Today's Pre-Educator Program Quality workshop brought together educators focused on preparing the next generation of teachers. Participants reviewed standards updates, explored alignment with postsecondary credit opportunities, and gained a clearer understanding of the pathway to teacher licensure in Arkansas. The session also provided valuable time to develop classroom resources and discuss ways to better support students as they transition from secondary education to college and future careers in the teaching profession. Thank you to everyone who attended and invested in strengthening opportunities for future educators! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #PreEducator #TeacherPipeline #FutureEducators #ProfessionalLearning #EducationLeadership #ArkansasEducation

Educators spent the day at GFESC exploring executive functioning and practical strategies to support students who struggle with these important skills. Participants gained a deeper understanding of executive functioning, examined possible causes of executive functioning challenges, and learned classroom strategies that can help students improve focus, follow directions, manage emotions, and achieve greater success in school. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion on creating supportive learning environments for all students! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #ExecutiveFunctioning #StudentSuccess #ClassroomStrategies #ProfessionalLearning #Education

School leaders and counselors joined us today to explore practical ways AI can support their work and strengthen their impact. Participants discovered tools and strategies to streamline daily tasks, improve communication, and make informed decisions that better serve students, staff, and families. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in the conversation about how emerging technology can be used thoughtfully and effectively in education. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #EducationalLeadership #SchoolCounselors #ArtificialIntelligence #EdTech #FutureReadySchools #ProfessionalLearning #EducationInnovation

Strong intervention systems start with intentional planning and meaningful data. Today at GFESC, educators participated in Planning for Impact: Data-Driven Math Interventions in Grades 3–8, where they explored strategies for developing targeted math intervention plans aligned to standards and student needs. Participants worked with diagnostics, progress-monitoring tools, and goal-setting practices designed to support student growth and guide instructional decisions. Thank you to all who attended and invested in strengthening math outcomes for students through purposeful, data-informed intervention planning. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #MathIntervention #DataDrivenInstruction #ProfessionalLearning #StudentAchievement

When emotions run high, having the right tools can make all the difference. Today's De-escalation Training: Staying Cool When the Temperature Rises provided educators with practical strategies for responding effectively to challenging situations. Participants explored the science behind emotional reactions, practiced skillful de-escalation techniques, and developed personal plans to remain calm and confident when navigating difficult interactions with students and adults. Thank you to everyone who participated and invested in creating safer, more supportive learning environments for all. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ProfessionalLearning #DeEscalationStrategies #StudentSupport #SchoolCulture

Young writers grow when writing becomes part of every day! ✏️📚 Today at GFESC, K–2 educators explored practical strategies for weaving meaningful writing opportunities throughout the school day during Building Writers All Day Long: K–2 Strategies that Stick. Participants learned how to leverage their HQIM resources to strengthen writing across literacy, math, science, and daily routines while supporting students with consistent structures and expectations. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of learning and planning, and a special thank you to Candy Goff and Leslie Battles for leading this engaging session! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #EarlyLiteracy #WritingInstruction #HQIM #TeacherLearning

ARPEP Year 2 teachers are making the most of Week 2! 🎉 Days 6, 7, and 8 have been filled with learning, collaboration, problem-solving, and plenty of laughter along the way. This dedicated group continues to build their skills, share ideas, and prepare for a successful second year in the classroom. We're proud of their hard work and commitment to growing as educators! 🍎📚 #ARPEP #TeacherGrowth #ProfessionalLearning #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe

Area GT educators went on the road to NWA yesterday for tours and exploring curriculum unit and field trip ideas! Daisy Airgun Museum, KYYA Chocolate Factory tour, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, and Arkansas Air and Military Museum were the stops. Quality tours, great tour guides who taught us things we didn’t know and many ideas were shared! #GFESC #GTeducators #FieldTripInspiration #StudentEnrichment

Educators spent the day at GFESC exploring practical and engaging ways to strengthen multiplication and division fluency during today’s Elevate Math Fluency workshop. Participants discovered innovative strategies, hands-on activities, and instructional tools designed to build student confidence and deepen understanding of whole number operations. Aligned to Arkansas Math Standards, the session provided educators with resources they can immediately implement to support student success in mathematics. Thank you to Candice Cumbie for sharing her expertise and to all the educators who joined us for a day of learning and growth! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #MathFluency #MathEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #ArkansasEducation

Today marked the conclusion of the two-day Highly Quality Science Practices: Science Walkthrough Tool workshop. Over the past two days, educators explored the key components of effective science instruction, including structures for learning, science-aligned content, teacher and student practices, and assessment and differentiation. Through analyzing student work, observing three-dimensional science instruction, and examining strategies to increase student discourse and engagement, participants gained practical tools to strengthen science teaching and learning in their classrooms. Thank you to Amber Cobb for leading this impactful learning experience and to all the educators who dedicated two days to enhancing science instruction for their students. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ScienceEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #HQIM #STEMEducation

