Today, educators at GFESC explored practical strategies for strengthening executive functioning skills in the classroom during Built, Not Born: Teaching Executive Function Skills. Participants gained valuable tools to support organization, self-monitoring, emotional regulation, and other essential skills that help students thrive. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of learning and growth! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ExecutiveFunctioning #StudentSuccess

Two impactful days of professional learning came to a close today as educators deepened their knowledge of effective writing instruction for grades 3–10. Participants explored ATLAS writing data, Arkansas standards alignment, and the new six-point ATLAS writing rubric while analyzing student writing samples and developing strategies to support student growth. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Arkansas Department of Education presenters Sandy Shepard and Dallas Henderson for leading this valuable professional learning experience. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #ATLASWriting #ArkansasEducators

Educators spent the day today exploring how assessment can drive meaningful science instruction here at GFESC! Participants learned how to use ATLAS Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs), analyze assessment data, and strengthen alignment to performance expectations while examining examples of 3D assessment items. Thank you to Amber Cobb for leading this engaging and informative professional learning session! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #ScienceEducation #ATLASScience

Two days of coding, creativity, and game design wrapped up yesterday! Educators explored Python and Pygame fundamentals while building a Snake game from scratch, learning coding concepts, game development principles, and strategies for bringing engaging computer science experiences into their classrooms. Thank you to everyone who participated in this exciting hands-on learning opportunity! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #ComputerScience #Pygame #GameDevelopment #CodingEducation

Today at GFESC, participants completed the AHA CPR Instructor Certification course, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to train others in lifesaving CPR, AED, and first aid techniques. Thank you to Emergency Education Associates for providing this valuable training and to all attendees for their commitment to building safer communities. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #CPRInstructor #LifeSavingSkills #AHATraining

The final day of TESS Observation Training wrapped up today at GFESC! Over the past three days, participants have strengthened their skills in observing instruction, collecting evidence, calibrating ratings, and delivering feedback that supports teacher growth and student achievement. Thank you to everyone who invested their time in this valuable professional learning experience! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #TESSTraining #EducationalLeadership #TeacherGrowth

Today, educators traded the classroom for the outdoors at Lake Fort Smith State Park during the Rocks, Ridges, and Reservoirs workshop! Participants explored the geology, natural history, and water resources of the Boston Mountains while discovering ways to create meaningful, curriculum-connected field trip experiences for their students. Thank you to the Arkansas State Park Interpreters for sharing their expertise and helping educators connect learning to Arkansas’s natural heritage. Special thanks to the Park Interpreters: Jill McMahan from Greenwood School District and Chad Lowe with the Arkansas Game and Fish. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #LakeFortSmithStatePark #OutdoorLearning #ArkansasEducation #FieldTripReady

Two days of learning, reflection, and growth wrapped up today at GFESC during the 3-6 RISE training! Participants explored the foundations of reading, including phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition, and effective instructional practices to support student literacy success. Thank you to all the educators who invested their time in strengthening reading instruction for students across our region. We'll see you back next week for more learning! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #RISEArkansas #LiteracyMatters #ScienceOfReading

Today marked the conclusion of our two-day OpenSciEd Intro-Biology workshop! Participants spent the day diving deeper into a biology unit, exploring instructional routines, lesson flow, and strategies that support authentic student-driven learning. Also investigating plant seen dispersal in urban versus non-urban areas. We appreciate these educators for investing their time to build confidence and prepare for a successful year of engaging science instruction. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #OpenSciEd #ScienceEducation #BiologyTeaching #PhenomenonBasedLearning

Today's Teen Health Unfiltered workshop equipped school staff with valuable information and resources to address the health challenges facing today's youth. Participants explored current trends in topics such as vaping, opioids, internet safety, healthy relationships, mental health, and more, while gaining insight into health standards and school mandates. Thank you to everyone who attended and is committed to supporting the well-being of students in our schools! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #TeenHealthUnfiltered #StudentWellness #SchoolHealth

