ADE Summit 2025

Dr. Taryn Echols serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Hot Springs School District. She has been in the HSSD for eleven years.  In her current role, she oversees streamlining curricular opportunities for teachers and students to build innovative practices across the district. She is responsible for all teaching and learning, professional development, and other projects as assigned. Dr. Echols has 17 years of educational experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal at the K-12 level. Her passion, focus on students, dynamic personality, and commitment to education are qualities that make her an effective leader. She believes in the success of all students and engages in collaborative work with the entire school community to achieve success. Her goal is to always contribute wherever she serves through dedication, integrity, and hard work. She is committed to continue working to empower the HSSD staff to lead servantly and create the best educational experience for the students of HSSD.Dr. Echols serves on the Arkansas Association of Curriculum and Instruction Administrators Board.  She was awarded the AACIA Administrator of the Year award for the 2020-2021 school year. She serves on the National Park College Foundation Board and  Arkansas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Board.  Dr. Echols has completed the Leadership Hot Springs class of XXXV, The Arkansas Leadership Academy’s (ALA) Executive Leader Empowerment (ELE), and the Arkansas Center for Executive Leadership Leader to Leader Curriculum Cohort.  She was selected to work on the Arkansas LEARNS Teaching and Learning Accountability workgroup and contributes to the profession through various speaking engagements, panel discussions, and workgroups.   Dr. Echols earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Harding University, a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Arkansas, and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership P-20 from Harding University.  She serves as an adjunct professor at Harding University and is an educational consultant. She is married to Rodney Echols, Director of Athletics, Maintenance, and Transportation for the HSSD, they have two children in grades 3 and 8 who attend school at the HSSD..