Become-a-teacher event set for Oct. 1
The Arkansas Department of Education's Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is hosting its Become an Arkansas Teacher event from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Crowne Plaza at 201 S. Shackleford Road in Little Rock.
The state agency hosts the event annually to give potential teachers the opportunity to network with representatives from the agency, higher-education institutions and other education-preparation organizations.
"In addition to those who are looking to go through the traditional route to become a teacher, we encourage anyone with a bachelor's degree or higher in another field to attend this event," said Suzanne Bailey, assistant commissioner for educator effectiveness and licensure. "There are numerous pathways to become a teacher, and we are happy to help participants determine the best route that meets their needs."
The free event will provide information about areas and levels of teacher licensure. Attendees can meet representatives of educator training programs, begin the process of getting background checks and learn about financial incentives. Breakout sessions regarding licensure pathways will be held throughout the event. Former teachers who have retired or left the profession can learn how to renew their licenses.
More information is available at https://bit.ly/2lPk2lr.
Those who are interested in becoming teachers but are unable to attend the Oct. 1 event can get more information about teaching by contacting the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education at http://dese.ade.arkansas.gov
Weston is named top superintendent
Benny Weston, superintendent of the Mena School District, has been named the 2020 Arkansas Superintendent of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators.
Richard Abernathy, executive director of the organization, along with former superintendents of the year and area legislators, surprised Weston with the award at a Tuesday meeting in Mena.
Weston has been superintendent in Mena since July 2012. He previously was superintendent in the Mount Ida School District from July 1998 to June 2012. The 1,700-student Mena School District is in rural western Arkansas and covers 434.16 square miles.
Weston has been a longtime member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and is in his third year serving on the organization's board of directors. He is currently president of the Rural Education Association and vice president of the Arkansas Activities Association.
Each state association of school administrators selects a state superintendent of the year. These superintendents are then in the running for National Superintendent of the Year and will be recognized and honored at the American Association of School Administrators' National Conference on Education, which will be held Feb. 13-15 in San Diego.
LISA to celebrate NLR site's opening
LISA Academy North Middle-High School is holding a grand-opening celebration from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 3 at No. 1 LISA Academy Way in North Little Rock.
Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key and Arkansas Board of Education Chairwoman Diane Zook are the invited speakers at the event to celebrate the newly constructed open-enrollment charter school.
Previously, LISA Academy North's middle and high school grades were combined with elementary school grades in a former big-box store.
Metro on 09/22/2019