22 graduate from Arkansas Teacher Corps, head to high-need schools

The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is sending 22 graduates of its Arkansas Teacher Corps to about a dozen school systems with teacher-candidate shortages in south, central and northeast Arkansas.

The fellows — the sixth class of teachers in the corps, which is a program of the College of Education and Health Professions at UA — completed training, which includes teaching in an Arkansas school, before beginning work in their assigned schools and districts.

Faculty member Gary Ritter and former Dean Tom Smith developed the program in 2012 to help fill shortages in poor areas of Arkansas.

The teachers make a threeyear commitment to work in their schools and participate in the Arkansas Teacher Corps program. During their threeyear commitment, the teachers receive ongoing coaching and development. They also receive $15,000 over three years to supplement their salary from the school district that pays them.

Each year, the program receives about 200 requests from districts seeking teachers. The shortages of teacher candidates are particularly felt in rural high schools in poor towns and cities, and in the subjects of mathematics and science. One-third of the new class will teach science or math classes.

About 150 prospective teachers apply. UA selects about 25 fellows after candidates go through a thorough process that includes interviews and a teaching demonstration. This year’s fellows are: Chantz Bellamy of Hot Springs, English, Hope School District.

Tonya Bobo of Elaine, elementary school, Lighthouse Academies in Jacksonville.

Hosea Born of Neosho, Mo., math, Hope School District.

Trish Boyd of Charlotte, N.C., English and social studies, ScholarMade Achievement Place in Little Rock.

Gregory Briggs of Wickes, math, Blytheville School District.

Ashley Byrd of Hooks, Texas, English, Hope School District.

Langston Carr of Little Rock, business education, Project Lead the Way in the North Little Rock School District.

Whitney Carter of Columbus, business, Forrest City School District.

James Fox of Levittown, Pa., social studies, Osceola School District.

Alejandro Garcia of Houston, Texas, business, Blytheville School District.

Mary Guthrie of Fayetteville, English, Osceola School District.

Craig Hartaway of Little Rock, science, North Little Rock School District.

Klein Lee of Olive Branch, Miss., elementary school, Lee County School District.

Paul McInnis of Hattiesburg, Miss., theater, Joe T. Robinson High School, Pulaski County Special School District.

Jazmin Berlanga Medina of Green Forest, physics and physical science, Blytheville School District.

Terry Newman of Monticello, math, Lakeside School District in Chicot County.

Jamie Powell of Hot Springs, math and science, ScholarMade Achievement Place.

Stacy Ray of Mossyrock, Wash., English, school still to be assigned.

Delaney Wells of Charleston, elementary school, Dollarway School District.

Arthur Willis of Wynne, Spanish, Forrest City School District.

Chris Wimberly of Fayetteville, math, Hope School District.

Molly Young of Paragould, English and social studies, ScholarMade Achievement Place.