2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

10:15am CDT

Capturing Kids’ Hearts: Together, We Create Remarkable Schools LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Leading in education presents an array of challenges and opportunities for growth. Alongside Chad Pitts, Superintendent at Sheridan School District, we will unpack three foundational tools to further develop relational capacity with your team, foster a strong culture, and bring out the best in your students, staff, and communities. We will be incorporating stories from educators around the state who are seeing great results from implementing these tools.

Speakers

Dr. Shane Naterman

Chad Pitts

Sheridan SD

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Salon C (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #1

Company Capturing Kids' Hearts

10:15am CDT

Chronic Absenteeism: Strategies in Practice that Work LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Grampas (MCC)

The principal of Leverett Elementary will share actionable steps that can be replicated to improve student engagement and decrease chronic absenteeism.

Speakers

Christie Cremo

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Grampas (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #1

10:15am CDT

From Theory to Practice: The Journey to Effective Reading Instruction LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

White Oak (MCC)

This presentation aims to provide elementary school principals and district personnel with a framework for improving literacy through the application of implementation science. Implementation science focuses on the systematic uptake of research findings and evidence-based practices into routine practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of education. The presentation will include the following:
Introduction to Implementation Science: Define implementation science and explain its relevance to education. Highlight the benefits of using a structured approach to adopt and sustain evidence-based literacy practices.

Assess the current state of literacy instruction and identify gaps and needs. Engage stakeholders and build a supportive environment for change.

Develop an action plan that includes selecting evidence-based reading practices, securing resources, and training staff.

Highlight the importance of training teachers in both the science of reading and implementation science methodologies. Provide opportunities for continuous professional growth and collaborative learning.

Emphasize the role of data in informing instruction and measuring progress. Use assessments to guide practice and identify areas for improvement.

Offer resources and support for effective implementation and sustainability. This presentation will empower school principals and district leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to systematically improve literacy instruction, ultimately leading to better student outcomes and a culture of continuous improvement.

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
White Oak (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #1

Company Lexia Learning

10:15am CDT

Leading Through Change: Managing Resistance and Building Buy-in LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Ouachita (MCC)

This presentation will equip school leaders with practical strategies to navigate resistance and build stakeholder support during major initiatives.

Speakers

Dr. Leticia de la Garza

Assistant Professor Leadership Studies, University of Central Arkansas, AR, USA

Dr. Matthew White

School Leadership Programs Coordinator; Assistant Professor, UCA

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Ouachita (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #1

Company UCA

10:15am CDT

Maximizing Impact: Coaching Through the PDSA Cycle LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Riverview (MCC)

Explore how to align coaching moves with each phase of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle to support meaningful instructional growth. Practical strategies to:

* Support goal-oriented planning
* Provide focused, in-the-moment feedback during instruction
* Facilitate quick, purposeful reflection on student work
* Guide next steps that lead to measurable impact

Speakers

Betsy Laughter

Marion School District

Tuesday July 29, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Riverview (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #1

Company AAESP

11:30am CDT

Building the Plane While Flying: Lessons Learned in Early Implementation of Phone Pouches, ID Badges, and Digital Hall Passes LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Pope (SCC)

Greenbrier Middle School and Greenbrier Junior High built their phone pouch system over the past year while also learning through year two of school wide student ID badges and digital hall passes. Implementation of these systems positively impacted school culture and the learning environment. Attend this session to hear about lessons learned, practical tips, stakeholder communication, and teacher/student data from the school leaders.

Speakers

Taylor Stone

Dean of Students, Greenbrier School District

I am entering my fourth year as Dean of Students for Greenbrier Middle School, and my 13th year within Greenbrier School District. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a Master’s of Science degree in Coaching and Kinesiology, as well as a building level administration... Read More →

Tory Moix

Greenbrier Public Schools

Kari Barnett

Greenbrier Public Schools

Josh Lyra

Greenbrier Public Schools

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Pope (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

11:30am CDT

Clear is Kind, So Let's Get Clear LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Chicot (MCC)

Where are your instructions again?”
“Can you re-send that email to me?”
“I don’t know where to find the information.”
“I couldn’t find it, so I just did this instead.”
If just reading those frustrating phrases causes you to cringe, it’s time for you to embrace Brene Brown’s principle that "Clear is kind" to foster a more collaborative and effective school environment. Discover practical strategies—such as a universal electronic dashboard, a comprehensive handbook, and clearly defined expectations—that can streamline communication, enhance accountability, and set the stage for a smooth, successful year for both students and staff. Let’s get clear this year!

