The College of Education and Health Professions recently hosted education professionals from across the state for a Teacher Advocacy Forum designed to elevate the voices of professional educators and discuss issues that matter most to classroom teachers.

Teachers, state leaders, higher education administrators, policymakers, leaders of educational professional organizations and advocacy groups and more gathered for a day-long exploration of the state of teaching in Arkansas.

The idea for the forum was sparked by U of A Dean Emeritus Reed Greenwood, who provided financial support for the event that directly supported teachers in their participation. Greenwood opened the day by stressing the importance of banding together to improve education in Arkansas.

"In many ways, our teachers are indeed the bedrock of our culture, our economy and our democracy," Greenwood remarked in his welcome address. "We're here to reimagine the teacher experience and its impact on families and schools."

Greenwood felt the day's structure provided a great way to gather direct input from teachers that would benefit teacher preparation in the future. He left encouraged about the "fresh start" the forum provided and excited about the opportunity for the college's Departments of Education Reform and Curriculum and Instruction to continue partnering together.

The first half of the day focused on presenting data and information on the current state of Arkansas education.

Gema Zamarro and Josh McGee, endowed professors in the College of Education and Health Professions' Department of Education Reform, presented their research into Arkansas' teacher pipeline and the impacts of recent statewide policy changes.

Representatives from the Tennessee Education Research Alliance and Southern Regional Education Board followed with data about teacher satisfaction gathered from across the South to help visualize how Arkansas stacks up within the broader geographic region.

In a "Teachers Lounge" panel featuring award-winning national and Arkansas-based teachers, attendees gained insights into what teachers feel is working in the classroom and what could be changed to help benefit both the student and teacher experience. The panel featured:

• Beau McCastlain, Arkansas Teacher of the Year from DeQueen
• Ashley Post, Arkansas Milken Educator from Greenbrier
• Ruth Taylor, Arkansas Council for Exceptional Children Teacher of the Year from Clinton
• Missy Testerman, Council of Chief State School Officers National Teacher of the Year from Rogersville, Tennessee
• Jamie Stearns, District Teacher of the Year from Benton

The panel fielded questions from facilitators Michael Tapee, a Milken Award winner and instructional leader at Springdale Public Schools, and Christy Smith, assistant professor of practice in educational leadership, on their perspectives on threats to education, the impact of quality leadership on teacher support, how to best care for students and more.

"It's important to recognize that [students] have a lot more going on than my literacy lesson," Post said. "If you're there for them and you're consistent with them, you can start building that bridge to the content." 

The day's second half presented opportunities for reflection and strategic planning, led by Christine Ralston, a teaching associate professor and assistant department head in the college's Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

The day ended with a session designed to "capture commitment" from the forum's attendees.

Chris Goering, professor of English education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, and Kimberley Davis, dean of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's School of Education, led participants in examining and sharing personal and collective commitments to action in support of teachers and education.

"The forum was intended as a catalyst for action and advocacy for our teaching profession through shared understanding of what is known and to connect with those individuals and groups impacting teachers across the state," shared Suzanne Kucharczyk, associate professor of special education and head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. "We will be expanding that circle of impact to others as we put our commitments into action."

"It was a day full of uplifting conversations to empower teachers and advocate for their well-being and strength," Dean Kate Mamiseishvili said. "I appreciate the support from Dean Emeritus Greenwood and the efforts of our faculty and staff who made this day possible."

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction has made the forum's slides available to those interested in reviewing them. In addition, participants can access a badge to use as a token of commitment in celebration of #LoveTeaching week, Feb. 14-21.