Episode 3 of AAEA: The Voice is out now!
In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, is joined by Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent of Bentonville School District, and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent of Bryant School District, for a conversation on leadership, growth, and the realities of stepping into the superintendent role. Together, they reflect on the path to leadership, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience in every role, seeking out mentorship, and building strong operational and financial understanding along the way. The discussion explores what it takes to lead with confidence, even before feeling fully prepared, and how systems thinking and continuous learning shape effective administrators. The conversation also highlights the human side of leadership, including the role of emotional intelligence, the need for direct and sometimes difficult conversations, and the importance of staying grounded in core values under pressure. They share practical insights on communicating with school boards, navigating unpopular decisions, and managing the constant problem-solving that comes with the role. They look ahead to emerging challenges, including the impact of AI in education, and what future leaders need to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.
The National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA) announced its 2026 State Leadership Recipients at this week’s NAFEPA Conference. Several Arkansas administrators were honored this year, including Sharon Chuculate, Financial Services Coordinator for the Arkansas Association of Education Administrators; Lea Metcalf-McDonald, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for the Texarkana Arkansas School District; and Kristopher Williams, Assistant Superintendent of Federal Programs for the Jonesboro School District.
AAESP hosted an Aspiring Principal Workshop on March 4, 2026, at the Conway Public Schools Administrative Annex. Trainers were Shavon Jackson, Crawford Elementary Principal, Russellville School District, and Carise Echols, Theodore Jones Elementary Principal, Conway School District.
The Arkansas Association of Federal Coordinators is pleased to announce the 2026 AAFC Spring Conference, Seeds of Success: Growing Stronger Federal Programs, will be hosted on April 29 - May 1 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. See more details and register here: https://bit.ly/4lsAXUE
The Arkansas Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP) sponsored an "Aspiring Principals Workshop" today at Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative . Mr. Justin Swope was the trainer, and Dr. Jeff Wasem, Dr. Lynn Faught, Dr. Jeff Flanigan, and Mrs. Shannon Cantrell served on a Principal Panel for these aspiring leaders.
This year’s AACIA Conference focused on feedback as the engine for continuous improvement for both students and educators. As we conclude today’s event, the AACIA Board extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Mario Acosta for sharing powerful insights on building a schoolwide culture of feedback to ensure student growth.
Join us for the 2026 AAEA Summer Conference, Vision to Impact: Be the Change, on July 27-29, 2026, at the Statehouse Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, AR. The event will feature keynote speakers, over one hundred breakout sessions from inspiring educational leaders, an exhibit hall, and hospitality events. View more details and register here: bit.ly/4u6PTeY
Congratulations to Traci Chudy and Tonya Whitworth, recipients of this year’s AAGEA scholarships!
Today, gifted educators from across Arkansas came together for the AAGEA Conference, Elevate Excellence: Leading in the Modern GT Landscape. Krystal Nail from the DESE Office of Accelerated Learning and Gifted Education provided valuable updates, and acclaimed speaker Todd Nesloney inspired attendees with his powerful message. It was a day full of learning, collaboration, and inspiration for our GT leaders.
A huge thank you to Mr. Justin Neel for showing us around Caddo Hills High School and highlighting the incredible CTE programs they offer! These programs are empowering students with valuable skills and providing the foundation they need for success in college, careers, and beyond!
There's still one day left to register in advance for next week’s Arkansas Association of Gifted Education Administrators (AAGEA) Conference! Onsite registration will also be available. View details and register here: https://members.theaaea.org/event/25AAGEA
Dr. Nathan Morris, Superintendent of Cross County School District, has been named the 2026 AASA Superintendent of the Year! Through his vision and leadership, Dr. Morris continues to set a high standard for excellence and achievement in Arkansas. Congratulations, Dr. Morris!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2025
AAEA Announces New Executive Director
Little Rock, AR – The Arkansas Educational Administrator Association (AAEA), a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting educational administrators, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan Duncan as its new Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025.
Dr. Duncan brings over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and organizational management, most recently serving as Assistant Superintendent of Conway Public Schools. With a strong track record of advocating for education leaders and championing students, she is poised to lead the organization into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Duncan to the AAEA,” said Stacy DeFoor, President of the AAEA Board. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s educational leaders, and we are confident her vision and leadership will strengthen our impact across the state.”
Dr. Duncan succeeds Dr. Mike Hernandez, who has served as Executive Director since 2020 and will become the Superintendent of Hot Springs School District at the end of June.
“It has been an honor to lead this organization for the past five years,” said Dr. Hernandez. “I have had the privilege of working with incredible people who are committed to supporting educational excellence. I can’t imagine a better successor than Dr. Duncan—she brings passion, insight, and a collaborative spirit that will serve our members well.”
AAEA has long been a trusted resource and advocate for educational administrators, offering professional development, policy guidance, and peer support to leaders across the education spectrum. Under Dr. Duncan’s leadership, the organization plans to expand its outreach and programming to further empower administrators to lead with confidence and clarity.
For more information, visit www.theaaea.org
Media Contact:
Alyse Mattox
Communications and Technology Specialist
a.mattox@theaaea.org
501-372-1691
Congratulations to David McClure of Woodlawn Junior High in Fayetteville! Mr. McClure is the AAMLA Middle Level Principal of the Year.
Congratulations to Dr. Jonathon Guthrie of Bentonville West High School. Dr.Guthrie is the AASSP Principal of the year!
Congratulations to Tressie Fowler, Principal at Danville High School! She is the 2025 Above and Beyond Award winner sponsored by Lifetouch and AAESP. Go Little Johns!
Congratulations to Crystal Carranco at Stagecoach Elementary in the Cabot School District for being named the 2025 AAESP Assistant Principal of the Year! #The_AAEA
We have a packed house of School Business Officials in Conway receiving financial training and updates. #AASBO
Kicking off the 2024 AAEA Fall Conference with Dr. Nikki Edge and Dr. Allison Smith from UAMS!
Wonderful morning at the ribbon cutting of the Lee County School District Teacher Housing Project. Congratulations to Superintendent Stone and the Lee County community!
