Article by: Angelita Faller of the University of Arkansas Little Rock
Photo by: Benjamin Krain
Three UA Little Rock students will gain invaluable experience as they serve year-long teacher residencies with the Little Rock School District this school year.
The aspiring educators were celebrated during a May 9 Match Day event at J.A. Fair K-8 Preparatory Academy, where they learned who their mentor teachers would be for the 2025–26 school year as part of the Trojan Teacher Residency Program.
The event marked the first time the university has placed teacher residents at J.A. Fair and is part of UA Little Rock’s innovative, year-long paid residency program supported by Forward Arkansas. It provides future educators with hands-on classroom experience while being mentored by veteran teachers.
The three new residents, Kimbree Earnest, Britnie Harvill, and Sarah Smith, are all seniors majoring in elementary education.
Kimbree Earnest of Benton will teach second grade alongside Mrs. Carla Abraham. She described the Match Day celebration as overwhelming in the best way.
“The Match Day event held by J.A. Fair was amazing! I was amazed at how much time, money, and effort they put into making us feel so welcomed,” Earnest said. “I left Match Day feeling excited and ready for next fall!”
Earnest said she pursued education because of her passion for children and the desire to make a difference.
“I want to be someone special in their lives, especially those who need someone like that,” she said. “Being selected for the residency program was a huge relief. I’ve worked part-time throughout college to make ends meet, and being paid to complete my residency is a huge blessing. I’m also thrilled to already have my foot in the door at a district I want to work for.”
Britnie Harvill of Hensley and Sarah Smith of Little Rock were equally excited after meeting their mentors. Harvill was matched with third-grade teacher Sarah McPherson, a Teacher of the Year at J.A. Fair, while Smith will teach third grade alongside Mrs. Gilseppe Brishana.
The Trojan Teacher Residency Program, now in its third year and funded through a grant from Forward Arkansas, emphasizes collaboration between the university and school districts to better prepare teachers. Each resident is matched with a certified mentor who has at least three years of teaching experience. Together, they co-teach and plan lessons, giving students a more authentic and practical experience than traditional student teaching.
The celebratory Match Day event at J.A. Fair included performances from student dancers and cheerleaders, speeches from school and university leaders, and a gift presentation for each resident.
Little Rock School District Superintendent Dr. Jermall Wright offered a warm welcome and encouraged the residents to embrace the journey ahead.
“Welcome to the Little Rock School District family,” Wright said. “This moment marks a new chapter in your educational journey. At a time when few individuals are seeking to become educators, I want to applaud your courage for stepping into this calling.”
Each resident received personalized gifts from their mentor teachers as they began building the important relationships that will define their residency year and shape their futures as educators.
“We’re excited to see these three teacher residents grow as educators,” said Dr. Rachel Eells, Windgate endowed director of the UA Little Rock School of Education. “We can’t wait to see what this year brings.”