ADE Summit 2025

"Classroom Dreams, Budget Realities: Paying for Your Teaching Degree" explores the financial challenges future educators face while pursuing their teaching credentials. The presentation outlines the opportunities for scholarships and grants, ranging from Associate Degrees to Doctoral Degrees.  We will learn about the opportunities students have to receive their education at a smaller investment so they can begin earning without paying student loans.

This session will provide a detailed overview of data regarding Code of Ethics violations over a period of years including 2020-present. The data will include the number of violations, standards violated, age of the educator and type of teaching license. The presenters will provide information regarding what is working for districts in preventing Code of Ethics allegations along with what has not been effective. The session will conclude with information regarding the future of the Code of Ethics.

Participants will review trend data, learn how to access merit pay information in LEA Insights, and eligibility requirement for 2026.

He survived year one and came back for year two! Fresh from surviving the first year whirlwind, join us in reflecting on the second year journey and the delightful dilemma of "what comes next?" Join us as we unravel the wonders and unexpected wobbles of this pivotal phase. Did the overflowing inbox magically organize itself? Did the budget blossom with newfound funds? Or did new adventures in community politics and surprisingly complex copier malfunctions emerge? Come hear tales of growth and maybe just a tiny bit of glorious chaos as our seasoned (well, more seasoned) leader navigates the enchanting evolution from wide-eyed newbie to confident captain!

In this session, you will explore the Arkansas Teacher Registered Apprenticeship, an innovative, evidence-based approach to educator development aimed at tackling teacher shortages across the state. This program offers a work-based learning opportunity, where approved apprentices receive high-quality instruction through accredited educator programs while simultaneously working within a participating school district. Designed to foster educational excellence in K-12 schools statewide, the apprenticeship ensures teachers acquire valuable on-the-job experience and become fully integrated into their school’s culture, equipping them to be classroom-ready from day one.

Come explore the finding and takeaways from DESE's educator preparation program state review and science of reading audits.

Join us for an insightful presentation on the various licensure flexibility options available to educators in Arkansas. This session will explore the different pathways and exceptions that allow schools to address staffing challenges and ensure that students receive high-quality education, even in hard-to-fill positions.

When leadership teams are in sync, great things happen—and no one has to go it alone! In this session, we’ll look at how superintendents, principals, and LEA supervisors can rock it together through intentional collaboration that drives meaningful change in classrooms. We’ll shine a spotlight on the superintendent’s role in building and sustaining collaborative leadership teams where every administrator is meaningfully engaged in planning, problem-solving, and designing master schedules.
The session will feature a panel of all-star practitioners sharing their greatest hits (a.k.a. real-world strategies), followed by a roundtable jam session where attendees can ask questions, swap ideas, and learn from each other. Because with a little help from your leadership friends, all students benefit—and the whole district sings a little sweeter.

Annual ratings support teacher growth goals, identify outstanding teachers, and contribute to a comprehensive summative evaluation. Learn how the Educator Effectiveness System can support administrators in providing effective, evidence driven annual ratings.

This session, designed for Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs), will provide a comprehensive overview of the components of High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) and Curriculum-Based Professional Learning (CBPL). We will delve into the Arkansas Initiative for Instructional Materials, highlighting best practices for the implementation and ongoing support of HQIM. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the expectations for EPPs in relation to HQIM, including the requirements for State Review and Science of Reading (SoR) Audits. Join us to ensure your program aligns with state standards and supports educators in delivering exceptional instruction.