Prospective teachers in Arkansas will be required to complete a yearlong supervised residency before earning licensure beginning in spring 2027, as officials increasingly turn to residencies to address teacher shortages.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, teacher residencies place candidates in classrooms for an entire academic year alongside experienced mentors, often while receiving pay.
Fredrick Lilly II, special programs coordinator for the Camden Fairview School District, said the residency program he oversees has helped the south Arkansas district recruit and retain educators by giving candidates firsthand classroom experience and financial support.
Lilly attended a two-day conference in Little Rock hosted by U.S. Prep, an organization based at the Texas Tech College of Education, that focused on strengthening residency programs nationwide.
Research by Texas Tech and the Learning Policy Institute suggests teachers trained through residency programs are more likely to remain in the profession and improve student outcomes.
Conference speakers emphasized partnerships among school districts, universities, and education organizations. Forward Arkansas officials said collaboration has helped expand paid residency programs across the state, reducing financial barriers for future educators.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch CBS News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