Educators joined us today for Dyslexia Intervention Progress Monitoring and Data Tracking, where they explored effective ways to monitor student growth, track data, and communicate progress with families. Participants gained practical strategies for using data to guide instruction and support student success. Thank you to everyone who attended and invested in strengthening dyslexia intervention practices across our region! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #DyslexiaSupport #LiteracyLeadership

GFESC welcomed a great turnout today for UFLI Implementation Training! Educators spent the day building their understanding of the UFLI Foundations program through hands-on practice, lesson modeling, progress monitoring strategies, and implementation supports designed to strengthen literacy instruction. Thank you to everyone who attended and invested in supporting student reading success! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #UFLI #LiteracyMatters #ScienceOfReading #ProfessionalLearning

Over the past two days, educators at GFESC explored coding fundamentals through hands-on learning with Python and Raspberry Pi devices. Participants brought code to life by creating graphics, interacting with physical computing components, and discovering engaging ways to introduce computer science concepts in the classroom. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting learning experience! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ComputerScience #CodingWithPython #RaspberryPi #ProfessionalLearning

Business educators spent the day at GFESC exploring valuable MBA resources and strategies for aligning them with new standards and Programs of Study. Participants also engaged in roundtable discussions, sharing best practices and project-based learning ideas to strengthen business education in their classrooms. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the meaningful conversations and shared learning! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #BusinessEducation #ProfessionalLearning #CTEArkansas

Educators explored the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in today’s GFESC AI in Education workshop. Participants learned practical ways to use AI to support lesson planning, assessment creation, and classroom efficiency while also examining ethical considerations and responsible student use. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we explored innovative tools that can enhance teaching and learning! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #AIinEducation #FutureReadyLearning

School nurses from across the region strengthened their lifesaving skills today during GFESC’s BLS Certification for Nurses workshop. Participants received training in high-quality CPR, AED use, and responding to life-threatening emergencies to help ensure they are prepared when every second counts. Thank you to Katelyn Chambers for leading today’s training and supporting our school health professionals! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe

Ten days of learning, planning, and professional growth are in the books! 🎉 Today marked the conclusion of the ARPEP Year 2 Summer Institute, where educators dedicated their time to strengthening their instructional practices, refining their goals, and preparing for a successful second year in the classroom. Throughout the 10-day workshop, participants engaged in meaningful learning experiences designed to support their continued growth as educators. Thank you to all the teachers for their commitment to learning and investing in their students' success. A special thank you to Angela Miller and Jennifer King for leading and supporting participants throughout the institute. #ARPEP #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalLearning #EducationExcellence #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe

Wonder and curiosity took center stage today at Phenomenal Teaching: Unleashing Wonder in the Science Classroom! 🔬✨ Educators explored how real-world phenomena can spark student curiosity, drive meaningful questioning, and create deeper connections to science learning. Through phenomena-based instruction, participants discovered practical strategies for helping students make sense of science concepts in authentic and engaging ways. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we explored new approaches to making science learning relevant, impactful, and full of discovery! #ScienceEducation #PhenomenaBasedLearning #STEMEducation #ProfessionalLearning #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe

Color, creativity, and inspiration filled the room today at Creative Recharge: Adding a Splash of Color to Your Teaching! 🎨✨ Educators explored arts-integration strategies, experimented with the elements of visual art, and discovered new ways to bring creativity into everyday teaching and learning. Participants left with fresh ideas, practical classroom connections, and a renewed appreciation for the power of the arts to engage and inspire students. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of creating, sharing, and recharging through the arts! #ArtsIntegration #CreativeTeaching #ArkansasAPlus #ProfessionalLearning #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe

Creativity was on full display today as educators explored the basics of Canva during Kickstart with Canva! 🎨💻 Participants learned how to create engaging visuals, navigate Canva’s user-friendly tools, and design materials that can enhance learning in the classroom. We appreciate everyone who joined us and took the first step into the world of digital design! #CanvaForEducation #ProfessionalLearning #EdTech #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe