The Trojan Teacher Residency Program offers yearlong residencies for teacher candidates, pairing them with experienced mentor teachers in Central Arkansas schools. Funded by a grant from Forward Arkansas, the program gives aspiring educators immersive, hands-on classroom experience, preparing them to enter the profession with confidence.

Although the Trojan Teacher Residency Program has a strong track record at UA 糖心视频logo, this was the largest orientation of its kind, with dozens in attendance, designed to ensure mentor teachers and teacher candidates shared expectations for the school year. Participants reviewed key program components, such as observation protocols, co-teaching models, and strategies for professional conversations. Sessions clarified roles, responsibilities, and best practices for collaboration, establishing a foundation for a successful year.

“This is the first time we’ve opened the orientation to all of our residents and mentor teachers across every program,鈥� said Rachel Eells, director of the School of Education. 鈥淲e have a much larger group this year, which means mentor teachers receive more training, and residents have the opportunity to learn from a wider variety of peers.”

Both days featured lunchtime speaker sessions with 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Stephanie Williams of Mountain View Elementary and 2026 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and UA 糖心视频logo alumna Brandi De La Cruz of Collierville High School. These award-winning educators shared stories from their careers and classroom lessons, as well as advice for residents and mentor teachers. Their sessions encouraged discussions on teaching, mentorship, and professional growth.

De La Cruz encouraged participants to stay open to new opportunities as they begin their careers, noting that finding the right school and community may take time.

“The first school you end up at may not be your forever home,” she said. “I had to keep searching until I found a school where I felt accepted and truly at home.”

Williams encouraged residents to view the residency year as a time for growth and reminded them to believe in themselves and their students.

“I would tell the residents to never underestimate your students and never underestimate yourself,” Williams said. “Take this year to learn, fail, and succeed, and consider all of it a win.”

The orientation brought together residents and mentor teachers from a variety of grade levels and subject areas, allowing them to learn from experiences beyond their own classrooms. Participants came from school districts across Arkansas, bringing a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the conversations throughout the event. The opportunity to hear different viewpoints helped participants think through questions and challenges they may not have considered before.

As UA 糖心视频logo teacher candidate Clarissa Riddling, who is completing her residency at 糖心视频logo Central High School, said, “Some people have asked questions I had never even thought of. It’s been good to have a community to start this process with.”

At the conclusion of the orientation, participants left with new connections and a stronger foundation for the year ahead. As they begin their classroom residencies, they will put their preparation into practice while continuing to develop their teaching skills. 

Reflecting on the impact of educators, Williams reminded attendees, “Educators are the creators of the future.”

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McKinnis, most recently associate director of development in the Office of Alumni and Development, will lead fundraising efforts for one of the university’s largest colleges. She succeeds Stephanie Purifoy, who retired earlier this year.

Before joining UA 糖心视频logo earlier this year, McKinnis spent more than two decades as owner of The Pilates Studio of 糖心视频logo, where she built a successful business while developing lasting relationships across central Arkansas. Earlier in her career, she served as business director for Ballet Arkansas, helping lead fundraising, community outreach, and organizational operations.

“Sheila has a genuine love for this university, and people see that the moment they meet her,” said Christian O’Neal, vice president of advancement. “She’s done an incredible job leading campus tours for prospective donors and partners. With her family’s ties to the university, this role is both professional and personal, and I can’t think of a better person to help tell CHASSE’s story.”

Jeremy Ecke, dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, said McKinnis’ background and passion for the arts and education make her an ideal fit for the college.

“CHASSE prepares educators, artists, communicators, social workers, public servants, and community leaders who make a difference across Arkansas and beyond,” Ecke said. “Sheila understands the transformational impact of these disciplines, and her passion for building relationships will help create new opportunities for our students, faculty, and programs.”

McKinnis said she looks forward to working with alumni, donors, and friends of the university to strengthen the college’s impact.

“I’ve spent much of my career working alongside people who believe education, the arts, and community engagement can transform lives,” McKinnis said. “I’m excited to connect alumni and supporters with opportunities to invest in our students and help expand the college’s impact for years to come.”

McKinnis earned a Bachelor of Arts in dance from the University of North Texas. To learn more about the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education, visit .

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Summer Laureate is designed for curious and motivated learners in grades K鈥�6 who thrive when given opportunities to ask questions, solve complex problems, and pursue topics in depth. The two-week summer program, hosted by the UA 糖心视频logo Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, offers a uniquely engaging mix of science, engineering, mathematics, language arts, history, and much more. 

“Summer Laureate is one of the longest-running campus enrichment programs in the U.S.,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, center director. “Yet, each year, the creativity and innovation of the teachers, the program administrators, and the students make the learning experience fresh for everyone. For nearly half a century, UA 糖心视频logo has embraced the program and celebrated its contributions to our community. We are delighted to be a part of the university’s centennial year.”

Each summer brings a new lineup of classes, allowing students fresh opportunities to explore new passions, strengthen their talents, and discover new interests to carry with them long after summer ends. This year’s program features 21 new classes designed to spark curiosity through subjects and themes not typically found in traditional classrooms. Inspired by children鈥檚 interests and current trends, the curriculum is reimagined each year to keep students engaged and excited to learn.