Speakers

Judy Pennington

Director of Human Resources, Fort Smith Public Schools

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Chicot (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

11:30am CDT

Culture by Design: Synergizing Learning and Behavior Systems LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Miller (SCC)

A strong school culture doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design. In this interactive session, building administrators will explore how to intentionally align academic and behavior systems to create a thriving school environment where students and staff can flourish. Participants will examine the critical intersections between instructional practices, behavior expectations, and social-emotional supports. Through collaborative reflection and practical examples, leaders will learn how to foster a culture where learning and behavior systems don’t compete — they complement and reinforce one another. Walk away with strategies to clarify your vision, align your teams, and build systems that create consistency, belonging, and growth for all.

Speakers

Jacob Sisson

System Support/Novice Mentoring Specialist, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

System Support and Novice Mentoring Specialist with Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative. Current President of the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ACTM) and Past President of the Arkansas Association of Mathematical Leaders (AAML). Jacob works throughout the Central... Read More →

Bethany Hill

Mentoring Program Specialist, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

Bethany is a systems support specialist at Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative. She is a former elementary school principal, instructional coach, and lifelong teacher. Bethany supports districts with systems for multi-tiered behavior and strengthening instructional quality. She... Read More →

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Miller (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

Company Arch Ford ESC

11:30am CDT

From Reaction to Prevention: Building a Tiered System of Behavior Support Through Relationships and Responsibility LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Salon B (M)

Discover how one school's behavior team transformed discipline from a reactive process into a proactive, tier system of support. This session will explore the development of a schoolwide Tier 1 behavior plan that laid the foundation for identifying and supporting students in need of Tier 2 and 3 interventions.With an emphasis on building relationships that empower students to take responsibility for their own behavior, attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening schoolwide expectations, using data to drive interventions, and fostering a positive school culture where every student feels seen, connected, and successful.

Speakers

Megan Strain

Courtney Gunter

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Salon B (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

11:30am CDT

From Theory to Practice: The Journey to Effective Reading Instruction LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

White Oak (MCC)

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
White Oak (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

Company Lexia Learning

11:30am CDT

Partnering for Progress: Empowering School Administrators and University Interns for Success LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Harris Brake (MCC)

In this dynamic session, we’ll explore the power of collaboration between universities and school administrators in shaping the next generation of teachers. By focusing on university partnerships with school systems, we’ll dive into how administrators can maximize the potential of interns, providing valuable hands-on experiences that benefit both the interns and the schools they serve. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for fostering strong partnerships, creating meaningful learning opportunities, and ensuring that these internships lead to real-world success for all involved. Join us to discover methods utilized that empower these relationships.

Speakers

Lindsey Jones

Yvonne Sturdivant

Lisa Herrington

Senior Clinical Instructor, University of Central Arkansas

Ms. Herrington has been an instructor of undergraduate and graduate literacy courses at the University of Central Arkansas for 20 years. In addition to her course responsibilities, she supervises interns at various levels and has the privilege of working with some of the best administrators... Read More →

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Harris Brake (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

Company UCA

11:30am CDT

Systems and Structures for Special Education: Making Lives Easier and Serving Students with Excellence LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT

Salon A (M)

Led by Central Junior High's Special Education lead teacher and instructional facilitator, this session will focus on leading special education teachers and teams and using technology to organize IEP requirements. You will also learn strategies to serve and manage students. You will leave with tools and resources to make special education services and 504 teams more effective. There will also be helpful resources and strategies for gen-ed teachers to manage accommodation requirements and implementation.

