Congratulations to Dr. Kelli Martin, Deputy Superintendent for the Greenbrier School District, on being named the 2026 Arkansas Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (AACTEA) Administrator of the Year! Dr. Megan Duncan, AAEA Executive Director, and Mike Mertens, AAEA Consultant, presented Dr. Martin with the award at her district on May 12, 2026.
5 months ago, The AAEA
Join us at Searcy High School on June 11, 2026, for the second annual ASPMA Custodial Conference! This event features breakout sessions from industry professionals, forklift operator training, and the opportunity to earn Certified Facilities Director (CFD) credits. View the full details and register here:
https://bit.ly/4tVOOpu 5 months ago, The AAEA
Join us at the Benton Event Center on June 9-10 for the 2026 AASEA Conference, At the Intersection: Leading with Purpose, Clarity, and Support! Participants will explore practical strategies, exchange ideas, and strengthen practices that make a meaningful impact in special education. See more details and register here:
https://bit.ly/4e15J5w5 months ago, The AAEA
The 2026 AAEA School Law and Finance Conference will be held on June 1, 2026, at the Veterans Park Community Center in Cabot, AR, and via livestream! See more details and register here:
https://bit.ly/4mIKBmz5 months ago, The AAEA
Thank you to all the incredible women who joined us over the past few days to celebrate the strength, impact, and inspiration of female leadership!
5 months ago, The AAEA
Join us in person or virtually for the 30th Annual Joint Leadership Conference on May 5 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. This year’s program will focus on relevant and timely topics impacting today’s schools, with opportunities to learn, engage, and connect with education leaders from across the state.
View more details and register here:
https://bit.ly/4vtJtY56 months ago, The AAEA
Special thanks to Principal Justin Neel at Caddo Hills Academy for giving us a tour this week! Caddo Academy has transformed their small campus into a hub for CTE programming offering 11 career pathways on campus and even more through local/regional partnerships. The Academy's focus creates an engaging learning environment for students while exposing them to potential career paths and expectations after high school.
6 months ago, The AAEA
AASBO members and sponsors spent their Spring Break in Alexandria, Virginia learning and laughing with friends from across the southeast US at the annual SASBO conference.
6 months ago, The AAEA
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.
6 months ago, The AAEA
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.
7 months ago, The AAEA
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.
7 months ago, The AAEA
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/4lsAXUE7 months ago, The AAEA
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.
7 months ago, The AAEA
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.
7 months ago, The AAEA
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
7 months ago, The AAEA
Congratulations to Traci Chudy and Tonya Whitworth, recipients of this year’s AAGEA scholarships!
12 months ago, The AAEA
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.
12 months ago, The AAEA
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!
12 months ago, The AAEA
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/25AAGEAabout 1 year ago, The AAEA
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!
about 1 year ago, The AAEA
