Nine graduates of Ozarka College's Associate of Arts in Teaching program have successfully completed their student teaching experience during the Spring 2010 semester as part of their curriculum to graduate from Arkansas Tech University with their bachelor degrees in education.

Ozarka College began an Associate of Arts in Teaching Degree program in 2002. Arkansas Tech agreed to deliver the upper level courses via Internet, allowing students to stay in this area to obtain a four year degree.

Ozarka College's AAT Coordinator, Michelle Cooper states, "I am pleased to report that these students have successfully completed their bachelor's degree this semester and will graduate on May 15 from Arkansas Tech University."

Spring 2010 graduates and the teachers they have been student teaching under left to right (back row): Bridget Cooper of Melbourne, teaching at Mt. Pleasant Elementary under Jodi Moody; Kelly Geoffrion of Cushman, teaching at Mt. Pleasant Elementary under Shelly Dale; Melissa Bonds of Mountain View, teaching at Calico Rock Elementary under Amy Clinkingbeard; Brady Johnson of Onia, teaching at Timbo Elementary under Melanie Gilbert; and AAT coordinator and instructor, Michelle Cooper.



Pictured left to right (front row): Carlie Qualls of Magness, teaching at Eagle Mountain Elementary in Batesville under Carol Williams; Tonya King of Cave City, teaching at Cave City Elementary under Denise Groom; Brenda Pittman of Calico Rock, teaching at Calico Rock Elementary under Lisa Mason.

Not pictured is Ashley Dellinger of Melbourne, teaching at Izard County Consolidated Elementary under Shari Simino; and Kayla Knapp of Mountain View, teaching at Rural Special Elementary under Ramona Rorie.

Cooper adds, "This program would not be possible without the help of the local schools and teachers who allow our students into their classrooms to learn first hand from their real experiences. Ozarka College, Arkansas Tech and our students appreciate their support for this program and look forward to continuing to build the relationships with them."

For more information on the Associate of Arts in Teaching program at Ozarka College, please contact Admissions at 870-368-7371 or toll free 800-821-4335.