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.”

About SAU:

SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with a complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.