Speakers

Michael Tapee

Instructional Facilitator, Springdale Public Schools

Michael is passionate about leading schools toward excellence. He is passionate about collaborative leadership through the PLC process and using high quality assessment practices to move students forward in their learning. Michael is also skilled at building and running systems to... Read More →

Annah Geller

Special Education Department Lead, Central Junior High Springdale

Tuesday July 29, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CDT
Salon A (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #2

12:20pm CDT

Culture by Design: Synergizing Learning and Behavior Systems (Repeat) LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT

Miller (SCC)

Speakers

Jacob Sisson

System Support/Novice Mentoring Specialist, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

Bethany Hill

Mentoring Program Specialist, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT
Miller (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #3

Company Arch Ford ESC

12:20pm CDT

From Reaction to Prevention: Building a Tiered System of Behavior Support Through Relationships and Responsibility (Repeat) LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT

Salon B (M)

Speakers

Megan Strain

Courtney Gunter

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT
Salon B (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #3

12:20pm CDT

Navigating the Emotional Roller Coaster of Reporting Ethics Cases LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT

Izard (SCC)

As an educational leader, you may find yourself in challenging situations where individuals being investigated attempt to shift blame and manipulate narratives. It's crucial to remain steadfast in your role and understand the importance of your responsibilities. Our discussion will highlight the significance of your documentation and disciplinary actions, which can be pivotal in protecting both the integrity of your institution and the wellbeing of your staff, especially when faced with parental reports.

Drawing from my personal journey and experiences, I will share strategies for maintaining composure and clarity amid the emotional turbulence. Whether you are facing ethical dilemmas, navigating difficult conversations, or managing the fallout from a reported case, this session will provide valuable insights that can be applied in various situations.

Come prepared to engage in robust discussions and share your experiences, as we collectively work toward strengthening our resolve and enhancing our ethical practices in education. Together, we can foster an environment of transparency, accountability, and support for all involved and be prepared when you have to report.

Speakers

Dr. LeAnn Helms

Principal, Manila High School

Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:20pm - 1:05pm CDT
Izard (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #3

1:20pm CDT

AAA Rules, Regulations and New Laws LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Pope (SCC)

Update on AAA Rules

Presider

Brian Kirkendoll

Principal, Alma School District

Alma High School Principal, President-elect of AAEA, NASSP coordinator for the State of Arkansas

Speakers

Lance Taylor

Director, Arkansas Activities Association

Nick Lasker

Steve Roberts

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Pope (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

Company AASSP

1:20pm CDT

Collective Authorship LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Harris Brake (MCC)

Reimagine school marketing by rethinking who tells the story of your schools. You’ll learn how to enable and equip the many voices of staff, teachers, and building leaders at scale. Collective authorship can impact teacher recruitment and retention, family engagement and participation, and even serve as a student enrollment tool by sharing millions of powerful moments that happen in schools each and every day.

Speakers

Chad Brinkley

School Innovation Specialist, Murfreesboro High School

Chad's passion is using creativity to inspire educators to infuse technology into classroom instruction to better prepare their students for life in the 21st Century. He has led the 1:1 initiative for Murfreesboro High School and Murfreesboro Elementary School for 10 years and both... Read More →

Tanya Wilcher

South Pike County Schools

Torri Ellison

Marc McRae

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Harris Brake (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

Company Apptegy

1:20pm CDT

Evidence-based Coaching Conversations LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Fulton (SCC)

Join this session to improve your ability to conduct evidence-based coaching conversations. Effective coaching uses data to guide reflective practice and shared decision-making. Participants in this session will learn how to incorporate student performance data, observational data, and other evidence sources into coaching conversations to drive focused instructional improvement through collaboration.

Sponsors

Amy Gayle

Director, Central Region, NIET

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Fulton (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

Company NIET

1:20pm CDT

From Vision to Victory: Leadership Strategies That Build High-Quality PLC's and Collaborative Cultures That Drive Educational Transformation LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon C (M)

Panel of Educational leaders: Melissa Fink, Associate Superintendent, Springdale School District; Jim Tucker, Superintendent and Jessica Moore, Elementary Principal, El Dorado School District; and McGehee School District (waiting on presenter names)

Speakers

Jim Tucker

Superintendent, El Dorado SD

Susan McNully

Ms. Melissa Fink

Jessica Moore

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon C (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

Company Solution Tree

1:20pm CDT

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Student Tutoring and Outcomes LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Ouachita (MCC)

This presentation explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize student learning through personalized online tutoring platforms. Attendees will learn how AI-driven tools assess student needs, adapt instruction in real time, and provide targeted support to close learning gaps. We will highlight practical examples of AI-powered tutoring systems, discuss implementation strategies for schools, and examine measurable impacts on student achievement and engagement. Join us to discover how integrating AI into tutoring programs can help all students succeed.

