The Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative is more than just a set of lessons—it is a statewide movement supported by a network of agencies. This session provides an overview of the many agencies and organizations ready to support your classroom. We will explore how to bridge the gap between school walls and our rich natural and civic resources. Whether you need a geologist to explain the Ozark plateau, a park ranger to host a field trip, or resources to teach bicycle safety on campus, this workshop will show you the landscape of outdoor learning in Arkansas.
In this session, we’ll share compelling growth data from classrooms across the state, highlight the instructional shifts teachers are making through lab participation, and unpack what makes this model so effective. Whether you're looking to strengthen your own coaching practice, instructional practice or support growth in your school or district, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how Coaching Labs work—and why you’ll want to be part of the next cohort.
Science Program Manager, Arkansas Department of Education
Katie Chacon obtained a bachelors degree from Hendrix College in Environmental Studies, a masters degree in Middle Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University. She taught middle school science for... Read More →
K-12 Math Program Manager, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education
Kisa Morman, a native of Little Rock, is a K–12 Math School Program Manager with over 20 years in education. She is passionate about helping all students build confidence in math by mastering numeracy, accessing effective interventions, and engaging in problem-solving to foster... Read More →
Join AGFC staff as we discuss the Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative and the role that the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays in bringing conservation education to schools across the state. We will share success stories through our first two years, discuss the requirements to earn a School of Conservation Leadership designation, and how we can help build a culture of outdoor education on your campus through professional development, free equipment, curriculum resources, and more.
Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative Manager, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Derek Ratchford is the Manager of the Arkansas Outdoor Education Initiative with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Through this position, he empowers teachers as they introduce STEM and conservation statewide. He transitioned to AGFC after spending ten years in public education... Read More →
Learn about the benefits of being a STEM school and how schools are designated as model STEM schools in Arkansas. Meet the school leaders who are doing this well in designated model schools from rural, urban and suburban PreK - 12 schools across the state.
