Last Friday here at GFESC, 140 FFA students from all over the district competed for the Mt. Magazine Subarea Leadership Development Event (LDE), qualifying them for the regional competition in Russellville. These young leaders tested their speaking, debating, and reasoning skills—building confidence and professional skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. We're so proud to support and celebrate these students as they step into future leadership roles and represent their schools and communities so well!
#GFESC #FFA #LDE #FutureLeaders
Today, GFESC hosted the monthly meeting for Federal Programs Coordinators and Curriculum Coordinators. This collaborative session provided an opportunity to connect, share updates, and engage in meaningful discussions to support effective programs and strong curriculum practices across our member districts.
We appreciate everyone who joined us for a productive day of learning and collaboration!
#GFESC #FederalPrograms #ConnectGrowServe
Charleston Schools’ novice teachers shaping minds and forming futures.
Today, GFESC hosted our monthly meeting for area LEAs, led by Rebecca Ballard. These gatherings provide an important opportunity for networking, collaboration, and shared problem-solving as we work together to support students and schools across our region.
Thank you to all who joined us today and contributed to meaningful discussions!
#GFESC #LEA #BetterTogether
Spotlighting some novice teachers from GFESC partnering schools.
Today at the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative, participants came together for a focused one-day review session designed to support success on the Computer Science Praxis 5652.
Educators spent the day building personalized study plans, exploring high-quality resources, and reviewing key concepts across multiple computer science categories. This collaborative session will help strengthen content knowledge and boost confidence ahead of the exam!
#GFESC #ComputerScience #TeacherPrep
Paris GT students in Mrs Iveys class learned about the history of aviation and its connections to the military at the NWA Air and Military Museum. The tour was lead by Gus Kuklinski, an aeronautical engineer and a board member at the museum.
Today at GFESC, we hosted an on-campus Budget Prep PD session led by Jason Miller. Participants spent the day learning practical strategies, tools, and timelines to support effective district and school budgeting.
#GFESC #BudgetPrep #EducationLeadership
Yesterday, we kicked off the GFESC Building the Base EL Teacher Cohort, a three-day learning experience designed to strengthen educators’ understanding of effective English Learner/Multilingual Learner pedagogy. Yesterday we had Primary teachers and today we had Secondary teachers on campus both for the first day of the workshop.
Participants on day one began building a shared foundation in:
⭐ The social, emotional, and instructional needs of English Learners/Multilingual Learners
⭐ Key concepts in language acquisition theory
⭐ English proficiency level descriptors
⭐ Creating inclusive, student-centered environments that encourage purposeful student talk
⭐ Instructional strategies that make content comprehensible for all learners
⭐ Backward mapping instruction from meaningful learning goals
We’re excited to continue this important work over the next two sessions as educators deepen their understanding and build classroom practices that support every learner.
#GFESC #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe
GFESC was proud to host an incredible FFA Leadership Practice Event on campus yesterday! A total of 245 FFA students from 20 schools came together to learn, grow, and sharpen their leadership skills.
It was inspiring to see so many young leaders showcasing their passion, dedication, and commitment to agriculture and service. Thank you to all the schools, advisors, and students who made the day such a success!
#GFESC #FFA #LeadershipPractice
GFESC hosted the Fall Rubik's Cube competition today! Students from Greenwood, Lamar, Mansfield, Ozark, and Van Buren competed in individual and team competitions. Fingers were flying and good sportsmanship was everywhere! Great way to spend the first day back after the holiday break! If you’ve never watched a cube competition, especially advanced cubes…it is amazing!
#GFESC #RubiksCube #FastFingers
We had our monthly LEA meeting today at GFESC! They meet up for valuable networking, collaboration, and shared problem solving. These meetings provide an important space for schools to connect, discuss current needs, and support one another in serving students across our region.
#GFESC #LEA #CollaborationInEducation
Educators joined us today on campus for an in‐depth look at the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations program. This training equipped participants with essential background knowledge, a walk-through of the manual and materials, and guided practice with all 8 steps of the instructional framework. Attendees also explored effective progress monitoring, strategies for differentiation, and ways to support strong implementation fidelity. Throughout the session, participants observed lesson steps modeled in real time and engaged in hands-on practice with structured support. A productive day of learning and collaboration at GFESC! 🌟
#GFESC #UFLI #BetterTogether
GFESC ArPEP teachers supporting student learning at Magazine Schools.
GFESC hosted its Monthly Secondary Principals Meeting today, bringing leaders together to collaborate, share updates, and discuss key initiatives impacting secondary education across our districts.
This session was led by Eric Parsons, who guided meaningful conversations and supported principals in staying informed and connected.
#GFESC #SecondaryPrincipals #StayConnected
Spotlighting some of the GFESC year 1 ArPEP teachers.
Today, Rebecca Ballard, Audrey Kengla, and Natalie Cadena led another meaningful session of the GFESC Special Education Novice Teacher Training. The Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative (GFESC) partnered with member school districts, administrators, special education supervisors, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, and other agencies to provide novice special education teachers with the professional development and support needed to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Topics addressed in Day 2 included:
➡️ Pre-referral to placement
➡️ Data collection
➡️ Academic and behavior interventions
➡️ Available resources
Thank you to all who participated in today’s session!
#GFESC #NoviceTrainingDay2 #ConnectGrowServe
Mulberry Pleasant View Schools’ newest teachers leading learners and making a difference.
Fort Smith Schools’ new teachers elevating minds and sparking creativity.
Today’s Leading with Clarity session brought together district and school leaders to gain a clear understanding of Arkansas’ redesigned A–F school rating system. Participants explored each component of the accountability formula—achievement, growth for all students, growth of the lowest quartile, and postsecondary readiness—while learning strategies to turn data into meaningful action for school improvement.
Led by Hope Worsham, these AM and PM sessions equipped leaders with the knowledge and tools to translate accountability results into effective instructional support and positive student outcomes.
#GFESC #LeadingWithClarity #ConnectGrowServe
