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Venue: Rooms 201 & 202 clear filter
Tuesday, July 14
 

10:20am CDT

Work-Based Learning in Action: From Practicum to Apprenticeship in Arkansas
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a critical bridge between education and the workforce—but understanding how it is structured and recognized in Arkansas is key to scaling its impact. This panel session will explore the continuum of WBL opportunities in the secondary setting, including Internships, Career Practicum, Pre-Apprenticeships, and Youth Apprenticeships. Hear directly from educators, leaders, and industry partners as they share how these experiences are implemented, aligned to pathways, and designed to build durable skills. Participants will leave with greater clarity and practical insights to strengthen and expand WBL in their own contexts.
Speakers
avatar for Ross White

Ross White

State Career and Technical Education Director, Arkansas Department of Education
Ross White, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has served as the state CTE director since May 2021, bringing extensive experience in secondary and statewide CTE leadership. He has led the update of the state Perkins V plan, the implementation of Success Ready Gradu... Read More →
avatar for Patti Priest

Patti Priest

Teacher, Har-Ber High School
avatar for Debora Cosen

Debora Cosen

Coordinator of Work based Learning, Arkansas Department of Education/Divison of Career and Technical Education
Work based Learning Coordinator at the Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) supporting program operations, data reporting, and compliance for CTE initiatives.

avatar for Markous Jewett

Markous Jewett

President & CEO, Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation
Tuesday July 14, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

11:40am CDT

Clean Data Matters: SIS and SFA – Common Errors and Solutions
Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
From everyday SIS and SFA mistakes to proven district‑level solutions, this panel‑driven session blends expert insights with practitioner voices. Hear directly from district leaders as they unpack real challenges, share what works, and chart a clear path toward cleaner, more reliable data.
Speakers
avatar for Renee Curtis

Renee Curtis

Director of Administrative Services, Bryant Public Schools
Renee Curtis received her latest degree, Educational Specialist, from Henderson State University and is currently the Director of Administrative Services for Bryant Public Schools. Renee obtained her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Central Arkansas and... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Dickelman

Jamie Dickelman

Admin Assistant, eSchool Administrator, Eureka Springs School District
avatar for Jill Johnson

Jill Johnson

APSCN Student Applications Manager, Arkansas Department of Education
avatar for Pam Carter

Pam Carter

Data Systems Manager, Cabot Public Schools
avatar for Jeffrey Fetters

Jeffrey Fetters

District Review Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Tuesday July 14, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

1:00pm CDT

Real Talk: Online Safety Q&A with Arkansas State Police ICAC
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
This Q&A session features analysts from the Arkansas State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, offering practical insights into how to better equip children with the skills they need to navigate the digital world safely. This session explores effective strategies for teaching online safety, increasing awareness of potential digital risks, and fostering critical thinking in young students.
Speakers
CH

Cassie Harris

Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Arkansas State Police
Tuesday July 14, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

2:20pm CDT

Merit Fund Incentive Program & the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Each year, thousands of Arkansas teachers receive merit pay. In 2025-26, two dozen of those teachers were selected as fellows for the inaugural cohort. In this session, severeal of the fellows will share about their experience, which gave them a front-row seat to policymakers and connected them with other high-performing teachers across the state.
Moderators
avatar for Capri Salaam

Capri Salaam

State Director of the Education Renewal Zones / 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education
Speakers
avatar for Lyndsey Laster

Lyndsey Laster

Third Grade Teacher, Poyen school district
Third grade teacher at Poyen Elementary, Secretary for the Arkansas Literacy Association, Membership Chair for the Grant County Reading Council.
Tuesday July 14, 2026 2:20pm - 3:30pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center
 
Wednesday, July 15
 

10:20am CDT

Let's Talk Behavior and Mental Health: Balancing Support, Expectations, and Access
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
This panel will explore hot topics, common challenges, and emerging
trends in behavior and mental health. Panelists will discuss how to
coordinate supports across systems, align behavior and mental
health practices, and use available resources to better support students.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Fairchild

Nicole Fairchild

State Training Lead, Arkansas AWARE
Wednesday July 15, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

11:40am CDT

Right-Sizing Assessment: From Scores to Strategy
Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
How much assessment is enough — and what actually moves instruction forward? Join cadre leaders and a representative from Public School Accountability for a candid conversation about balancing accountability requirements with meaningful classroom practice. This panel will explore how to right-size assessment systems so they reduce noise, elevate clarity, and position formative assessment as the primary driver of daily instructional decisions. Participants will also learn about statewide opportunities to engage in ongoing conversations throughout the year and preview learning modules currently in development to support this work. Walk away with practical insights for building coherence between state measures and classroom moves that accelerate student growth.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

