Licensed Teachers:
Accepting applications for individuals who meet criteria to be a K-3 Literacy Tutor. Tutoring is held outside of the school day hours.
ATC Application: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/.../arkansas-tutoring-corps
Questions about becoming an Approved K-3 Literacy Tutor, please email
arkansastutoringcorps@gmail.com or you can contact Dr. Tracie Jones at jonestr@uamont.edu
OUR Co-op specialists met yesterday for collaboration on best ways to serve our districts' personnel. #yourBESTsolution
Valley Springs High School CTE Students Shine: A Pathway to Success
In a rapidly evolving job market, students at Valley Springs High School are not just preparing for their futures; they are paving the way for success through innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Two standout seniors, Tate Trammell and Abigail Nelle, exemplify the qualities local employers are seeking: motivation, professionalism, and a strong sense of drive.
Tate Trammell recently completed his welding program and received a welding certificate from North Arkansas College. Balancing school and work, Tate takes three classes a day at Valley Springs High School before heading to his job at Hudson Fencing and Welding, where he works 25 to 30 hours a week. “Pursuing my passion is not for everyone, but I love the freedom and income it provides,” he shared. His goal is to start his own business in the future, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit that CTE programs aim to cultivate.
On the other side of the CTE spectrum, Abigail Nelle is dedicated to becoming a teacher, inspired by her own educators from a young age. Previously enrolled in Pre-Educator courses as part of the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program, Abigail now works as a paraprofessional at Valley Springs Elementary School. Thanks to a Perkins grant through the OUR Co-Op, she earned her paraprofessional certification and is gaining invaluable experience in the classroom. “I want to learn the ropes and gather knowledge from other teachers to be more prepared for my future,” Abigail said. After graduation, she aims to pursue a teaching degree and hopes to continue her journey at Valley Springs School District.
Both students represent a generation often overlooked by employers. Their commendable attributes echo the strong work ethic and foresight reminiscent of Generation X—qualities that bridge the gap between education and employment. As the state emphasizes the importance of success-ready graduates, Tate and Abigail shine as examples of how CTE programs can transform aspirations into reality.
Their stories also highlight the significance of the LEARNS initiative in Arkansas, which aims to enhance workforce readiness and address local employment needs. With pathways leading directly to certifications and job placements, CTE students like Tate and Abigail are not only preparing for their futures but also inspiring their peers to pursue similar goals.
Both are receiving hands-on experience in high-demand, high-wage (H2) professions. Whether it's Tate honing his welding skills or Abigail gaining classroom experience, their journeys underscore the critical role CTE plays in addressing key workforce needs, from skilled trades to education.
CTE is not just preparing students for graduation; it’s shaping the future workforce—one student at a time.
#OURCoOp #OURCTE #YourBestSolution #CareerReady #PerkinsFunding #CTESuccessStories #Success-ReadyGraduates #H2 #LEARNS
🎉 This fall has been a busy and exciting semester for CTE in our region!
✔️ We hosted a Fall CTE Summit
✔️ Partnered with the NWAEDD Youth Committee to organize the "See It & Be It" Career Fair
✔️ Facilitated the Harrison Chamber BCLI Workforce Panel
✔️ Brought together state-funded and rootEd-funded Career Coaches for a collaborative meeting - including a panel discussion with Wabash, Harrison Chamber of Commerce, and Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce
✔️ Visited 13 schools with DCTE Pathway Coordinator & AR FFA State Advisor, Gordon Eichelberger
It's been great to see so much collaboration and support for our students and educators! 💪 #OURCoOp #OURCTE #YourBestSolution #CTEWorks #CareerReady
Last week, Jeff Cantrell--OUR Co-op Director and Kim Fowler--OUR Co-op Teacher Center Coordinator along with other co-op directors and teacher center coordinators from around the state had the opportunity to meet at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. The group was provided a tour of the museum and information on opportunities for K-12 educators that are provided by the museum.