Educators joined us today for WOC Meets ATLAS: Practicing the Parts of a Narrative & Informative for the ATLAS Writing Test, led by Sarah Stratton and Jason Campbell. Participants explored the strategies and techniques behind Writing on Command while learning practical ways to help students master the key components of narrative and informative writing. Through focused instruction on crafting engaging introductions, strong conclusions, and well-developed responses, educators gained valuable tools to build student confidence and success on the ATLAS Writing Test. Thank you to Sarah Stratton and Jason Campbell for sharing their expertise and to all the educators who invested in strengthening writing instruction for their students. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ATLASWriting #WritingInstruction #ProfessionalDevelopment #StudentSuccess

Today’s Youth Mental Health First Aid workshop equipped educators and school personnel with valuable tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth. Participants learned how to identify warning signs, provide non-judgmental support, and connect young people with appropriate professional resources. Topics included anxiety, depression, substance use, psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders, helping attendees strengthen their ability to support student well-being both in and out of the classroom. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important training and for your commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for students. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #YouthMentalHealthFirstAid #StudentWellBeing #ProfessionalDevelopment

Educators spent the day at GFESC exploring ways to integrate WorkKeys skills into daily classroom instruction through engaging, real-world learning opportunities. Participants examined workplace scenarios, strengthened connections to applied math and literacy, and gained tools to help students build the skills needed to earn valuable WorkKeys credentials. Thank you to the educators who invested their time in preparing students for success both in the classroom and beyond! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #WorkKeys #CareerReadiness #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess #CTEEducation

Educators gathered today for Summer 2026 Professional Development for Physical Education, focusing on fitness assessment practices, data interpretation, and strategies for supporting student growth through meaningful feedback and reporting. Participants explored effective assessment protocols, discussed the characteristics of strong physical education programs and wellness committees, and shared ideas that will help shape a statewide recognition program. Thank you to everyone who participated in today’s learning and discussion! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #PhysicalEducation #ProfessionalLearning #StudentWellness #HealthAndFitness #ArkansasEducation

Today’s Verbal & Non-Verbal De-Escalation Strategies workshop, led by Karen Grady, provided educators with practical tools to prevent and respond to challenging situations in a calm, effective manner. Through discussion, reflection, and real-world scenarios, participants explored strategies for identifying triggers, maintaining student dignity, and creating safer learning environments for all. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged in today’s learning! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #GFESC #ProfessionalLearning #TeacherSupport #StudentSuccess #ClassroomManagement

Science educators spent the day exploring HQIM options through the Lab-Aids Issues and Science 6–8 curriculum. Participants engaged with lessons from life, Earth, and physical sciences while examining science practices such as analyzing data and developing models. The workshop also highlighted literacy strategies, student collaboration supports, and classroom-ready resources that teachers can immediately put into practice. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ScienceEducation #HQIM #ProfessionalLearning

ARPEP Year 2 teachers wrapped up the first week of their two-week summer cohort today at GFESC!! This dedicated support time gives teachers the opportunity to ask questions, strengthen instructional strategies, and receive additional guidance before beginning Year 2 implementation. We appreciate the commitment these educators are making to their students and to continuous professional growth. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ARPEP #TeacherSupport #ProfessionalLearning

Educators joined Dr. Jan Ziegler today for an engaging workshop exploring the history of Japanese Americans in the Arkansas Delta during World War II. Participants gained valuable insight into the forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans, the experiences of those held in Arkansas camps, and the lasting impact of these events on our nation and state. Thank you to Dr. Ziegler for sharing this important and often overlooked chapter of history. #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #HolocaustEducation #ArkansasHistory #ProfessionalLearning

Educators gathered today for Teaching About the Holocaust, led by Dr. Jan Ziegler, to explore meaningful and age-appropriate approaches for teaching this pivotal event in human history. Through discussion, multimedia resources, literature, and primary accounts, participants examined effective strategies for engaging students in grades 5–12 while meeting Arkansas instructional requirements. Teachers also discovered valuable classroom resources, scholarly materials, and no-cost tools to support thoughtful, impactful Holocaust education. #GFESC #ProfessionalLearning #HolocaustEducation #SocialStudies #HistoryEducation #TeacherDevelopment #ArkansasEducators

Today’s Stop Teaching Skills, Start Building Readers: Text-Centered Comprehension (Grades 6-12) workshop focused on practical strategies for strengthening student understanding through high-quality, complex texts. Participants explored how to use HQIM as the foundation for instruction, incorporate writing to deepen comprehension, and provide explicit syntax support to help students tackle challenging texts. Educators left with ready-to-use tools and strategies to build stronger, more engaged readers. #GFESC #BuildingReaders #LiteracyInstruction #SecondaryEducation #HQIM #ProfessionalLearning