Speakers

Pharis Smith

Superintendent, White County Central SD

Dr. Keith McGee

Watson Chapel School District

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Ouachita (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

1:20pm CDT

Mic Drop Session - Practical Leadership Advice from Experienced Principals LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT

Riverview (MCC)

A group of experienced principals will be sharing practical school leadership advice that they are passionate about. An opportunity for Q&A will be provided.

Speakers

Justin Swope

Principal, George Elementary School

Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:20pm - 2:20pm CDT
Riverview (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #4

Company AAESP

2:50pm CDT

AAA Rules, Regulations and New Laws (Repeat) LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Pope (SCC)

Update on AAA Rules

Speakers

Brian Kirkendoll

Principal, Alma School District

Alma High School Principal, President-elect of AAEA, NASSP coordinator for the State of Arkansas

Lance Taylor

Director, Arkansas Activities Association

Nick Lasker

Steve Roberts

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Pope (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #5

Company AASSP

2:50pm CDT

College Board Updates: Advanced Placement and PSAT/NMSQT, LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Grampas (MCC)

Join the College Board as we share important AP and PSAT/NMSQT updates for 2025-26. We will also spend time discussing important resources needed tor AP and PSAT/NMSQT administrations. Participants will leave the session with current updates to share with colleagues and knowledge of where to go to find resources and support for their teams.

Speakers

Amanda Dawson

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Grampas (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #5

Company AAGEA

2:50pm CDT

Evidence-based Coaching Conversations LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Fulton (SCC)

Sponsors

Amy Gayle

Director, Central Region, NIET

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Fulton (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #5

Company NIET

2:50pm CDT

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Student Tutoring and Outcomes (Repeat) LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Ouachita (MCC)

Speakers

Pharis Smith

Superintendent, White County Central SD

Dr. Keith McGee

Watson Chapel School District

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Ouachita (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #5

2:50pm CDT

Mic Drop Session - Assistant Principals Edition LIMITED

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT

Riverview (MCC)

A group of assistant principals will be sharing unique ways they manage different facets of school leadership. This session is geared towards assistant principals, or building principals who are seeking to hone their school management processes. An opportunity for Q&A with the presenters will be provided.

Speakers

Justin Swope

Principal, George Elementary School

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Riverview (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #5

Company AAESP

8:15am CDT

AAEA Legislative Updates LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Arkansas Ballroom (M)

This session will review all the changes to state law related to education as a result of the Regular Session of 2025.

Speakers

Dr. Megan Duncan

Executive Director, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Dr. Karla Neathery

Assistant Executive Director, AAEA

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Arkansas Ballroom (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

Company AASA

8:15am CDT

Cultivating Stronger Teams: Strategies for Better Conversations & Collaboration LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Hoffman (M)

Great teams don’t just happen—they’re grown! In this interactive session, you’ll gain practical strategies to enhance collaboration, improve group dynamics, and lead more productive conversations. Learn how to foster trust, navigate difficult discussions, and create a culture where every voice is heard. Using research-based strategies from Adaptive Schools, we’ll explore how small shifts in communication and facilitation can have a big impact on team effectiveness. Whether you’re leading meetings, supporting professional learning communities, or simply wanting to work better with others, this session will equip you with tools to take your teams to the next level. Come experience these strategies in action and leave inspired to grow your team’s potential!

Speakers

Chrissy McNabb

Project Manager - CCFAL, Office of Innovation for Education

After seven years in the classroom, Chrissy joined the Office of Innovation for Education to have a greater impact on education. She is passionate about students being the focus of learning and creating a learning environment that supports students. She now leads the charge in the... Read More →

Kelly Hankins

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Hoffman (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

8:15am CDT

Culture: It's Not The Only Thing, It's EVERYTHING! LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Manning (M)

A strong and positive school culture is the foundation for student success, teacher satisfaction, and a thriving educational environment. This professional development session will explore how school, teacher, and student culture intersect to create a cohesive and supportive learning community. Do you want to change your letter grade and have a thriving culture for your building? Through interactive discussions and practical applications, educators will gain valuable insights and actionable steps to strengthen their school’s culture, ensuring alignment with its vision and values.

Presider

Bryce Bennett

Director of Academic Assessment Services, Conway Public Schools

Speakers

Carise Echols

Elementary Principal, Conway Public Schools

Preston Echols

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Manning (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

Company AAMLA

8:15am CDT

From Grow to Glow: Creating a Culture of Leadership LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Chicot (MCC)

At Crawford Elementary, our motto is “We > Me”. Our building leaders understand the importance of building leadership capacity in others in order to create a thriving school culture and community. Join us for an informative session on how we decreased our “grows” and increased our “glows” by empowering and inspiring students and staff to lead positive change in our school. We will share effective strategies to help you create a culture of leadership in your school.

