Name: [KEYNOTE] The Power of Educators: Transforming Lives Across Generations
Start: 2025-07-17T08:30:00-0500
End: 2025-07-17T10:00:00-0500

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Exhibit Halls C & D

In this deeply personal keynote, Beau McCastlain shares insights from a transformative year as the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Drawing from over 16 years in the classroom, a broadcast journalism career in Arkansas, and on the road connecting with students, educators, and communities, this keynote explores how educators and mentors not only impact individual lives, they shape legacies.

For the past four years, Beau has led a groundbreaking video production program at De Queen High School, where students take the lead in telling authentic stories through a student-run broadcast studio known as DQTV.
Launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic with just seven students, DQTV has grown into a nationally recognized program that builds student voice, fosters civic engagement, and connects classrooms to communities. Students graduate not only with technical skills but with real-world experience and confidence to pursue enrollment, employment, or enlistment after high school. Several students have earned regional and national recognition, including opportunities to work alongside the White House Press Corps.
In this keynote, Beau shares stories from his 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year journey, his classroom, and beyond—illustrating how educators can ignite change that echoes through generations. Through a mix of reflection, storytelling, and real-world examples, Beau reminds us that when students are seen, heard, and empowered, they don't just succeed—they lead.

Through authentic storytelling and reflection, McCastlain offers a powerful reminder: the influence of an educator echoes far beyond the school walls, reaching across generations. Attendees will leave feeling inspired, affirmed, and ready to elevate the calling of teaching in their own communities.

Speakers

Beau McCastlain

2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education

Beau McCastlain is a 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar, the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, De Queen High School’s DQTV Television Production Advisor, and Communications Director for De Queen Public Schools. Mr. McCastlain, along with the help of his students, has created... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Exhibit Halls C & D Hot Springs Convention Center

General

ADE Summit 2025

Beau McCastlain

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