MAGNOLIA – In just two years since launching its innovative Rider Residency model, Southern Arkansas University and its six partner school districts have reached a major milestone—providing over $2 million in direct support to aspiring teachers through paid, year-long residencies.

This groundbreaking approach to teacher preparation is made possible through strong collaboration with Ashdown School District, Camden Fairview School District, El Dorado School District, Hope School District, Magnolia School District, and Texarkana Arkansas School District. These districts not only fund paid positions for residents training to become teachers but also invest in experienced mentor teachers through stipends for their yearlong commitment to co-teach, support, and develop the next generation of educators. In addition, Hampton School District has committed to joining Rider Residency in the fall of 2025.

“Our partner districts believed in this vision from the beginning,” said Dr. Neelie Dobbins, chair of the Department of Teacher Education, “and their investment in the Rider Residency model is directly impacting teacher quality, retention, and—most importantly—student learning.”

Long before the state of Arkansas mandated yearlong residencies for teacher licensure, SAU and its district partners recognized the value of immersive, sustained classroom experience. In the Rider Residency model, teacher candidates are hired by districts, embedded full-time in classrooms, and mentored by veteran teachers throughout the school year.

The benefits are already clear: not only are future educators receiving extensive hands-on preparation, but K–12 students are thriving. Data from partner schools indicate that student achievement in classrooms with resident/mentor teacher pairs is outpacing the state average, countering national trends that often show a decline in student performance during traditional student teaching models.

“This partnership isn’t just about preparing teachers—it’s about building strong school communities,” said Melissa Powell, Assistant Superintendent of El Dorado School District. “We’re seeing the impact every day in our classrooms.”

The success of Rider Residency has also been bolstered by strategic support from Forward Arkansas, a nonprofit organization focused on improving educational outcomes across the state. With funding from a transformative innovation grant, SAU rapidly expanded the program by adding district-embedded site coordinators and targeted professional development for mentor teachers.

Since launching in January 2023, more than 100 residents have participated in the Rider Residency program across the six districts. An overwhelming majority—91%—have been hired into full-time teaching roles within the same district where they received their training, reinforcing the model’s effectiveness in supporting long-term retention and local workforce development.

“Thanks to our district partners and Forward Arkansas, we’re not just preparing teachers—we’re transforming the teacher pipeline,” said Dr. Lynze Greathouse, assistant professor of Education. “This is what real collaboration looks like, and we’re just getting started.”

EL DORADO — The El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting to officially welcome TCW Fiber Company to the local business community. The event will be held at 3000 W. Hillsboro St. and is open to the public.

The ceremony celebrates TCW’s expansion into the El Dorado area, where the company is launching high-speed fiber internet services to homes and businesses. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about TCW’s offerings and how the provider plans to enhance broadband access across the region.

Based in Arkansas, TCW (Townes Communications, Inc.) is a privately held telecommunications company with over 30 years of experience. The company offers fiber-optic internet, voice, and data services, primarily focusing on rural and underserved areas across the state. TCW has continued to grow its presence through strategic partnerships and community-based expansions.

The event is part of the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to support economic development and improve infrastructure in Union County. All residents and business owners are encouraged to attend and learn more about local internet options.

EL DORADO — El Dorado High School is encouraging students to keep their reading skills strong this summer with a comprehensive digital resource for grades 9 through 12.

The school has launched a dedicated Google Classroom to help students and families easily access everything needed for summer reading assignments. The classroom includes digital packets, audiobooks, and PDFs of the required reading materials, ensuring that students can stay on track—even if physical copies are lost or misplaced.

EHS officials say the online platform is designed to remove barriers and make summer reading more accessible and successful for all students. Whether at home or on the go, students can stay connected to their curriculum and enter the next school year well-prepared.

Parents and students can access classroom codes and instructions by visiting the link provided by the district:
Click here for access

Let’s keep reading a priority this summer, Wildcats!

EL DORADO — The El Dorado Justice League will host a multi-day Juneteenth celebration with events scheduled from June 15 through June 21, according to the organization.

The event series will include a festival kickoff, a family Fun Day, and a community cleanup. Activities will take place at the El Dorado Murphy Arts District Amphitheater and PlayScape, with food, water attractions, and volunteer opportunities available.

The schedule is as follows:

• Saturday, June 15: Kickoff event for the South Arkansas Juneteenth Festival will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MAD Amphitheater. Free food will be available.
• Wednesday, June 19: Fun Day will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring a bounce house, waterslide, and free food.
• Friday, June 21: A community cleanup is scheduled at Mattocks Park from 10 a.m. to noon.

T-shirts will be available for attendees. Sponsors include Clean Harbors and other local organizations.

Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It is recognized as a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

CAMDEN — As summer begins, the Camden Fairview School District is once again stepping up to support families by offering free summer meals for children 18 years old and younger — no registration or application required.

The program runs from June 4 to June 24 and provides nutritious meals to keep kids healthy while school is out. Meals will be served Monday through Friday at two locations:

• Fairview Elementary School
• Camden Fairview High School

Serving times are 7:30–8:10 a.m. for breakfast and 11:00–11:30 a.m. for lunch.

District officials stress the importance of child nutrition during summer break and encourage families to take advantage of the program by simply showing up.

For additional details, families can contact Tracy Beavers at 870-836-4193, or visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids for other summer meal sites.

No child should go hungry during the summer—and thanks to Camden Fairview School District, they won’t have to.