The SBC Foundation Supports Innovative UA Program

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With the support of the Southwestern Bell (SBC) Foundation, residents of the Arkansas Delta who are committed to teaching in their local schools will have the opportunity to work toward University of Arkansas degrees in education. Cathy Foraker, director of external affairs for Southwestern Bell Telephone, presented a check for $60,000 to Reed Greenwood, dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, and Bruce Dunn, director of development for the college, to fund the Teach for Arkansas undergraduate scholarships for another year.

In addition to aiding undergraduate students, the gift will help Delta schools cover the costs of mentoring interns in the master of arts in teaching program. The contribution is part of the SBC Foundation’s four-year, $220,000 commitment to the Teach for Arkansas program, which began in 1998.

"The SBC Foundation has made an important contribution to Delta schools and the children they serve" Greenwood said. "The foundation’s support of Teach for Arkansas has made it possible for students from the Arkansas Delta to fulfill their dreams of becoming teachers while providing Delta schools a group of committed professionals eager to bring outstanding skills to the classroom."

Teach for Arkansas is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas and Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas in Helena, Ark. Professors from both institutions deliver the bachelor of science in education and master of arts in teaching degrees through state-of-the-art distance education technology and on-site instruction in Helena.

Many Teach for Arkansas students are single parents who, in addition to their studies, work full time to support their families. The students are willing to do so because they are committed to their education and to taking teaching jobs in Delta schools where there is a critical need for teachers.

The Teach for Arkansas program has attracted national attention as an example of innovative use of distance education to meet the need for teachers. The Christian Science Monitor featured Teach for Arkansas in its October 23, 2001, Learning section in an article titled "Homegrown Teachers Fill the Gaps."

In addition to interviews with university administrators and faculty, the article focused on a current student and a recent graduate. The MAT graduate they interviewed, Sandra Hughes, was named Teacher of the Year in Phillips County during her internship year with Teach for Arkansas.