2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

1:00pm CDT

Opening General Session - How to Get ALL Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers

Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

There are dramatic differences in the quality of teachers in every school. If all teachers could be more like the best teachers, then we would have significant improvement in every setting. Every building has special teachers who connect with all students and consistently engage them in learning. This session focuses on what educational leaders can do to get all of the teachers to be like their best teachers.

Speakers

Dr. Todd Whitaker

Professor, University of Missouri

ONE OF THE NATION’S LEADING AUTHORITIES ON STAFF MOTIVATION, TEACHER LEADERSHIP, AND PRINCIPAL EFFECTIVENESS, TODD HAS WRITTEN OVER 60 BOOKS INCLUDING THE NATIONAL BEST SELLER, WHAT GREAT TEACHERS DO DIFFERENTLY. OTHER TITLES INCLUDE: SHIFTING THE MONKEY, DEALING WITH DIFFICULT... Read More →

Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Wally Allen Ballroom (A-E) (SCC)

General Session

8:30am CDT

General Session: Admin of the Year and DESE Updates

Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT

Wally Allen Ballroom (A-E) (SCC)

Administrator of the Year Awards will be presented for AACIA, AAGEA, AASEA, and ArkASPA.
Secretary Oliva will present the latest developments and updates in education across the state and provide information on the Department’s ongoing efforts to implement LEARNS and improve education for all students.

Speakers

Jacob Oliva

Secretary, Arkansas Department of Education

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Jacob Oliva as secretary for the Arkansas Department of Education in January 2023. The State Board of Education also selected Oliva as commissioner of ADE’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Prior to being named secretary... Read More →

Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Wally Allen Ballroom (A-E) (SCC)

General Session

10:40am CDT

Closing General Session - Optimism and Opportunity

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT

Wally Allen Ballroom (A-E) (SCC)

Inspiring, humorous and applicable to all in attendance. Choosing optimism—even in the face of tough challenges—helps restore the healthy interactions and positive relationships necessary for enacting real school change. Hear how teachers and school leaders can rekindle their individual and collective enthusiasm for a profession that has been progressively inundated with negativity. Be prepared to learn, to laugh, and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. This is a fact-based, positive approach to “taking back our profession.” Research-based strategies, practical examples, and thought-provoking scenarios will be included.

Speakers

Jack Berckemeyer

Wednesday July 30, 2025 10:40am - 12:00pm CDT
Wally Allen Ballroom (A-E) (SCC)

General Session