Today, GFESC GT educators came together for a productive Educator Work Day led by Karen Grady! Participants collaborated, refined instructional units, and worked through TAV documentation to strengthen gifted education programs and prepare for a successful year ahead. Thank you to everyone for your dedication and teamwork! #GiftedEducation #ProfessionalLearning #GFESC #TeacherCollaboration

Day 3 and 4 of the 3–6 RISE training are in the books! 📚 Educators continued building their understanding of the English language by exploring word origins, spelling patterns, vocabulary development, and effective assessment practices. Through hands-on learning and classroom connections, participants gained valuable strategies to help students become stronger readers, writers, and communicators. We’re excited to continue the journey as we head into the last two days of training next week! #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #RISEArkansas #LiteracyLeadership

Educators joined us today for Science Acceleration: Teaching Honors Science for 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade, exploring new honors science pathways and strategies to support advanced learners. Participants examined instructional materials, pacing guides, and student data to help ensure engaging, rigorous learning experiences for students ready to go beyond grade-level content. Thank you to everyone who attended and invested in preparing the next generation of science learners! 🔬🚀 #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #ScienceEducation #HonorsScience #FutureReadyStudents

Today’s Beyond the Bookshelves workshop empowered library media specialists with practical AI tools to enhance learning, streamline organization, and support student engagement. Participants explored ways to create stronger prompts, develop engaging reading activities, support diverse learners, and leverage AI for research, planning, and collection management. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this innovative day of learning! 📚✨ #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #AILiteracy #LibraryMediaSpecialists #FutureReadyLibraries

Educators spent the day exploring the power of creativity and innovation at GFESC's The Creative Equation: STEM + Arts = Engagement workshop! Through hands-on activities centered around balance, participants discovered new ways to connect STEAM concepts, encourage critical thinking, and spark student curiosity. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day of creating, exploring, and reimagining learning! 🎨⚙️🔬 #BetterTogether #ConnectGrowServe #STEAMEducation #ArkansasAPlus

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