Arkansas Teacher Corps receives $5.1 million grant to train over 110 fellows
by February 10, 2026 2:15 pm 466 views
Arkansas Teacher Corps, an outreach of the University of Arkansas’ College of Education and Health Professions, said Wednesday (Feb. 10) that it’s received a three-year, $5.1 million grant to train at least 114 new fellows.
The Walton Family Foundation provided grant money to train the next three cohorts of fellows.
The three-year program recruits, trains, licenses and supports novice teachers pursuing licensure to address educator shortages in the state’s highest-need communities.
“Every child deserves a high-quality education,” said Brandon Lucius, executive director of Arkansas Teacher Corps. “Yet, far too many schools, particularly those in high-need communities throughout eastern and southern Arkansas, struggle to recruit and retain licensed teachers. We provide a rigorous, accessible pathway for aspiring teachers of all ages and backgrounds.”
Arkansas Teacher Corps is a partnership between the UA, Arkansas Department of Education, and Arkansas K-12 public school districts. Funding comes from the UA College of Education and Health Professions, Walton Family Foundation, Arkansas Department of Education, and donors to the Arkansas Teacher Corps Society. Arkansas Teacher Corps partners with K-12 school districts to provide pathways to teacher licensure for non-certified school staff and community members.
So far, Arkansas Teacher Corps has recruited, trained and supported more than 326 teachers in 95 schools and 42 school districts throughout central, eastern and southern Arkansas. Nearly 130 Arkansas Teacher Corps fellows have completed the three-year fellowship, with 84% earning a five-year teaching license in one or more content areas, resulting in 217 total certifications.
Fellows come from a variety of backgrounds. Of those teaching in the 2025-26 school year, 61% were uncertified teachers, 14% were miscellaneous school staff, 16% were changing careers, and 8% were recent college graduates.
Nearly 10% of Arkansas Teacher Corps fellows have earned teacher of the year honors from their school, district or a professional organization. Arkansas Teacher Corps teachers are also 20% more likely to remain Arkansas educators after five years.