More than 120 educators, administrators and education leaders gathered in downtown Pine Bluff on June 18 for the Arkansas Delta Teacher Summit — a daylong professional development event designed to empower and inspire the region’s educators ahead of the upcoming school year.
Hosted by Go Forward Pine Bluff, the summit featured a powerful lineup of learning sessions, networking opportunities and policy discussions spread across two dynamic venues: the Main Library and The Generator.
“Go Forward Pine Bluff has remained steadfast with our time and financial resources to support education in Pine Bluff,” Go Forward CEO Ryan Watley said. “We have raised and invested more than $1 million since 2017 because we understand the vital link between educational excellence and a thriving economy.”
Attendees explored timely topics ranging from instructional innovation to mental health and certification support.
Notable sessions included: Bell to Bell, No Cell by Kimberly Shaw, University of Arkansas Office of Education Policy; Mental Health Matters by Amanda Kuttenkuler, Arkansas Rural Health Academy; Instructional Strategies for Today’s Classroom by Jennifer Thomas, National Board Certified teacher; Building a Rapport that Resonates by Alexandria Slater, Sylvan Hills Junior High; Create Your Own Scholarship by Ouida McAfee of Mississippi’s Coahoma Community College; and Merit Pay by Capri Salaam and Sharlee Crowson and Arkansas Department of Education.
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Jherrithan Dukes provided a keynote address outlining actionable strategies to increase merit pay awardees in the Delta.
Additional sessions addressed leadership, policy and practical implementation.
An Educator Preparation Panel included Debbie Dailey of the University of Central Arkansas; Kimberly Davis of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Kim Level of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, and Neelie Dobbins.
Superintendents Keith McGee of the Watson Chapel School District and Jennifer Barbaree of the Pine Bluff School District offered perspectives on state education policy and leadership development.
State Reps. Ken Ferguson and Glenn Barnes Sr., both D-Pine Bluff, and Rep. Jessie McGruder, D-Marion, led a legislative update session focused on new laws impacting Arkansas classrooms.
From a complimentary Chick-fil-A breakfast to a celebratory Happy Hour sponsored by MK Distributors, the summit created a festive and supportive environment.
Oasis Catering provided lunch, and a live DJ energized the midday break and closing celebration.
Go Forward also awarded $10,000 in classroom grants as a way to support excellence in local classrooms and reward outstanding teachers.
The Arkansas Delta Teacher Summit welcomed a diverse mix of educators, superintendents, policy leaders and rising teachers.
Together, they fulfilled the summit’s mission: To bring a powerful day of education, strategy, and celebration to the dedicated educators of the Arkansas Delta.
For more information or to get involved in future education initiatives, visit www.goforwardpb.org.
