Arkansas Tech University has entered into memorandums of understanding that will create student scholar residency pilot programs within two local school districts during the 2023-24 academic year.
Russellville School District and Dardanelle School District are both engaged in the project, which is overseen by the ATU College of Education and Health.
ATU students who are completing their education degree and licensure requirements will be eligible to apply for a paid year-long residency within a school in one of the partner districts.
“This program supports multiple goals within the ATU 2025 Strategic Plan and expands our college’s outreach efforts with our community partners,” said Dr. Tim Carter, interim dean of the ATU College of Education and Health. “We believe this program will enhance the preparation of our teacher candidates as they seek to become outstanding full-time classroom instructors.”
During the pilot year of 2023-24, there will be three year-long residencies available for ATU students to serve in the Russellville School District and two year-long residencies available for ATU students to serve in the Dardanelle School District.
Funding assistance for the program will be provided by a Forward Arkansas grant obtained by ATU.
“It is hoped that this collaborative partnership will serve to benefit the education system in Arkansas and will become a model for the state concerning year-long residency efforts,” reads a portion of the memorandums of understanding. “Research has suggested that scaffolded and paid year-long residency experiences benefit the resident, public school students, the supervising teacher and the school by providing greater continuity, real-life preparation experiences, an increase in the number of instructors within the classroom, financial support and scaling-up opportunities for residents with professional support.”
Call (479) 964-0583 (extension 2351) or send e-mail to tcarter@atu.edu for more information about the student scholar residency pilot programs.
Visit www.atu.edu/ceh to learn more about the ATU College of Education and Health.