Speakers

Nancy Madison

2nd Grade Teacher / Building Learning Coordinator, Russellville School District

Shavon Jackson

Principal, Russellville School District

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Chicot (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

Company AAESP

8:15am CDT

Jumpstart Your Journey: Applying Cognia’s Continuous Improvement Framework LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Fulton (SCC)

Transformational change begins with knowing where you are and where you want to go. In this interactive session, school and district leaders will explore Cognia’s four-phase Continuous Improvement Process to better understand how to foster a culture of growth and sustained progress. You’ll assess your current practices, define what continuous improvement means for your unique context, and discover how Cognia’s tools and supports align with your improvement goals. Walk away with actionable next steps and a clear pathway to jumpstart or refine your improvement efforts—whether you're just beginning or looking to elevate your current work.

Speakers

Dr. Jeremy Stinson, Cognia

Director, Arkansas, Cognia

Cognia™ is a global nonprofit organization that has the knowledge to help schools and systems improve by offering comprehensive continuous improvement support. We know schools because we have been in schools for almost 130 years, and we are the largest education improvement organization... Read More →

Dr. Reagan Shoemaker

Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Fulton (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #6

Company Cognia

9:30am CDT

AAEA Legislative Updates (Repeat) LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Arkansas Ballroom (M)

This session will review all the changes to state law related to education as a result of the Regular Session of 2025.

Speakers

Dr. Megan Duncan

Executive Director, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators

Dr. Karla Neathery

Assistant Executive Director, AAEA

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Arkansas Ballroom (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7

Company AASA

9:30am CDT

Building Your School’s Brand: Effective Communication & Stakeholder Engagement LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Hoffman (M)

In today’s fast-moving educational landscape, a strong school brand isn’t just about logos and slogans—it’s about trust, reputation, and meaningful connections with stakeholders. Whether engaging parents, community members, or policymakers, schools must communicate their mission with clarity and consistency. This session will explore proven strategies for crafting a compelling brand identity, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and navigating challenging conversations with confidence. Learn how to empower your staff as brand ambassadors, create messaging that resonates, and foster a culture of advocacy that amplifies your school’s impact. Walk away with practical tools to enhance communication, build trust, and position your school as a leader in education.

Speakers

John Ashworth

Executive Director & Superintendent, Virtual Arkansas

Mr. John Ashworth is the Superintendent and Executive Director of Virtual Arkansas, a State Virtual School (SVS) providing supplemental online course options to Arkansas schools. Mr. Ashworth spent eight years as a secondary science teacher and seven years as a building-level principal... Read More →

Dr. Brandie Benton

Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Virtual Arkansas

Dr. Brandie Benton has over 20 years of experience in education and is currently leading the Curriculum and Instruction team for Virtual Arkansas, the state virtual school charged with providing digital learning services to districts across Arkansas.

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hoffman (M)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7

9:30am CDT

Everyday Leadership LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Pope (SCC)

Simple ways to make your day better as an instructional leader where that leads to relationship building to help build culture.

Presider

Amy Marek

Principal, Hazen High School

Speakers

Scott Smith

Principal, Western Yell County HS

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Pope (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7

Company AASSP

9:30am CDT

From Grow to Glow: Creating a Culture of Leadership (Repeat) LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Chicot (MCC)

Speakers

Nancy Madison

2nd Grade Teacher / Building Learning Coordinator, Russellville School District

Shavon Jackson

Principal, Russellville School District

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Chicot (MCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7

Company AAESP

9:30am CDT

Increasing Efficiency and Learning For Administrators Using AI Tools LIMITED

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Yell I-II (SCC)

This session provides insight on using AI tools to automate repetitive administrative tasks, make data-driven decisions, and enhance learning and professional development.

Presider

Stacey Southerland

CTE Coordinator, DeQueen-Mena Education Cooperative

Career & Technical Education

Speakers

Dr. Lee Smith

Superintendent, Mena Public Schools

Wednesday July 30, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Yell I-II (SCC)

Transformational Leadership, Breakout #7

Company AACTEA