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

Today we wrapped up our two-day OpenSciEd Middle School workshop! Over the past two days, educators participating in the workshop explored strategies for creating student-driven science classrooms through meaningful phenomena, questioning routines, and authentic exploration.🔬✨ Participants unpacked instructional routines, examined unit and lesson design, and gained valuable resources and support to confidently implement OpenSciEd in the upcoming school year. #GFESC #OpenSciEd #ScienceEducation #ProfessionalLearning #MiddleSchoolScience #ArkansasEducators

Educators at GFESC participated in today's Elevate Math Fluency: Addition/Subtraction workshop, exploring engaging strategies and practical tools to strengthen students’ fluency with whole numbers. Through hands-on learning and standards-aligned activities, participants gained ideas to build student confidence and support mathematical success in the classroom. 📚 #GFESC #MathFluency #MathEducation #ArkansasEducators #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess

Today's GT Educator Work Day gave educators dedicated time to focus on documentation, the GT Educator Toolkit, end-of-year tasks, and planning for the year ahead. Thank you to our GT educators for their commitment to supporting gifted learners and strengthening programs across the region!✨ #GFESC #GiftedEducation #GTEducators #ProfessionalLearning #ArkansasEducation #StudentSuccess

We're halfway through an exciting week of ARPEP Year 2 at GFESC! 🥈📚 Over the first two days, educators have engaged in meaningful learning experiences designed to strengthen instructional practices, build leadership capacity, and support continued professional growth. Through interactive sessions, thoughtful discussions, and practical strategies, participants are gaining valuable tools to take back to their classrooms and schools. We're grateful for the dedication these educators bring to their profession and look forward to the learning still ahead as the week continues! #GFESC #ARPEP #TeacherLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #ArkansasEducators #LifelongLearning #EducationExcellence

Today’s Beginning Principal HQIM Coaching session provided school leaders with practical strategies for observing instruction, supporting teachers, and strengthening the use of high-quality instructional materials in the classroom. Through reflection, modeling, and hands-on practice, participants explored the observation and feedback cycle and refined their skills in providing meaningful, actionable coaching that supports student success. Thank you to our beginning principals for their engagement and commitment to instructional excellence!✨ #GFESC #BeginningPrincipals #InstructionalLeadership #HQIM #EducationalLeadership #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess

It was a great Day 1 with the GFESC ArPEP Year 2 candidates! Looking forward to working with these teachers again this year

Educators joined Candice Cumbie today at GFESC for K-5 Math Curriculum Planning Day, focusing on tools and resources that support strong mathematics instruction and student success. Participants explored key math resources, collaborated on pacing guides, and worked together to develop practical plans for the upcoming school year. Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support high-quality learning opportunities for students across our region! #GFESC #MathEducation #K5Math #ArkansasEducators #ProfessionalLearning #StudentSuccess

Counselors and administrators gathered today at GFESC for Counselor’s Compass: Inspiring & Guiding Student Success, focusing on strategies to strengthen CTE programs and support student readiness for the future. Participants explored career pathway instruction, Student Success Plans, program improvement strategies, and important updates for the 2026-27 school year. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we work together to help students chart a course toward success! #GFESC #CounselorsCompass #StudentSuccess #CTE #ArkansasEducation #ProfessionalLearning