The College of Education and Health Professions recently hosted in Fayetteville 19 delegates from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, continuing a better-together-themed partnership focused on preparing "day-one-ready" teachers for Arkansas.

UAPB Dean Kimberley Davis, along with six faculty members and a dozen students from her university's teacher education program, spent two packed days learning together, visiting teacher preparation classrooms, networking with U of A Fayetteville students and faculty and touring Northwest Arkansas schools.

College of Education and Health Professions Dean Kate Mamiseishvili first met Davis in 2022, when they were both new deans at their respective land-grand institutions. Mamiseishvili and several faculty and staff members had visited Pine Bluff on a "Listening and Learning Tour" as part of the college's WE CARE initiative.

Mamiseishvili and Davis quickly realized that collaborating would benefit teacher candidates from both universities and drive innovation. The "better together" partnership allows both teacher preparation programs to better address the unique challenges and strengths of different regions in Arkansas. A united effort ensures that all future educators receive high-quality training and resources regardless of location.

"It was exciting to have UAPB colleagues and students on campus again this year," Mamiseishvili said. "Every time we have the opportunity to collaborate, we learn something new that benefits both our teacher education programs and the students we serve. We are deeply committed to doing the hard work to ensure we prepare 'day-one-ready' teachers for the state of Arkansas."

Davis said the partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in educator preparation. "By bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise, we are strengthening our commitment to equipping future teachers with the skills and confidence they need for Arkansas classrooms," she said.

Davis noted that working together creates an even stronger educational foundation. "Through this collaboration, we are committed to changing the lives of children — one teacher at a time. Through dedication, preparation and passion, we empower future educators to make a lasting impact in every classroom and every community," she said.

The visit kicked off with a deep dive into strategies for teaching in a time of change in education, attended by students and faculty from both universities. Davis and Suzanne Kucharczyk, head of the College of Education and Health Professions' Department and Curriculum and Instruction, led the discussion, sharing state-level student and teacher data and relevant state initiatives, as well as strategies on how to stay informed and engaged. Kristi Mascher, a teaching assistant professor and programming coordinator for the College of Education and Health Professions literacy clinic, presented about time management skills and personal wellness as an educator. The lunch and learn ended with an open discussion about the profession's real-world challenges and solutions.

"Students across our institutions are deeply invested in their communities and the future of their professions," Kucharczyk said. "Their shared commitment to their current students and future students inspires us to continue to work across our institutions to create more innovative opportunities for them."

A networking dinner allowed students and faculty to get to know one another personally and strengthen connections.

UAPB students and faculty visited two schools in Springdale: Don Tyson School of Innovation and Jim D. Rollins School of Innovation.

JL Jennings, director of field placement for future teachers in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, said that at Don Tyson School of Innovation, the group learned about the school's innovative model and competency-based grading system. "They also heard more about how industry is integrated within the building and learned from students about the impact of earning various certifications or an associate's degree while earning their high school diploma," he said.

Don Tyson is a public conversion charter school for students in grades 6-12. All students are required to take "College and Career Readiness" classes every year. Assistant Principal Tom Doppe said students are not defined by a letter grade but rather by their understanding of the concepts taught. Lunch was provided by second-year culinary arts program students.

At Rollins, guests learned about the school's innovative model for an elementary school, including how they educate in an open-space environment.

Karmen Bell, who teaches in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, helped facilitate the UAPB visit to Fayetteville.

"We are always better together," she said. "University collaboration is vital in advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and addressing complex challenges in teacher education. By pooling our expertise, resources and diverse perspectives, not only can we create community between our institutions, but we can also uncover solutions that would be difficult to achieve in isolation."

She said plans are already in the works to connect U of A and UAPB teacher candidates, faculty and staff on the UAPB campus.

"I am excited about the prospect of future collaboration and look forward to the opportunity to work together again," she said.