The University of Arkansas launched the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 1997. Since then, the program has prepared more than 3,000 educators for classrooms in Arkansas and beyond. A celebration of the program's 20th anniversary is planned April 22 on campus.

Graduates, mentor teachers, U of A faculty and staff members and anyone else involved or interested in the program are invited to attend from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn of Peabody Hall.

The celebration includes a short program, barbecue luncheon and live music. For more information, contact the Office of Teacher Education at 479-575-6073 or teach-ed@uark.edu. RSVPs are appreciated. You can also learn more by visiting a group Facebook page where M.A.T. graduates and faculty members have been posting pictures from their time in the program.

The College of Education and Health Professions is also bringing a special speaker to campus as part of the anniversary celebration. Carol Ann Tomlinson, a professor of education at the University of Virginia, is a national expert on differentiated instruction. She will give a talk titled "Every Single One: From Student to Classroom to School to Community" at 7 p.m. April 13 in Giffels Auditorium in Old Main. Her talk is free and open to the public.