WE ARE SEEKING a dedicated and passionate Early Childhood Local Lead Captain to support the Ozarks Unlimited Resources Education Cooperative in it's mission to enhance early childhood education in our service area. This Local Lead Captain will be responsible for fostering collaboration, organizing community stakeholder meetings, and implementing a range of initiatives to improve the quality and accessibility of early childhood education. This is a 240-day contract position available immediately.
Complete application located under the job opportunities button on the website at oursc.k12.ar.us and return to Jeff Cantrell at jcantrell@oursc.k12.ar.us
For questions, contact Jeff Cantrell at (870) 302-3100
We are excited to have Cassandra Erkens, Solution Tree Assessment Specialist, with us at the co-op today sharing strategies regarding utilizing assessment results to support Instructional Agility.
🎉 Workforce Initiative Network (WIN) Leadership Academy Class III! 🎓🌟
As we celebrate the culmination of another successful WIN Leadership Academy, let's take a moment to acknowledge the dedicated educators from various schools who participated in the Academy this year:
🏫 Alpena: Ginger Armington (FACS)
🏫 Berryville: Cassie Swofford (Counselor)
🏫 Deer/Mt. Judea: Nathan Windel (Science), Keith Perkins (Agriculture)
🏫 Green Forest: Charlsie Polk (Career Development)
🏫 Harrison: Micaela Fitts (FACS), Will Potts (Business), Kelly Regan & Ashley Massengale (Career Coaches)
🏫 Kingston: Angelia Mueller (Librarian & Parental Engagement)
🏫 Marshall: Janet Seymore (FACS)
🏫 Omaha: Mary Arnold (Counselor)
🏫 Ozark Mountain: Melissa Smith (Business)
🏫 Valley Springs: Scarlett Williams (Counselor)
📚The WIN Leadership Academy, a 5-session deep-dive into the Workforce Initiative Network (WIN), has been an enlightening journey. From exploring Dr. Kevin Fleming's "ReDefining the Goal" to analyzing data on workforce needs, our educators have engaged in forward conversations with local industries.
🌐The purpose of WLA goes beyond these sessions; it's about strengthening the bond between educators and industry partners. We aim to provide educators with a clear understanding of industry needs, working together to break down barriers that hinder student success in the workplace.
🤝 Special shoutout to the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce. Your collaboration has been instrumental in bridging the gap between education and industry, fostering a thriving community of learning and growth.
🌟We'd also like to express our sincere thanks to Wabash for being a key sponsor. Your support has played a vital role in empowering educators and shaping the future workforce.
Cheers to a collaborative effort in shaping a brighter future for our students! 🌟📚 #WLA #OURCTE #HarrisonRegionalChamberofCommerce #Wabash #ArkansasCTE #WorkforceInitiative #StudentSuccess #CommunityCollaboration #EmpoweringTeachers #EmpoweringStudents
The Co-op's Guiding Coalition met this morning with the purpose of planning next steps in Professional Learning Communities at Work within the co-op and in support of co-op area districts.
Way to go, Flippin Elementary!! Great job at using your HQIM to build knowledge all across the building!!
#HEREWEGROW
More artifacts from Flippin Elementary!! Knowledge building through the use of HQIM is evident all over the building!!
#HEREWEGROW
Literacy Specialist, Pattie Wheeler, just completed the K-2 RISE Academy with these dedicated educators!! So much learning around the Science of Reading and collaboration took place during this time. Learning and growing!!!
🌟 Innovative Discoveries in CTE Education! 🍎🔧
Emilee Tucker, OUR CTE Coordinator, and Gordon Eichelberger, DCTE ESC Regional Specialist & Pathways Coordinator, have visited a total of 11 schools in the OUR Co-Op this semester to foster relationships with DCTE and conduct essential equipment and program checks. Here's a glimpse into the findings from their recent school visits:
1. 🌿 Cultivating Career Opportunities at Yellville-Summit
Katherine Quinn has pioneered a work-based learning initiative, offering students a paid Career Practicum/Internship in the greenhouse. This not only extends students' experience in horticulture but also provides networking opportunities. Students gain tangible job experience, setting the stage for future career success - including plans for placement with a local producer upon graduation. A commendable and innovative approach that deserves recognition—other schools, take note!
2. 🔨 Excellence in Organization at Yellville-Summit
Rick Ziegler at Yellville-Summit impresses with a spotless shop where organization is clearly a top priority. Amidst numerous ongoing projects, every tool has its place. Rick's commitment to maintaining a well-organized workspace, continuing to obtain updated technology, and teach students applicable skills is truly noteworthy.
3. 🖥️ Transformative Learning Environments at Deer
Henry Wooten at Deer has revolutionized student group work with impressive workstations featuring large TV screens. These screens facilitate simultaneous project collaboration and serve as powerful teaching aids. Beyond project work, Henry showcases continuous announcements, updates, and even student achievements, fostering a sense of pride in the program. Notably, his "Food Truck" project engages students in simulating and marketing a food truck, aligning with Digital Marketing standards.
