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Tuesday, July 15
 

11:40am CDT

Distress Tolerance: A Foundational Skill
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
In this session, participants will learn new ways to build resilience in youth by helping them to tolerate distress! Students today can benefit from clear and effective strategies for tolerating distress and discomfort. These skills can help young people to understand that a certain amount of distress and discomfort is a normal part of being human, and we have a lot of options for how we deal with this distress.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Fairchild

Nicole Fairchild

State Training Lead, Arkansas AWARE
Tuesday July 15, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
This session will provide an overview of the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy, emphasizing its significance and the role districts play in supporting students to qualify for this prestigious recognition. Participants will explore the benefits of earning the Seal of Biliteracy and discuss strategies for helping students meet the qualifications, ensuring they are prepared to achieve this important milestone.
Speakers
avatar for Martha Reynolds

Martha Reynolds

Assistant Principal/Seal of Biliteracy Committee, Maumelle High School/PCSSD
Hi! My name is Martha Reynolds. I am an Assistant Principal at Maumelle High School. I am a past president of AFLTA (Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association) and I currently serve on the committee for the Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy. Please ask me about the Seal of Biliteracy... Read More →
avatar for Maria Touchstone

Maria Touchstone

State Director of ESOL Programs, DESE
Maria is a veteran classroom teacher and administrator with over 30 years of experience in education.  Maria has a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in educational leadership.  Maria is the state director of ESOL programs in Arkansas and the Title III Coordinat... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Novotny

Kristen Novotny

Committee Chair, Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy
Kristen has been a Spanish teacher at Springdale High School for 25 years and currently teaches Bilingual Community Service Learning and Spanish for Professions. She served as President of the Arkansas Foreign Language Teachers Association (AFLTA) during the 2017 pilot of the Biliteracy... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

De-escalation Curve
Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
In this one-hour preview, we’ll dive into the process of escalation and de-escalation—what it looks like, why it happens, and how to respond effectively. When students face trauma, chaos, or inconsistency, emotional regulation becomes difficult. This session offers practical tools (not quick fixes) to help educators de-escalate challenging moments and support students in returning to a regulated state. Learn how real, lasting change begins in the moment.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Fairchild

Nicole Fairchild

State Training Lead, Arkansas AWARE
Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

3:40pm CDT

Building Capacity in School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports: The Journey from THRIVE to BX3
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Discover the evolution of school-wide positive behavior supports as we explore the journey from THRIVE to BX3. THRIVE Leader Academy focuses on collaboration, dta-driven decision making, and building effective multi-tiered systems of support for behavior and mental health. Through participating in the BX3 Project, building-level teams further develop these systems with coaching provided by the Arkansas Behavior Support Specialists to enahance capacity and sutainability. Join us as we hear from THRIVING Arkansans, Bryant Elemnentary, and their journey with THRIVE and BX3, highlighting both successess and challenges. Gain valuable insights on how to strengthen your school's approach to positive behavior supports, improve discipline strategies, and create a more supportive learning environment for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Mask

Angela Mask

Principal / Retirement Consultant, Bryant Public Schools / Educators Benefit Specialists LLC
avatar for Kameron Ervin

Kameron Ervin

Assistant Principal, Bryant Public Schools/Little Rock School District
avatar for Sonia Hartsfield

Sonia Hartsfield

Arkansas Behavior Support Specialist
Sonia holds a Master's degree in Education and is certified in both Elementary Education and School Counseling.  She has worked in the field of education for over 21 years. Sonia has obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, further enhancing her expertise... Read More →
avatar for Russ Sherrill

Russ Sherrill

THRIVE Director, ADE - Office of District Operations
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA

3:40pm CDT

Career Readiness & Student Success Plans: Streamlining Systems for Internal Coherence
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
Join us for an engaging one-hour session designed to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to create dynamic Student Success Plans (SSPs). Learn how to guide students along pathways to graduation, address accelerated learning opportunities, tackle academic deficits, and incorporate college and career planning components. This interactive training will provide practical strategies and resources to help students achieve readiness for college, career, and community engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact on your student's future!
Speakers
avatar for Ross White

Ross White

State CTE Director, Arkansas Department of Education
Ross White, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), brings a wealth of CTE experience and knowledge to the division. Before serving as vice principal at Siloam Springs High School, a position he has held since July 2019, White was the director of the school’s CTE program... Read More →
avatar for Lupe Pena de Martinez

Lupe Pena de Martinez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE
Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandria, Jalisco, México. Recently celebrating her 26-year anniversary as an Arkansan, having moved to the Natural State in July 1998, by way of California. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 3:40pm - 4:40pm CDT
TBA
 
Wednesday, July 16
 

10:20am CDT

Career Readiness & Student Success Plans: Streamlining Systems for Internal Coherence
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Join us for an engaging one-hour session designed to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to create dynamic Student Success Plans (SSPs). Learn how to guide students along pathways to graduation, address accelerated learning opportunities, tackle academic deficits, and incorporate college and career planning components. This interactive training will provide practical strategies and resources to help students achieve readiness for college, career, and community engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact on your student's future!
Speakers
avatar for Mary Beck

