Education Policy Conference for Policymakers, Educators to Focus on State Teacher Pipeline

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Keith Look, left, and Saroja Warner

The critical issue of ensuring all Arkansas students have access to excellent teachers will be addressed at a conference April 24 in Little Rock.

Continuing its 15-year mission, the Office for Education Policy at the University of Arkansas is bringing together researchers, school district leaders, higher education faculty, students and national experts to examine "what we know about Arkansas' teacher pipeline, what we are doing about it, and what we should be doing."

The conference agenda presents a variety of speakers on aspects of the teacher pipeline. Saroja Warner from the Council of Chief State School Officers will share a national perspective on ensuring educators enter the workforce ready to advance student learning, represent the demographic diversity of K-12 students, and lead schools that support student achievement.

Keith Look, who has been featured by Education Week as a school leader with remarkable success at transforming struggling schools, will share his experience in attracting, hiring, and supporting talented teachers to a high-poverty, "turnaround" school.

New research by the Office for Education Policy will be shared highlighting what types of teachers are in greatest demand, and which districts are (and aren't) getting applicants, and staff of the Arkansas Department of Education will update attendees regarding increasing, enhancing and supporting the teacher pipeline.

"Teachers are critical to student success, so we wanted to provide an opportunity for policymakers and educators to hear information about the national and state teacher pipeline," said Gary Ritter, faculty director of the Office for Education Policy. "We are excited to provide an opportunity for educators and policymakers to connect and think collaboratively about solutions."

The conference will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at Heifer International in Little Rock. There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and registration is required. For more information visit the website of the Office for Education Policy or call 479-575-3773. For additional information, contact Sarah McKenzie, executive director, at 479-409-9753 or oep@uark.edu.

Opened in the fall of 2003, the Office for Education Policy is one of several research centers within the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas; staff includes faculty members, research associates and graduate students who specialize in education research and policy.

The office serves as a resource to state lawmakers, educators, administrators and other leaders, providing them with current national, state and regional research in education to support them in thoughtful decision-making concerning K-12 education in the state of Arkansas.