escWorks

Keynote session - presenter: Brian Buffington

For SWAEC Professional Development Consortium member districts, the fee for this session has been waived. Members and non-members will be assessed a “no show” fee if you register and do not attend. In the event of cancellation, registrants will be notified by email (address tied to escWorks) and no one will be charged a fee.

Strong reading comprehension starts long before a student encounters a text—it begins with what they already know. This session will explore the critical role background knowledge plays in helping elementary students make sense of what they read. Participants will discover practical strategies to activate and build students' prior knowledge, making reading more meaningful and accessible. Join us to learn how to turn knowledge gaps into learning opportunities and set your students up for reading success!

Presenter: Kelly Cornelius

Managing emails, parent communication, and student feedback can be overwhelming—but AI can help! This session will introduce teachers to practical AI tools that simplify daily tasks, from crafting professional emails to writing thoughtful student comments on report cards. Participants will explore how AI can assist with organization, improve efficiency, and enhance communication with parents and colleagues. Walk away with hands-on strategies to save time, reduce stress, and focus more on what truly matters—teaching and connecting with students!

Presenter: Vicki Jewell

In this session, participants will explore how all the components of the instructional cycle—standards, planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and data-driven decision-making—work together to enhance student learning. We will examine the critical role of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in supporting each stage of the cycle. Participants will engage in discussions and activities designed to strengthen their understanding of how to effectively use PLCs to drive continuous improvement. By the end of the session, educators will have actionable strategies to ensure alignment between instruction and student outcomes, maximizing the impact of high-quality instructional materials and best teaching practices. 

Presenter: Yamicii Wilson

In this session, teachers and librarians will meet with the SWAEC Student Enrichment Specialist and discuss the many Student Enrichment opportunities that are available for students in the SWAEC consortium. Enrichment opportunities such as Reading Fair, Battle of the Books, Specialty Quiz Bowls, and other student events will be discussed and planned for the upcoming school year. K-12 Classroom teachers, Librarians, and GT Coordinators. 

Presenter: Chad Morris

In this hands-on session, you’ll explore practical, real-world ways to integrate AI into your teaching workflow—from generating high-quality lesson resources in seconds to crafting differentiated learning materials with ease. You'll also discover time-saving hacks to reduce grading time, create engaging student activities, and tackle those never-ending to-do lists without sacrificing quality or creativity.

Presenter: David Hampton

In this session, participants will explore the criteria, expectations, and pathways for earning Lead and Master designations within the Arkansas Career Continuum. We will focus on how these esteemed designations can be leveraged to support beginning teachers and enhance student achievement. Join the conversation as we unlock the potential of educators and elevate outcomes for all students.

Presenter: Vicki Jewell

In this professional development session, math teachers will explore how to effectively implement the CRA approach in their classrooms. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that progress through the three stages—Concrete (using manipulatives), Representational (drawing models), and Abstract (using symbols and numbers)—to support student learning.
By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources to enhance their math instruction and improve student outcomes.

Presenter: Yamicii Wilson

Identifying students who may need dyslexia interventions can be challenging, even for experienced educators. This one-hour professional development session will equip teachers with the knowledge to recognize early warning signs and understand the referral process.

Presenter: Kelly Cornelius

"Don't have opinions... have data!
In this session, we will explore effective strategies for data collection in the classroom and discuss how teachers can use this data to inform and improve their instructional practices. Participants will learn about various types of classroom data, tools for collecting and analyzing this data, and methods for applying the insights gained to enhance student learning outcomes."

Presenter: Katlin Niemeyer

In this session, participants will gain a clear definition of what differentiation is and why it is so important in today’s classroom. Participants will also receive training on how to differentiate through process, content, and product. We will also dive into the definition of what a twice exceptional student is. Strategies and resources will be shared that teachers can add to their toolboxes used to meet the needs of these extraordinary students. 6 Hours. K-12 Classroom teachers, GT Teachers.

Presenter: Chad Morris

Ready to take control of your digital classroom like a pro? Whether you're a Google Classroom newbie or just looking for game-changing hacks, this session will show you how to simplify your workflow, engage students, and save precious time! We’ll break down the must-know features, explore powerful shortcuts, and reveal insider tips that make managing assignments, communication, and grading a breeze. Say goodbye to digital chaos and hello to a smoother, smarter way to teach—let’s unlock the full potential of Google Classroom together! ??

Presenter: David Hampton

In today's diverse educational landscape, fostering meaningful student discourse is essential for enhancing learning and promoting critical thinking. This workshop is designed for educators seeking to create an interactive classroom environment where students feel empowered to share their ideas, ask questions, and engage in collaborative discussions. Join us for this dynamic workshop to equip yourself with the tools and strategies necessary to promote engaging student discourse in your classroom, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and enhanced learning experiences for all students.

Instructor: Kendra Powers

Inference is a critical component of reading comprehension, but do your students know how to make the right connections? In this one-hour professional development session, participants will define inference and explore how identifying the two types of necessary inferences enhances comprehension across grade levels.

Instructor: Kelly Cornelius

keynote session: presenter: Daryl Williams, Jr.

For SWAEC Professional Development Consortium member districts, the fee for this session has been waived. Members and non-members will be assessed a “no show” fee if you register and do not attend. In the event of cancellation, registrants will be notified by email (address tied to escWorks) and no one will be charged a fee.

