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

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