Teach Plus Arkansas presents 18-member teacher fellowship and asks lawmakers for policy partnerships

Teach Plus Arkansas on Thursday asked lawmakers to partner with an 18-member fellowship of classroom teachers trained to take leadership roles in policy and practice.

"Teach Plus is a national nonprofit organization," said Stacy McAdoo, executive director of Teach Plus Arkansas, introducing fellows from across the state and describing the group's aim to "empower educators to take leadership" on policy and practice.

Fellows described four working groups—teacher development, recruitment and retention, teacher preparation, and early childhood/social-emotional supports—and said they will bring classroom experience to policy discussions. "We want to advocate for teachers all over the state and help work towards a more equitable opportunity for all of our students," said Holly Howard, an English teacher in Bentonville and a fellow.

LaRon McAdoo, a 28-year educator at Central High School, framed retention and recruitment as a matter of respect, resources and mentorship, and urged policymakers to create conditions that let teachers "feel smart" and "feel valued." Brandy Loomis, a 20-year Bentonville teacher, emphasized support for new teachers through strong mentorship programs.

Committee members asked how Teach Plus is funded and whether participation requires school-board approval. Stacy McAdoo said Teach Plus is funded by private donors and foundations, that fellows completed a competitive application and interview process, and that the organization works alongside—but is not a part of—local school boards. "Every person that is a part of the Teach Plus Arkansas program has their principal and their superintendent support," she said.

Several legislators expressed interest in partnering with fellows as policy partners; Representative Godfrey offered to join a working group and other members indicated similar openness. Some lawmakers warned about the risk that outside programs can grow into large contracts or political entities; Teach Plus said training emphasizes nonconfrontational advocacy and local priorities.

Fellows and lawmakers discussed practical barriers to recruiting and retaining teachers in high-need subjects such as math and science, including pay differentials with other professions, shortages of substitutes, time for planning, and the additional social-emotional workload teachers carry.

Teach Plus left committee members with an annual report and a request for continued engagement between the fellowship and legislators.