Experienced Mentors Help Prepare UA Little Rock Teacher Residents

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Education recently hosted a comprehensive two-day orientation for the Trojan Residency Program, bringing together mentor teachers and teacher candidates from across all licensure programs ahead of the new school year.

The Trojan Teacher Residency Program offers yearlong residencies for teacher candidates, pairing them with experienced mentor teachers in Central Arkansas schools. Funded by a grant from Forward Arkansas, the program gives aspiring educators immersive, hands-on classroom experience, preparing them to enter the profession with confidence.

Although the Trojan Teacher Residency Program has a strong track record at UA Little Rock, this was the largest orientation of its kind, with dozens in attendance, designed to ensure mentor teachers and teacher candidates shared expectations for the school year. Participants reviewed key program components, such as observation protocols, co-teaching models, and strategies for professional conversations. Sessions clarified roles, responsibilities, and best practices for collaboration, establishing a foundation for a successful year.

“This is the first time we’ve opened the orientation to all of our residents and mentor teachers across every program,” said Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education. “We have a much larger group this year, which means mentor teachers receive more training, and residents have the opportunity to learn from a wider variety of peers.”

Both days featured lunchtime speaker sessions with 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Stephanie Williams of Mountain View Elementary and 2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and UA Little Rock alumna Brandi De La Cruz of Collierville High School. These award-winning educators shared stories from their careers and classroom lessons, as well as advice for residents and mentor teachers. Their sessions encouraged discussions on teaching, mentorship, and professional growth.

De La Cruz encouraged participants to stay open to new opportunities as they begin their careers, noting that finding the right school and community may take time.

“The first school you end up at may not be your forever home,” she said. “I had to keep searching until I found a school where I felt accepted and truly at home.”

Williams encouraged residents to view the residency year as a time for growth and reminded them to believe in themselves and their students.

“I would tell the residents to never underestimate your students and never underestimate yourself,” Williams said. “Take this year to learn, fail, and succeed, and consider all of it a win.”

The orientation brought together residents and mentor teachers from a variety of grade levels and subject areas, allowing them to learn from experiences beyond their own classrooms. Participants came from school districts across Arkansas, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the conversations throughout the event. The opportunity to hear different viewpoints helped participants think through questions and challenges they may not have considered before.

As UA Little Rock teacher candidate Clarissa Riddling said, “Some people have asked questions I had never even thought of. It’s been good to have a community to start this process with.”

At the conclusion of the orientation, participants left with new connections and a stronger foundation for the year ahead. As they begin their classroom residencies, they will put their preparation into practice while continuing to develop their teaching skills. 

Reflecting on the impact of educators, Williams reminded attendees, “Educators are the creators of the future.”