Jacksonville North Pulaski School District partners with UA Little Rock for teacher education program

The Jacksonville North Pulaski School District is making strides in teacher education through a groundbreaking partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UA Little Rock). During the September 3 board meeting, Dr. Rachel Eels highlighted the success of the Forward Arkansas Transformation Grant, which has allowed the district to enhance its teacher residency program. This initiative aims to prepare new educators for the classroom while fostering strong community ties.

Dr. Eels praised the collaboration, noting that Jacksonville was the first district to partner with UA Little Rock on this transformative project. The program has already seen its inaugural cohort of district-paid residents, with three of them now employed by the district. One of these residents, Chadwick Comer, expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received, emphasizing how it helped ease the transition into teaching.

This year, four new residents are serving as math tutors while completing their training in various educational fields. The partnership is designed to adapt to the evolving needs of both the district and the university, ensuring a steady supply of well-prepared teachers for Central Arkansas.

The meeting also featured discussions on the Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation, which aims to enhance workforce development and public education in the region. This initiative reflects a commitment to innovative educational models that benefit both students and the community.

As the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District continues to strengthen its educational programs, the collaboration with UA Little Rock stands out as a vital step toward creating a robust pipeline of skilled educators ready to contribute to the local community.