2026 Sessions:
This summer, the College of Education is proud to present virtual professional development (PD) sessions to Arkansas teachers via Zoom. TWO HOURS of Arkansas PD credit approved by DESE/ADE will be offered for each session unless otherwise indicated. Please scroll through this page for session and presenter information.
These sessions are NO COST! Space is limited, but session recordings will be available at a later date.
Arkansas PD credit will not be awarded for those who cannot attend in person via ZOOM. Recordings of the sessions might be available but viewing will not result in PD credit. Modifications will be made for persons with disabilities. Please contact Ashley Cox at acox22@uca.edu prior to the workshop for accommodations.
If you have any questions, please contact us at tlc@uca.edu. For technical issues, please contact the TLC at tlc@uca.edu or the Zoom Help Center.
Shifting the Conversation: Strength-Based Coaching for Teachers and Leaders
June 23rd, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Presented by: Dr. Matthew White (UCA – Department of Leadership Studies)
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/pB624D2TT-WYmmATADPXeg
Designed for teachers and school leaders, this interactive session introduces participants to the principles and practices of strength-based coaching. Educators will explore how shifting from deficit-based thinking to a strengths-focused approach can enhance instruction, improve coaching conversations, and build a more positive school culture.
SNAP and SLANT: Cracking the Student Engagement Code
June 25th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by: Dr. Renee Calhoon (UCA – Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education) & Mallorey Jones (UCA – Department of Teaching and Learning)
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/qV1DszeUQ7W5Th50e6OBLg
This session will provide instruction on two student engagement strategies designed to enable students to participate in class in appropriate and productive ways.
Brisk in Action: Enhancing the Student Experience
June 30th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by: Dr. Michelle Buchanan (UCA – Department of Teaching and Learning) & Heather Reyes
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/T8ciiv8yQkyRM6Nwbb-4Gg
This workshop supports both novice and experienced Brisk AI users in moving from basic content creation to sophisticated instructional workflows. Designed for K-12 educators, the session explores how AI application creates flexible instructional environments through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), improving efficiency while preserving the teacher’s unique voice.
Booktalks: Three Jolly Professors Talking about Books
June 30th, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Presented by: Dr. Amy Thompson (UCA – Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education), Dr. Erin Shaw (UCA – Department of Leadership Studies), & Dr. Jeff Whittingham (UCA – Department of Leadership Studies)
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/SIYLLtTwRBa11Hs3YQwrdA
This session will consist of booktalks of recently published books. There will be three types of books presented in this session: picture books, middle-grade books, and young adult books.
Plan with Purpose, Teach with Impact
July 9th, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by: Jeana Williams & Jessica Wright
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/xgz5frXyR4Cj2qM5dQJUtQ
This session highlights the critical connection between Domain 1 (Planning and Preparation) and the success of Domains 2 and 3 within TESS. Educators will explore how intentional lesson planning and preparation influence classroom culture, student behavior, and instructional effectiveness. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the components within Domain 1 and their impact.
Global Educators for a Sustainable Future: Panel Discussion on Study Abroad Experiences Through Photo Journals
July 23rd, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Presented by: Dr. Allison Freed (UCA – Department of Teaching and Learning), Dr. Valerie Couture (UCA – Department of Leadership Studies), & Dr. Erin Shaw (UCA – Department of Leadership Studies)
Zoom Registration Link: https://uca-edu.zoom.us/meeting/register/HXX_VyphRsOq_ywsgzRyrQ
This professional development session will feature a panel of graduate and undergraduate education students who participated in the Study Abroad program in Northern Ireland. Facilitated by Dr. Allison Freed, Dr. Valerie Couture, and Dr. Erin Shaw, participants will share their experiences through photo journals that document their learning related to educational technology, library media, and global competency development in Northern Irish schools and libraries.