a not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. These consultants are leaders in their respective subject area and have a proven track record in student success on the AP exams. This year’s 36 consultants taught APSI classes in subjects ranging from chemistry and biology to American history and art and design.

“Participating in AP, whether as a teacher or a student, is an academic boost,” Robinson said. “Teachers staying on the cutting edge of accelerated learning strategies. Students develop knowledge and skills that increase their success in a collegiate environment.”

APSI is funded by a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education that covers the costs of registration for Arkansas public and charter school teachers. The impact extends far beyond the professional development for educators. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock awarded thousands of hours of college credit to incoming freshmen with scores of three or higher on AP exams.

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��Vlog��ý Little Rock Graduate Student Secures $16K Grant to Support Independent Living Skills for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

University of Arkansas at Little Rock graduate Brittany Rose has written a successful $16,270 grant on behalf of (WSB) to fund a life-changing program for blind and visually impaired students.

The grant, awarded by The Schmieding Foundation, will fund a year of the Techniques of Daily Living Program at the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Little Rock. The program will provide customized instruction to help students gain the independent living skills they need to thrive as adults.

Rose, who graduated with her master’s degree in education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in December 2024 and lives in Alexander, Arkansas, completed the grant proposal as part of a grant writing course she took at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in fall 2024 with Dr. Barbara L’Eplattenier, a professor of rhetoric and writing.

“The class was phenomenal,” Rose said. “It taught me everything from how to find the right grant opportunity to how to tailor a proposal for a specific foundation. I underestimated just how much strategy and detail goes into crafting a successful grant. Writing this for World Services for the Blind was a hands-on, meaningful way to apply those skills.”

Rose, an instructor and director of recruiting and admissions in the Department of Dental Hygiene at ��Vlog��ýMS, chose to work with WSB after her department partnered with the organization to train dental hygiene students to better serve patients who are blind or visually impaired.

“We’ve had two student cohorts visit WSB in the past year, and I saw firsthand how important their work is,” Rose said. “So, when it came time to find a client for the class, I reached out, and they welcomed the partnership.”

The grant will fund classroom renovations and the purchase of adaptive equipment, including tactile kitchen tools, braille labels, and smart devices, as well as the salary of an instructor to teach the course for 36 weeks. Topics will emphasize independent living skills like cooking, laundry, budgeting, hygiene, clothing care, cleaning, and using assistive technology in daily life.

The class will provide instruction to 12 students during the 2025-26 academic year. Each group of six students will receive four hours of instruction per week during the semester-long class. The program will conclude with a “Test Out Meal,” where each student will independently plan, budget, shop for, prepare, and host a complete meal for guests, showcasing their new skills in a practical and celebratory setting.

We see a lot of students who come out of high school with strong academics but need more focus on life skills.

“We see a lot of students who come to us with strong academic backgrounds but who need more focus on life skills,” said Eric Yarberry, WSB president and CEO and a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock alumnus. “This program bridges that gap, giving students confidence and practical tools for adulthood. Brittany’s work was critical in securing the funds to launch this initiative, and we’re excited to bring it to life.”

Yarberry, who earned his master’s degree in professional and technical writing from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2018, said the partnership with Rose was a full-circle moment.

“Taking the same grant writing course during my undergrad changed how I understood nonprofit funding,” he said. “Brittany was a fantastic partner and has been a huge help for our team. When it comes to writing grants and finding funding for nonprofits, I would encourage anyone to take this grant writing class.”

The classroom, which will accommodate 12 students annually, will include fully accessible kitchen, bedroom, laundry, and technology areas. Even simple adaptations like puff paint or tactile markers on appliances can make everyday tasks manageable for students who are blind.

“Accessibility doesn’t always mean expensive technology,” said Nicole Walsh, superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Arkansas School for the Deaf. “People often think of high-tech devices when it comes to accessibility, but sometimes the best options are the simplest ones. We have formed a great partnership with World Services for the Blind. This program will give students confidence in real-life situations and help families see what their kids are truly capable of.”

Rose credits both her client and ��Vlog��ý Little Rock for a valuable learning experience.

“WSB’s team was incredibly supportive,” she said. “They guided me while also giving me room to lead. This was a real-world project with a real impact.”

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Three ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Students Matched with Mentor Teachers in Little Rock School District

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:02:00 +0000

Three ��Vlog��ý 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 2025–26 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 ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s 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—Kimbree Earnest, Britnie Harvill, and Sarah Smith—are 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,” Earnest said. “I left Match Day feeling excited and ready for next fall!”

Earnest said she pursued education because of her passion for children and the desire to make a difference.

“I want to be someone special in their lives, especially those who need someone like that,” she said. “Being selected for the residency program was a huge relief. I’ve worked part time throughout college to make ends meet, and being paid to complete my residency is a huge blessing. I’m also thrilled to already have my foot in the door at a district I want to work for.”

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.

“Welcome to the Little Rock School District family,” Wright said. “This 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.”

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.

“We’re excited to see these three teacher residents grow as educators,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, Windgate endowed director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock School of Education. “We can’t wait to see what this year brings.”

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School of Education - News - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Alum Brings Leadership and Purpose to Stuttgart High Athletics