The University of Arkansas IMPACT Principal Fellows Program has selected two Springdale Public Schools teachers for the program’s 11th cohort.
Ashley Coston, family and consumer science teacher at Lakeside Junior High School, and Renee Sanders, Turnbow Elementary School instructional facilitator, are among 34 educators from across Arkansas to be selected for the cohort following a highly competitive, four-round selection process, Sanders said.
The university’s website defines IMPACT through the six core pillars of “Individualized, Master’s, Practice, Approach, Collaboration and Transformative.”
The program is an innovative educational leadership preparation program offered by the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions, the website said. Designed for educators with the vision and drive to transform schools, the program empowers participants to lead change and become impactful leaders in their buildings and districts.
“I feel so grateful that I have this opportunity to continue my education and challenge myself to make a difference at Lakeside Junior High as a whole,” Coston said. “I'm truly honored to be named a UofA IMPACT Fellow.”
Sanders said she’s likewise honored to be selected for the program and to represent Springdale Schools.
“Through this program, I am excited to learn, collaborate and make a meaningful difference in my school and district,” she said.
Coston said she’s excited about the potential impact the program will have on the district community.
“I'm looking forward to using what I learn in this program to continue growing and improving for our students and staff,” she said.
Each Fellow receives a Master of Education in Educational Leadership upon completion of the 18-month program, according to the university’s website. Those accepted into the fellowship receive a scholarship which pays for 90% percent of all tuition and fees.
IMPACT Arkansas was designed to benefit low-income schools throughout Arkansas by preparing future leaders. Applicants must have at least three years’ teaching experience and work for a school in which at least 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price