The University of Central Arkansas Mashburn Center for Learning has been awarded a $300,000 contract from the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide professional development and support to schools across the state through the Arkansas Co-Teaching with the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Project.
The contract allows the Mashburn Center for Learning to partner with selected Arkansas elementary and secondary schools to strengthen instructional practices and improve learning outcomes for all students through evidence-based co-teaching and collaborative instructional models. The project is expected to receive annual funding, creating ongoing opportunities to support educators and students statewide.
The Arkansas Co-Teaching with SIM Project is an initiative focused on helping schools strengthen systems and practices that ensure meaningful access, engagement and participation in grade-level learning. The project emphasizes shared leadership, collaborative planning, instruction, assessment and decision-making as key components of schoolwide improvement.
“The Mashburn Center for Learning has a long history of partnering with educators to improve outcomes for students across Arkansas,” Dr. Renee Calhoon, director of the center, said. “This contract expands our ability to provide high-quality professional learning and coaching that helps teachers work together more effectively and ensures all students have access to engaging instruction.”
Located within UCA’s College of Education, the Mashburn Center for Learning creates partnerships with educators to provide resources and high-quality professional learning opportunities that encourage them to promote a sense of purpose, hope, academic achievement and resilience for all learners, specifically those who struggle and experience barriers to learning.
“This award reflects the expertise of the Mashburn Center and the university’s commitment to serving Arkansas schools,” Dr. Debbie Dailey, dean of the UCA College of Education, said. “By supporting educators, we ultimately strengthen learning opportunities for students across the state.”
Selected schools will participate in a comprehensive professional development program beginning in July 2026. The initiative will provide educators with professional development, coaching and additional support designed to strengthen co-teaching practices and improve student learning outcomes.
More information about the Mashburn Center for Learning is available at uca.edu/else/mashburncenter.