Eight graduates of Ozarka College's Associate of Arts in Teaching program successfully completed their student teaching experience during the Spring 2008 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 happy to report that all eight of these students have successfully completed their bachelor's degree this semester and graduated on May 10 from Arkansas Tech University."

The graduates are, (pictured seated left to right): Kasie (Branscum) Sims of Mountain View has been student teaching at Timbo Elementary under mentor, Penny Oden; Brittney Mitchell of North Little Rock has been student teaching at Timbo Elementary under mentor, Amanda Stewart; Judy Smith of Evening Shade has been teaching at Mount Pleasant Elementary under Joanna Bray; and Kelly Hopper of Batesville who has been student teaching at Batesville, Central Magnet School under Angela Adams.

Pictured standing left to right: Mary Lyn Tucker of Batesville has been student teaching at Batesville - Eagle Mountain Magnet under Carol Williams; Ashley Smith of Batesville has been student teaching at Southside Elementary under Dana Hankins; Amanda Bledsoe of Mount Pleasant has been student teaching at Mount Pleasant Elementary under Gaye Qualls; C. Renee Bednar of Batesville who has been student teaching at Batesville - Central Magnet School under Sherry Puckett; and Ozarka College AAT coordinator Michelle Cooper.

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.