ADE Summit 2025: Full Schedule

10:20am CDT

Beginning Administrator Meeting

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

Horner Hall

Speakers

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

Human Capital

Tag Beginning Administrator

10:20am CDT

Classroom Dreams, Budget Realities: Paying for Your Teaching Degree

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

"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.

Speakers

Alisha Lewis

Assistant Commissioner, Arkansas Division of Higher Education

Alisha Lewis began service to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in March 2017 where she serves as the Associate Director of Communications. Through Arkansas State Transformation, her role transitioned to Chief Communication Director for the new encompassing Department... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Human Capital

11:40am CDT

Code of Ethics: Data from the Pandemic and the Road Ahead

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Whitney James

Managing Attorney, Professional Licensure Standards Board, Arkansas Department of Education

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

11:40am CDT

Teacher Merit Incentive Funds: Looking Back and Moving Forward

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

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

Speakers

Sharlee Crowson

Educator Effectiveness Special Projects Coordinator, DESE

Sharlee Crowson has been a part of the DESE Educator Effectiveness team since 2016. During that time, she has worked in educator preparation, teacher recruitment, and educator workforce data.

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Recruitment & Retention

1:00pm CDT

He Came Back!...The Journey of a Second Year Principal

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

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!

Speakers

Brent Miller

Tony Roach

Principal, Helena West Helena School District

Hello everyone,As Principal Roach, I am thrilled to share a bit about myself and my first-year experience in this role. I have always been passionate about education and have dedicated my career to making a positive impact on students and staff members alike.My first year as a principal... Read More →

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

Tag Beginning Administrator

1:00pm CDT

K-12 Apprenticeship: A "Grow Your Own" Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Become Licensed Teachers While Continuing to Work

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Melissa Jacks

Program Manager, Educator Licensure, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Kyla Lawrence

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Licensure

1:00pm CDT

SoR Audits and State Review

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

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

Speakers

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

2:20pm CDT

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Licensure Flexibility in Education

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Licensure

2:20pm CDT

With a Little Help from My Friends: When the LEA Supervisor, Superintendent and Principal are Rockin’ it

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Julie Amstutz

Brent Miller

John West

Leadership Development Coach, AR Dept. of Ed.

Uyolanda Wilson

Tuesday July 15, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

3:40pm CDT

Annual Ratings Through the Years

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Pearce Peacock

Evaluation State Support Specialist, DESE

Trent Saracini

Educator Support System Specialist, ADE - DESE

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

Tag Beginning Administrator

3:40pm CDT

Elevating Educator Preparation: Mastering High-Quality Instructional Materials

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

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.

Speakers

Katie Chacon

Science Program Manager, Arkansas Department of Education

Amy Counts

Director of Curriculum Projects, Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education

Since 2003, I have worked in K-12 education in Massachusetts, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. During that time, I have worked in both rural and urban school districts, teaching students in fifth to twelfth grade. In 2019, I joined the Arkansas Division of Elementary & Secondary Education... Read More →

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

10:20am CDT

Breaking Barriers: The Power of Licensure Flexibility in Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT

TBA

Speakers

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Licensure

11:40am CDT

Clearing the Confusion about Mandatory Reporting: 24 Hour Standard 1 vs. Background Checks

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

This session will resolve any confusion regarding mandatory Standard 1 reporting to the PLSB versus mandatory reporting of charges or arrests for disqualifying offenses. The presenters will provide a step-by-step overview of each process.

Speakers

Whitney James

Managing Attorney, Professional Licensure Standards Board, Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital

11:40am CDT

K-12 Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship: A Community-Based "Learn While You Earn" Pathway for Paraprofessionals to Become Licensed Teachers

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

In this session, you will learn about ADE's Special Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program, which aims to combat teacher shortages by developing fully licensed educators with strong ties to Arkansas communities. The apprenticeship combines practical classroom experience with coursework tailored to the specific needs of students with disabilities in Arkansas.

Speakers

Lisa Tyler

Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Licensure

11:40am CDT

Teacher Growth and Trend Data

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT

TBA

How do you know if a teacher is positively impacting student growth? The Teacher Growth and Trend Data module provides evidence toward teacher and school effectiveness and support place student placement.

Speakers

Sharlee Crowson

Educator Effectiveness Special Projects Coordinator, DESE

Sharlee Crowson has been a part of the DESE Educator Effectiveness team since 2016. During that time, she has worked in educator preparation, teacher recruitment, and educator workforce data.

Andy Sullivan

Director of Educator Effectiveness, DESE

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital

Tag Beginning Administrator

1:00pm CDT

Mentoring Manual for 2025-26

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

During this session, participants will find out about changes to the mentoring manual, including training expectations for experienced mentor teachers and changes regarding new laws.

Speakers

Stephanie Hall

Sharon Poole

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

1:00pm CDT

The Golden Rules: Your Guide to Professional Excellence and Integrity

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

This presentation will delve into educator preparation and professional development in the code of conduct for professional educators, highlighting the Arkansas Educators Code of Ethics. Attendees will explore real-world scenarios to understand the application of ethical principles in everyday educational settings. This session aims to equip educators with the knowledge and tools to maintain high standards of professional conduct and ethical behavior.

Speakers

Capri Salaam

2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Arkansas Department of Education

Capri Bell Salaam is a one-of-a-kind educator dedicated to developing the whole child. The 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Central Arkansas before beginning her career as a third-grade teacher. After completing her... Read More →

Matthew Sutherlin

Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure, Educator Effectiveness and Licensure

Wednesday July 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

3:40pm CDT

Enhancing Early Educators Preparation through HQIM

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

By integrating NIET's Teacher Learning Progression on Curriculum and structured support systems, university partners and EPPs can ensure that new teachers enter classrooms prepared to deliver high-quality instruction from day one. Our research-based approach is designed to increase the effectiveness of early-career teachers, improve student achievement, and strengthen teacher retention rates. With a focus on leveraging HQIM, this partnership enhances the alignment between educator preparation and K-12 classroom expectations, ultimately leading to better educational outcomes.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Educator Effectiveness

3:40pm CDT

Graduation, Course Codes, and What You Need To Know

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Beginning in 2026, all ninth graders - including those with disabilities - must receive instruction from conent-licensed teachers to earn credits on the regular pathway to graduation, as outlined in the Inclusive Education Implementation Timeline. Since the Timline's release in 2021, Arkansas has made progress in integrating more students with disabilities into general education settings. Despite this, the shift to linking content-licensed teachers to graduation credits for all students represents a significant change for many school districts. As a result, Districts may have questions or feel uncertain about decision-making for students with disabiltiies. This session will offer guidance on creative staffing strategies to effectively meet student needs. It will also cover key topics such as course codes, teacher licensure, grading, and how these factors influcence graduation pathways.

Speakers

Jeff Adams

SSIP Coordinator, Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Becky Bell

State Education Advisor, DESE-OSE

Lisa Tyler

Arkansas Department of Education

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

Human Capital, Licensure

3:40pm CDT

Navigating New Horizons: Your Comprehensive Licensure Plan in a Post-Waiver World

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT

TBA

Participants will share the process for applying, supporting, and completing licensure plans.

Speakers

Annette Childs

Program Coordinator for Licensure, ADE- Educator Licensure

I was an AR educator for Pulaski County Special School District for 23 years. I've taught Pre-K, Kindergarten and First grade. At the end of the 2018-19 school year, I decided it was time to seek other career opportunities in Education. July 2019, I was hired by Arkansas Department... Read More →