Mary Beck

Regional Specialist, DCTE
avatar for Lupe Pena de Martinez

Lupe Pena de Martinez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE
Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandria, Jalisco, México. Recently celebrating her 26-year anniversary as an Arkansan, having moved to the Natural State in July 1998, by way of California. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful... Read More →
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

10:20am CDT

Essentials of MTSS Tier One for Behavior and Mental Health (Barriers of implementation of MTSS - Tier I Behavior and Mental Health)
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
This session will focus on some barriers that may prevent the successful implementation of MTSS in districts with a focus on Tier I Behavior and Mental Health. Attendees will learn some of the pitfalls discussed in research and practical experience from the presenters.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Watson

Michael Watson

Behavior Support, Office of Coordinated Support and Service
avatar for Russ Sherrill

Russ Sherrill

THRIVE Director, ADE - Office of District Operations
Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

11:40am CDT

Behavior Boost: Practical Tools to Empower Every Educator
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
You don’t have to be a behavior expert to make a difference—just empowered with the right tools. This engaging presentation will equip educators with easy-to-use, research-based strategies to support positive student behavior. Attendees will leave with practical tools they can implement immediately to boost classroom success, build stronger relationships, and create a more positive learning environment for all students.
Speakers
Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm CDT
TBA
 
Thursday, July 17
 

10:20am CDT

Diplomas Don’t Happen Overnight: Building Student Success Early
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
A strong student success plan drives higher graduation rates. This session covers how intentional course offerings, holistic support, and strategic enrollment decisions keep students on track from middle to high school. Learn how to create seamless pathways that engage students and reduce dropout rates. Walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen student outcomes.
Speakers
avatar for Brooke McCain

Brooke McCain

Director of Monitoring & Accreditation, DESE
Rooted in Arkansas, Brooke is deeply committed to transforming the state to a national leader in student-focused education. She specializes in school improvement and is a leading expert in accreditation and monitoring. She currently heads the statewide on-site monitoring initiative... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Jeanie Johnson

Dr. Jeanie Johnson

PSA Coordinator of Special Projects, DESE
As Coordinator of Special Projects within the Office of Public School Accountability, I work alongside my team to support school districts across Arkansas in understanding and fulfilling their responsibilities under state and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Our unit provides... Read More →
avatar for Lupe Pena de Martinez

Lupe Pena de Martinez

Director of Student Support Services, ADE-DESE
Lupe Peña de Martínez is a native of San Diego de Alejandria, Jalisco, México. Recently celebrating her 26-year anniversary as an Arkansan, having moved to the Natural State in July 1998, by way of California. Her husband, Adelso, is a native of Belize and they have a beautiful... Read More →
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

10:20am CDT

Improving the Relationship between DCFS and Arkansas School Districts
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
Children in folster care face unique educational challenges and nedd stability to succeed academically. By partnering with local communities and the Department of Human Services (DHS), we can improve the academic outcomes for these students. This presentation will provide an overview of relevant state and federal laws, as well as guide you on how to access resources that support youth in care.
Speakers
avatar for David Terrell

David Terrell

Public School Program Coordinator, ADE
David Terrell earned his bachelor’s degree in politics from the prestigious University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, before returning home to Arkansas to bring his heart’s passion to help children through his work. David has immersed himself in both the research and practices... Read More →
avatar for Amber Sartain

Amber Sartain

Assistant Director Policy, Practice, and Training, Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services
Thursday July 17, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

Collaborative Presentation Amongst Child Welfare Stakeholders
Thursday July 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
In this session, professionals from the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will discuss how child maltreatment cases are confirmed, and how many others often go unreported. This course is designed to equip educators with the tools they need to prevent, recognize, and report child abuse and neglect within their districts.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Sartain

Amber Sartain

Assistant Director Policy, Practice, and Training, Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services
DM

Dan Mack

Crimes Against Children Division Child Abuse Hotline Administrator, Arkansas State Police
Thursday July 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA

1:00pm CDT

Present and Accounted For: Solutions to Chronic Attendance Issues
Thursday July 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Does your school experience issues with student attendance? How are student attendance issues impacting student achievement? Join us to enhance your understanding of the difference between ADA and chronic absenteeism, the correlation between attendance and student achievement, developing an attendance team, and then supporting chronic absenteeism in a multi-tiered approach through goal setting and strategies. Planning now for the fall to support student and staff attendance is vital for student achievement.
Speakers
avatar for Roger Guevara

Roger Guevara

ERZ Director / Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership, Southern Arkansas University
Reach out to me to discuss:1) Doctoral program at Southern Arkansas University2) District-Level Educational Leadership3) Campus-Level Educational Leadership4) Arkansas Education Renewal Zones5) Program Evaluation6) School Improvement Plans 7) Your Research Interests
avatar for Dr. Tracie Jones

Dr. Tracie Jones

ERZ Director, Office of ERZ at UAM
Office of ERZProfessional Learning CommunitiesArkansas Tutoring CorpsCurriculum Alignment Essential SkillsAssessment Proficiency ScalesCollaborative Teams
Thursday July 17, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA
 
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