Section 6-82-2205 - Arkansas Teacher Academy - Programs - Eligible postsecondary institution duties(a) An Arkansas Teacher Academy may include without limitation a new or existing teacher preparation program that utilizes proven, research-based models of best practices that are already being implemented in similar program pathways.(b) An eligible postsecondary institution may:(1) Develop a portfolio of teacher preparation programs to offer as part of its Arkansas Teacher Academy;(2)(A) Give priority to students in grades eleven (11) and twelve (12).(B) However, an eligible postsecondary institution shall not exclude students in grades nine (9) and ten (10) from its Arkansas Teacher Academy; and(3)(A) Use scholarship funds that exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the eligible postsecondary institution to support its Arkansas Teacher Academy costs.(B) However, if a scholarship awarded to an academy attendee under this subchapter does not cover the eligible postsecondary institution's tuition and fees after an academy attendee receives all other financial gifts, financial aid, and grants, the eligible postsecondary institution shall not charge an academy attendee awarded a scholarship under this subchapter the remaining difference.(c)(1) An eligible postsecondary institution shall develop formal partnerships with Arkansas public schools to build commitments for teacher employment upon an academy attendee's completion of an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.(2) The targeted deployment of academy attendees who are currently teachers who have completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program shall be based on the:(A) Needs of each public school system;(B) Community that is being served; and(C) Individual skills of each current teacher who has completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.(d) A program offered as part of an eligible postsecondary institution's Arkansas Teacher Academy shall include accelerated program models for the following without limitation:(1) Subject areas and geographical areas identified by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers;(2) An individual seeking postbaccalaureate coursework that results in a professional certification; and(3) A student in a non-education program who seeks to complete one (1) or more teacher preparation courses in order to prepare him or her to receive a teaching certification following his or her graduation.Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 57, eff. 3/8/2023.