Teacher Education Students and Faculty Represent at National Educators Rising Conference

Students and faculty from the College of Education and Health Professions' teacher education programs recently represented the U of A at the 2026 Educators Rising National Conference.

Throughout the four-day conference this summer in Portland, Oregon, Cynthia Covington, clinical instructor of elementary education, and students Kylie Turbeville and Raegan Burgess spent time tabling, speaking and networking with thousands of attendees.

"Representing the University of Arkansas on this national stage elevates our institutional profile, allowing us to recruit premier talent into our preparation programs," Covington said. "Ultimately, this representation strengthens our teacher pipeline by inspiring future educators to establish their careers and homes here in Arkansas."

During the conference, Turbeville took part in a public speaking competition hosted by Educators Rising. These national competitions are designed to help students develop and showcase their teaching skills.

Turbeville took home a collegiate division first-place prize in the "Educators Rising Moment" category, which asked students to write and deliver a speech about moments that drew them to the teaching profession.

"I know I have a passion for education, but winning this award shows me that my passion shines so that others can see it," Turbeville said.

Turbeville's speech examined how her experiences have shaped who she hopes to become as an educator. To support future competitors, she plans to offer a competition-readiness series to help others select competitions and master their interview and presentation skills.

Educators Rising is a national organization that inspires and develops educators to become community leaders and advocates for high-quality education. The organization is made up of state or regional affiliates that can tailor and distribute its programs and resources more specifically.

Turbeville served as president of the U of A's Educators Rising chapter last year, which helps students interested in education meet other students, find professional development opportunities and volunteer in the local community.

"Being a part of Educators Rising has continuously developed my leadership skills both at the local and national level," Turbeville said. "When I bring Educators Rising to my future school, I am bringing opportunities that will open doors for future students, just as it did for me."

She said Covington has helped her build and grow their Educators Rising chapter as the group's adviser, while support from Dean Kate Mamiseishvili and the college has empowered them to reach new heights.

The trip was supported by Mamiseishvili's WE CARE strategic plan. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged by the college to develop proposals and apply for funding to implement projects that support innovative research, programming and outreach efforts. 

Burgess and Turbeville had the opportunity to speak to prospective students from around the country about their experiences in the college's teacher preparation programs.

"My hope is that through experiences like this, our students view themselves as professionals who possess the skills needed to drive meaningful change in the world," Covington said.