👏 Join us in celebrating these outstanding educators and their contributions to advancing CTE education! Stay tuned for more stories of innovation and excellence. 🚀📚 #CTEInnovation #EducationExcellence #InspiringEducators #OURCTE #ArkansasCTE #WBLinArkansas #SchoolSuccessStories
🌟 Exciting Career Summit Recap! 🌟
We had an incredible time at the See It AND Be It Summit hosted by O.U.R. CTE Department, Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, and Arkansas Rehabilitation Services on October 17th! 🎓✨
🚀 Atmosphere:
The summit was buzzing with energy, providing a fantastic platform for small group and one-on-one interactions with our industry and resource partners. Shoutout to Berryville, Cotter, Deer, Mt. Judea, Green Forest, Kingston, Lead Hill, Marshall, Norfork, Omaha, Ozark Mountain, Valley Springs, Yellville-Summit for being part of this engaging experience!
💼 What Went Down:
Diverse industry representation ✨
Indoor booths and outdoor touch-a-truck 🚚🛠️
Insightful panel discussions 🗣️
Interactive breakout groups 💡
VR Headsets for career exploration 🌐
Technical center collaborations 👩💻
Non-profit engagement 🤝
Mountain Home & Harrison Chamber of Commerce involvement 🏛️
Booth Contest: And the winner was... DSI!!!!🏆
📆 Stay tuned for the Spring See It AND Be It Summit: Adulting 101, where we'll dive even deeper into empowering these students for their next steps with life skills, career prep, mock interviews, reverse career fairs, and more ! 🌷
📣 A special shoutout to Signature Bank for generously providing lunch for everyone! 🍔🥗
Looking forward to the next chapter of education and empowerment! 📘🌐 #SeeItANDBeIt #OUR #OURCTE #BetterTogether #ArkansasCTE #NWAEDD #ArkansasRehabServices #EmpowerTheFuture #CommunityDevelopment #BuildingLeaders #CareerPrep
Mt. Judea elementary teachers are learning more about integrating writing in every subject area through Zoom with The Writing Revolution. Thank you to Amber Pirnique (DESE) and Merica Howie (OUR) for making this training possible!
🌟 Thank you to all the amazing Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teachers who joined us on November 3! 🍎✨
🤝 Your presence and enthusiasm made our session on making and canning jelly, crafting laundry soap, making butter, addressing program and classroom challenges, and engaging in team-building exercises truly special.
💡 Did you know? A whopping 65% of attendees had been teaching for 4 years or less, making this a fantastic opportunity for both new and experienced educators to connect, share ideas, and strengthen our FACS community.
🎨 We hope the painting session added a creative touch to your networking experience!
🌐 Special Recognition: OUR CTE Coordinator, Emilee Tucker, and OUR FACS Mentor, Deanna Franks (Cotter), are playing a pivotal role in using events like this to build sustainable programs and empower new teachers. By fostering lasting relationships, embedding mentors, and providing engaging classroom tools and technology, we aim to increase retention and create a supportive environment for all FACS educators.
📸 Feel free to share your favorite moments from the event using the hashtag #FACSTeachersConnect. Let's continue to build on the connections made and the knowledge shared. Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to come!
🙏 Thank you for being a part of this enriching event. Your dedication to education is truly inspiring! 🍏📚 #FACSTeachers #TeacherNetworking #EducationEventSuccess #OURCTE #ArkansasCTE #BetterTogether #TeacherMentoring #TeacherRetention #ThinkOutsideTheBox #InnovativeApproachestoEducation #TeachersSupportingTeachers
It was a great day of chess at the OUR Coop! Grades 3-4 and Grades 5-6 competed in our final two tournaments of the year. Congratulations to our winners! Thanks to all who participated and everyone who helped make these tournaments possible. See you next year!
Arkansas Cooperative Technology Coordinators (ACTC) partnered with DIS and presented multiple sessions at the annual Arkansas Conference of Technology (ACOT). In partnership with CIRT, DESE, DIS, and Forge Institute, the ACTCs organized the Cybersecurity Bootcamp, featuring a full day dedicated to Cyber Prevention and Recovery. Additionally, throughout the event, the ACTCs presented multiple sessions focusing on data responsibility and cybersecurity awareness, equipping districts with valuable resources to maintain the security of their networks.
OUR Cooperative congratulates these wonderful educators on completing the RISE 3-6 Academy with Merica Howie, Literacy Specialist. Quality reading instruction for students in all subjects makes a difference for years to come!
Administrators participating in Day 1 of Daunting But Doable: The Role of the Principal in a Professional Learning Community at Work. This work is being led by Dr. Anisa Baker-Busby from Solution Tree.
The second cohort of District Leadership Teams from OUR Co-op participated in the kickoff of the Acceleration of Learning Communities of Practice Grant today with Dr. Ivy Pfeffer of the Bailey Education Group.
District Leadership Teams from OUR Co-op participated in the kickoff of the Acceleration of Learning Communities of Practice Grant today. The focus of the day has been High Quality Instructional Materials.
Dr. Fowler is collaborating with District Administrators on the LEADS evaluation process.
Pattie Wheeler, OUR Co-op Literacy Specialist, providing training for Yellville-Summit Elementary School staff.
During the OUR Co-op's October Board meeting, Hope Worsham, DESE Asst. Commissioner of Public School Accountability provided updates on the ATLAS Assessments and possible changes that will be recommended for the Accountability System and ESSA School Index/School Ratings.