This presentation explores the crucial role of oral language in early childhood development and its direct impact on reading skills. It highlights how strong verbal communication builds the foundation for literacy, cognitive growth, and social-emotional development. Attendees will learn about the roles parents, caregivers, and educators play in fostering language-rich environments, as well as effective strategies to enhance oral language skills. The session will conclude with an overview of the long-term benefits of strong oral language abilities, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and consistent support.

Presenter: Katlin Niemeyer

This session will cover the basics of adverse childhood experiences and the importance of building resilience as a preventative measure. Educators will also learn how to view their classroom and students from a trauma informed viewpoint.

Presenter: Misty Bracken

Inference is a critical component of reading comprehension, but do your students know how to make the right connections? In this one-hour professional development session, participants will define inference and explore how identifying the two types of necessary inferences enhances comprehension across grade levels.

Presenter: Kelly Cornelius

In this professional development session, math teachers will explore how to effectively implement the CRA approach in their classrooms. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that progress through the three stages—Concrete (using manipulatives), Representational (drawing models), and Abstract (using symbols and numbers)—to support student learning.
By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use resources to enhance their math instruction and improve student outcomes.

Instructor: Yamicii Wilson

R.I.S.K. (Recognition of Impairment from Substances in K-12) is a comprehensive training program designed to educate school personnel, healthcare providers, and stakeholders about substance abuse in the K-12 school setting. The training provides an overview of common substances, their effects, and the signs and symptoms of impairment. It emphasizes early recognition, intervention strategies, and structured protocols to support students at risk.

Presenter: Lori  Arnette

Managing student behavior effectively can be challenging, but AI tools can offer innovative solutions to support your classroom management strategies. In this session, educators will learn how AI can help track student behavior, identify patterns, and provide personalized interventions. We’ll explore tools that help create a positive classroom environment, foster student engagement, and improve overall behavior. By integrating AI into your classroom, you’ll gain valuable insights that allow you to proactively address issues, build stronger relationships, and create a more harmonious learning space for all students. TESS Domain 2, 3c, 4b, 4f

Presenter: Vicki Jewell 

Enjoy a little self care with art therapy! Together we will create an art project that focuses on social emotional learning. In addition, I will offer tips and tricks on how you can alter the art project from SEL to a cross-curriculum lesson for your classroom. 

Presenter: Marci Clinton

Unlock the potential of your science classroom with our workshop on Phenomenal Science Teaching! This interactive session will immerse educators in three-dimensional instructional strategies designed to captivate students and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts. By incorporating anchoring phenomena, disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and cross-cutting concepts, you will learn how to create a rich learning environment that promotes inquiry and exploration.

Instructor: Kendra Powers

In this hands-on session, you’ll discover how ChatGPT can transform the way you collect, interpret, and utilize data in your school or district. Learn how to use AI for:
Analyzing student achievement data to identify trends and gaps

Generating reports and summaries in seconds

Streamlining communication and documentation for improved efficiency

Enhancing administrative workflows, from scheduling to policy development

Presenter: David Hampton

This interactive professional development session introduces the Ketchup, Mustard, and Mayo framework as a bell-to-bell engagement strategy for classrooms across all grade levels. Educators will learn how to differentiate instruction, maximize learning time, and provide students with clear and purposeful tasks throughout the class period. Participants will explore strategies for structuring lessons effectively and engage in hands-on activities to design their own lesson plans using this method. Whether teaching elementary, middle, or high school students, this framework provides adaptable strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

Presenters: Katlin Niemeyer, Yamicii Wilson

Before addressing behaviors or implementing discipline, co-regulation should occur. Session participants will learn strategies for self regulation that can also be applied with their students as big behaviors arise. These strategies will be centered around The Regulated Classroom framework.

Instructor: Misty Bracken

Discover the power of NotebookLM AI, a game-changing tool designed to revolutionize the way educators, researchers, and administrators organize, analyze, and synthesize information. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to leverage NotebookLM’s AI-driven capabilities to streamline research, generate summaries, and make data-driven decisions with ease. Whether you're managing lesson plans, analyzing student data, or compiling reports, NotebookLM AI can save time and enhance productivity. Walk away with hands-on experience and practical strategies to integrate this tool into your daily workflow.

Presenter: David Hampton

This workshop will provide information on the dangers of illegal fentanyl, how to recognize an opioid overdose and how to administer Narcan, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioids.

Presenter: Lori Arnette

In this session, participants will explore the criteria, expectations, and pathways for earning Lead and Master designations within the Arkansas Career Continuum. We will focus on how these esteemed designations can be leveraged to support beginning teachers and enhance student achievement. Join the conversation as we unlock the potential of educators and elevate outcomes for all students.

Presenter: Vicki Jewell

In this session, we will focus on how teachers can introduce historic events using the rock genre of music. Teachers will explore 2 popular songs that have ties to historic events in our country. Strategies will be given on how to incorporate and develop background knowledge and comprehension pertaining to historic events in our country. 4-12th grade students.

Instructor: Chad Morris

In this session, participants will explore how all the components of the instructional cycle—standards, planning, instructional delivery, assessment, and data-driven decision-making—work together to enhance student learning. We will examine the critical role of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) in supporting each stage of the cycle. Participants will engage in discussions and activities designed to strengthen their understanding of how to effectively use PLCs to drive continuous improvement. By the end of the session, educators will have actionable strategies to ensure alignment between instruction and student outcomes, maximizing the impact of high-quality instructional materials and best teaching practices.

Instructor: Yamicii Wilson