Director of Assessment, Department of Elementary & Secondary Education
I currently serve as the Director of Assessment and School Performance for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Arkansas. In this role, I am committed to ensuring all students have equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. I... Read More →
avatar for Chrissy McNabb

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 →
avatar for Melissa Kings

Melissa Kings

Principal, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School
Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

2:20pm CDT

Planning for AI: Insights from District Leaders
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
District educators will share firsthand experiences developing AI plans to meet their local needs. The panel will explore planning processes, stakeholder involvement, and considerations around instruction, governance, and responsible use.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Griffin

Kelly Griffin

ADE Special Advisor, Arkansas Department of Education
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

3:40pm CDT

AGFC’s Generation Conservation Summit: Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
At the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, we believe that learning is rooted in experiences and competition. Join us as we discuss how we are transforming the way students can interact and gain firsthand experience with conservation and compete against schools all across the state through our Generation Conservation Summit.  This one-of-a-kind, FREE event is a way for your students to be introduced and compete in everything from conservation-based culinary competitions to quiz bowl to STEM to air rifle to game calling.  Come find out how your school can take home a banner….and some great prizes….at this year’s Generation Conservation Summit. 
Speakers
avatar for Mary Beth Hatch

Mary Beth Hatch

Chief of Education, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
avatar for Larami Burge

Larami Burge

Generation Conservation Coordinator, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Wednesday July 15, 2026 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center
 
Thursday, July 16
 

10:20am CDT

SPED Hot Topics
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
This session of panelists from the DESE Office of Special Education will highlight updates, current trends, and hot topics in the following areas of special education: Monitoring and Program Effectiveness, Dispute Resolution, Early Childhood, Fiscal Oversight, Assessment & Curriculum, and Training and Professional Development.
Speakers
YG

Yvonne Greene

Arkansas Department of Education
avatar for Becky Bell

Becky Bell

Coordinator of Assessment & Curriculum, DESE-OSE
avatar for Jeff Adams

Jeff Adams

Director of Special Programs, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
avatar for Becky McIver

Becky McIver

State Improvement Plan Coordinator, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
avatar for Josh Hart

Josh Hart

Office of Special Education - Finance, Arkansas Dept of Education
avatar for Melissa McLendon

Melissa McLendon

Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator-Part B 619, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Thursday July 16, 2026 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

11:40am CDT

Integrating Core Academics into CTE: A professional reflection of Math Pathways in CTE
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
CTE is not separate from academics—it’s one of the most powerful ways to bring them to life. This panel explores how a school moved beyond isolated instruction to intentionally embed math, literacy, and science within Career and Technical Education. Participants will examine what meaningful integration looks like in practice and leave with strategies to strengthen rigor, increase relevance, and better prepare students for enlistment, enrollment, and employment.
Speakers
AM

Adam Musto

Director of Computer Science Education, DCTE
avatar for Ross White

Ross White

State Career and Technical Education Director, Arkansas Department of Education
Ross White, director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), has served as the state CTE director since May 2021, bringing extensive experience in secondary and statewide CTE leadership. He has led the update of the state Perkins V plan, the implementation of Success Ready Gradu... Read More →
avatar for Manesseh Moore

Manesseh Moore

Principal, Alma High School, Alma School District
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center

1:00pm CDT

A Panel Discussion: District Communication During State Reporting
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
In this session, district SIS coordinators will share their district’s best practices and strategies for effective communication during the state reporting cycle processing. Attendees will gain insights into how collaboration is used to validate data, ensuring accuracy throughout the process.
Moderators
avatar for Patty Ellis

Patty Ellis

APSCN SMS Computer Support Coordinator, AR Department of Education

Speakers
avatar for Renee Curtis

Renee Curtis

Director of Administrative Services, Bryant Public Schools
Renee Curtis received her latest degree, Educational Specialist, from Henderson State University and is currently the Director of Administrative Services for Bryant Public Schools. Renee obtained her degree of Bachelor of Science in Education from University of Central Arkansas and... Read More →
avatar for Jamie Dickelman

Jamie Dickelman

Admin Assistant, eSchool Administrator, Eureka Springs School District
avatar for Amy Brewer

Amy Brewer

Federal Programs Coordinator, eSchool Administrator, Alma School District
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Rooms 201 & 202 Hot Springs Convention Center
 
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