2025 AAEA Summer Conference: Full Schedule

9:00am CDT

AAESP Board Meeting

Monday July 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT

Hoffman (M)

Monday July 28, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CDT
Hoffman (M)

Board Meeting

Company AAESP

10:15am CDT

Busting Brain Myths

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

Hoffman (M)

Join us on a fascinating journey to discover the truth behind some common myths about how the brain works. These misconceptions can sometimes lead to less effective teaching. In this session, we'll learn how to tell the difference between scientific facts and popular myths, making sure our teaching methods are based on real brain science. Let's work together to ensure our students get the best education possible, grounded in accurate and reliable information!

Speakers

Dr. Eric Saunders

Associate Deputy Commissioner, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Dr. Saunders serves as the Associate Deputy Commissioner for District Operations with the Arkansas Department of Education. Previously, he has been an assistant superintendent for Benton Public Schools in Benton, Arkansas. Additionally, he is the former assistant commissioner at the... Read More →

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

Redesigning Learning, Breakout #1

Company DESE

11:30am CDT

School Finance Tools & Resources LIMITED

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

Hoffman (M)

This comprehensive training will empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of school funding, budget development, and financial sustainability.
During this session, participants will explore the critical components of school budgets, including revenue sources, expenditure projections, funding aid calculations and the practical tools available to assist with developing your school budget.

Speakers

Jason Miller

Office of Coordinated Support and Services/ Fiscal Services, Arkansas Department of Education

Jason Miller is an accomplished education leader and finance professional with over 20 years of experience in Arkansas public education. He currently serves as a State Leadership Development Coach at the Arkansas Department of Education, where he provides statewide guidance on district... Read More →

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

Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout #2

Company DESE

12:20pm CDT

From Vision to Virtual Innovation: Shaping Leadership for Tomorrow LIMITED

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

Hoffman (M)

This interactive session fosters collaboration and meaningful discussions beyond the traditional classroom. We will explore effective strategies to support the diverse needs of students and families in today's evolving educational landscape. Topics will include the online learning instructional model, the live co-teaching hybrid approach, and customized solutions to meet your district's specific needs. This session is designed for districts seeking research-based solutions through a virtual learning option.

Speakers

Tammy Manning

Principal, Virtual Academy at the River

The Virtual Academy partners with public school districts to provide additional opportunities for K-8th grade students.

Krystle Summers

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

Redesigning Learning, Breakout #3

Company VAR

2:50pm CDT

Maximizing Impact: Effective Use of Categorical Funds LIMITED

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

Hoffman (M)

In this session, participants will explore effective strategies for maximizing the impact of categorical funds. We will cover best practices for fund management, compliance requirements, and innovative approaches to resource allocation. Attendees will leave with practical insights and tools to enhance their financial planning and ensure optimal use of categorical funds to support their educational goals.

Speakers

Jason Miller

Office of Coordinated Support and Services/ Fiscal Services, Arkansas Department of Education

Tuesday July 29, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm CDT
Hoffman (M)

Finance/HR/Operations, Breakout #5

Company DESE

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

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