What a fantastic day! 🎉 You know it’s a good one when the kids take the lead in reminding you how to play!
Thursday the Deer/Mt. Judea Public School district’s ABC Preschool 's hosted Tonya Williams, Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Early Childhood for the Department of Education. Williams met Deer Preschool teachers Jodi Moenning, LaDonna Love and Latesha Williams before meeting with Superintendent Bill Mizaur, OUR's Director Jeff Cantrell, Early Childhood Coordinator Cindy Lambe, and Local LEADS Captain Anne Cowie for a productive visit to discuss ways to strengthen and grow this amazing community program.
We're so proud that the Deer campus is a Better Beginnings 6-Star Program – a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and excellence of our teachers and the entire community. 💪💫
Together, we’re building brighter futures for our kids and communities! 🌟
#EarlyChildhoodExcellence #StrongerTogether #CommunityPride #BetterBeginnings #EarlyLearning #FutureLeaders #ARLEADS #yourBESTsolution #bettertogether
Yesterday the OUR Co-op held our two elementary chess tournaments. Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you to North Arkansas College for hosting us and thank you to all who participated and the coaches who helped make these tournaments possible! #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op will be hosting Special Education and Related Services: Establishing Connections Through Collaborative Goal Writing on January 23, 2025 at the co-op.
Registration Link: https://www.escweb.net/ar_esc/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=539905.
Participants completed Days 4-6 of the K-2 RISE training this week. #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op hosted days 1-3 of K-2 RISE training before Thanksgiving. We are excited to have Pattie Wheeler back with us to present this professional learning for the educators from the co-op area. #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op was honored to host the following legislators at the co-op this afternoon: James Eaton, Scott Flippo, Bryan King, Ron McNair, and Jason Nazarenko. This time provided opportunity for conversation around possible legislative items that would impact public education during the coming session. #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op held the November Governing Board meeting today. Karli Saracini, Assistant Commissioner, DESE Office of Educator Effectiveness/Licensure, provided updates on various areas of focus from that office. #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op hosted the DESE Arkansas CALT Project Year 2 follow-up session today. Participants were engaged in learning strategies to support students with characteristics of dyslexia. The session was presented by Marla McKan. #yourBESTsolution
OUR Co-op is hosting RISE 3-6 Days 5 and 6 this week. The professional learning is being presented by Kelly Stone, State RISE Specialist with DESE. #yourBESTsolution
Monday evening, OUR Co-op hosted a training for school board members from the co-op region. The three hour training was the second one provided by the co-op this fall and was presented by personnel from APSRC. #yourBESTsolution
Principals from the OUR Co-op districts met yesterday to collaborate regarding a variety of topics. Results from the ATLAS 3-10 assessments as well as the K-3 screener were discussed. Shane Flud, math specialist, and Dr. Gwen Rains, science specialist, shared information related to HQIM and the key levers for instructional leaders within their two content areas. Lindsey Calhoun, University of Arkansas ERZ, provided information on supports that she can provide as well as literacy tutoring grants. #yourBESTsolution
Your Local LEADS area captains teamed up for a Super Saturday in Clarksville, AR. Sharing the support LEADS offers and exploring the exciting opportunities to collaborate with a network of amazing resources is what we do!
Johnson county is part of the OUR LEADS catchment area as well as the Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative service area.
Curriculum and testing coordinators from the OUR Co-op districts met today to collaborate regarding analysis of ATLAS results and use of HQIM to most effectively teach Arkansas Learning Standards. #yourBESTsolution
The November 5 OUR Fall Principals' Meeting will be rescheduled!!!
OUR Local LEADS in the Room Where It Happens today with SO MANY colleagues and friends at the 2024 Collaborating for School Readiness Summit.
I <3 my job!
#OURLEADS #ARLEARNS #theroomwhereithappens #bettertogether #collaboration #connection #earllychildhoodeducation
