Keiren Minter, a junior at Watson Chapel High School, has been selected to represent Arkansas at the National Educators Rising Conference in Washington D.C. June 24 – 27, 2022. Keiren will be competing in the Job Interview Competition. In this competition, entrants apply for a position as a paraprofessional. This includes submitting a cover letter explaining why the entrant is a good candidate for the position, as well as a résumé that details relevant work, volunteer, and educational experiences. Judges will review the cover letters and résumés and — just like any job application/interview process — candidates will be interviewed for a paraprofessional position.
Keiren is looking forward to representing Arkansas, “This will be my 2nd time to compete at nationals, “said Minter. Last year, I competed in the EdRising Moment competition, but it was virtual. I can’t wait to compete in person this year."
Building the Educators Rising program in Jefferson County is a focus initiative for the Teacher
Excellence Program at Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative. When ARESC started the Teacher Excellence Program in 2019, there were no Educators Rising programs in the city of Pine Bluff. Under the leadership of Dr. Celeste Alexander, Teacher Excellence Coordinator, student participation in Educators Rising competitions has increased by over 600%. “I am thrilled with the growth of the program and the success of hard-working students like Keiren,” said Alexander. In fact, it was motivation from Dr. Alexander that prompted Keiren to enter the Job Interview competition. “I am running for a state office in Educators Rising, and I wasn’t sure that I would have time to prepare for the competition. I am so happy that Dr. Alexander gave me the motivation to compete.”
Keiren’s Teacher Leader, Tiffany Jackson, is also excited by the opportunities provided by the Educators Rising program. “I’m very proud of Keiren,” said Jackson. “We will be working hard to support him and to make sure he represents Arkansas well.”