Many classes blend multiple subjects into one hands-on course, encouraging students to make connections across disciplines. Young learners might investigate insects through art and science or explore world cultures through music and language. Older students can combine engineering and artificial intelligence, travel through ancient civilizations and mythology, or develop strategic thinking through chess and coding.

鈥淪ummer Laureate gives young learners the freedom to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and discover new interests alongside peers who share their curiosity,鈥� said Dr. Monica Meadows, assistant professor in the School of Education. 鈥淚t is exciting to watch students engage with topics they may not encounter during the regular school year through fun, meaningful learning experiences. During Summer Laureate, students are not simply learning about a topic; they are designing, creating, questioning, and bringing their ideas to life.鈥�

The program鈥檚 influence extends beyond its students. What sets the program apart is its team of instructors, which includes graduate students in gifted and talented education, experienced classroom teachers, and subject-matter experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the classroom. For graduate students, the program provides hands-on experience designing curriculum, teaching alongside veteran educators, and translating gifted education theory into classroom practice, helping build a strong pipeline of gifted and talented education teachers for Arkansas classrooms.

Beyond academic enrichment, the program fosters a vibrant community where advanced learners can connect with peers who share their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. As Summer Laureate enters its 47th year, it continues to inspire young learners while helping cultivate the next generation of gifted and talented educators, strengthening gifted education across Arkansas.

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The season鈥檚 lead exhibition, Todd Hido鈥檚 A Series of Small Decisions, will be on view Aug. 17 through Oct. 26 in the Brad Cushman Gallery. Hido, a San Francisco Bay Area-based artist, is internationally recognized for atmospheric photographs of suburban landscapes, homes, and interiors that explore memory, isolation, and the emotional resonance of place. His work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and Vanity Fair, and is held in the permanent collections of major institutions including the Guggenheim Museum, the Smithsonian, and the Whitney Museum of Art. The exhibit features a selection of photographs showcasing his distinctive cinematic style and ability to transform ordinary scenes into evocative visual narratives. 

Invictus: Photographs of Angela Strassheim will also be on view from Aug. 17 to Oct. 26 at the Ann Maners and Alex Pappas Gallery. Strassheim is a contemporary photographer known for her psychologically charged portraits exploring family, memory, and community. Drawing on her background in forensic photography, she examines the traces people leave behind and the complex stories within everyday environments. Invictus features a selection of photographs that examine personal histories and the intersection of identity, place, and experience.

Intersection of Craft and Photography, on view Aug. 3 through Nov. 12 in the North and South Galleries, is a group show featuring artists who combine traditional craft outlook with photographic processes to create innovative works that blur the boundaries between the fields. 

The fall season will also host the Society for Photographic Education (SPE) South Central Chapter Conference Oct. 23-24 at WCAD. The accompanying SPE South Central Invitational Exhibition, on view Aug. 10 through Oct. 26 in the Focus Gallery, features work from students, educators, and independent artists from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Juried by Brian Young, WCAD gallery director, the exhibition gives conference attendees and the UA 糖心视频logo community an opportunity to experience the work of advanced photographers from across the region. As part of the conference, Hido will deliver a public lecture at 3 p.m. Oct. 24 in Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall in the Fine Arts Building. The lecture is free and open to the public. 

鈥淔or the fall of 2026, UA 糖心视频logo aims to be the center of contemporary photography in the state and certainly among the leading venues in the Southeast,鈥� said Brian Young, WCAD gallery director. 

Featuring internationally recognized artists, emerging voices, and interdisciplinary approaches, the UA 糖心视频logo Fall 2026 exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience multiple facets of contemporary photography. Together, the exhibits foster a broader conversation about the medium鈥檚 possibilities. Across WCAD鈥檚 galleries, the fall season showcases the range of artistry shaping the medium today. 

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From auditing freight costs to exploring belief systems that have shaped entire civilizations, her story is anything but ordinary.

Even her start at UA 糖心视频logo was unconventional. Limbaugh began as a chemistry major in 2007, but life took her in another direction. After stepping away from college for several years and building a career in transportation, she鈥檚 returned to the classroom.

“When I first attended college, I was not the student I am today,” Limbaugh said. “Returning as an adult gave me a very different perspective. I returned to school with renewed focus and passion. I am now fully committed and determined to achieve a goal I had set for myself years earlier.”

While history and logistics may seem like an unlikely pair, she sees them as deeply intertwined. Her lifelong fascination with history has given her a broader perspective on the transportation industry, helping her see how the movement of people and goods has shaped societies for centuries. From Roman roads and maritime trade routes to today鈥檚 global supply chains, she sees transportation at the heart of economic growth and social change.

鈥淗istory influences everything, and knowledge of history helps inform decisions, understand motivations, and contextualize the world we live in,鈥� said Limbaugh. 鈥淯nderstanding the origins of a system can often provide valuable insights into its future.鈥�

Limbaugh鈥檚 dedication to both her studies and her career has recently been recognized by two communities important to her journey. She received the Richard B. Dixon Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded to a UA 糖心视频logo history major, as well as the Scholarship in the leadership category 鈥� a national honor supporting women who are advancing their education and professional development in the trucking and transportation industry. For her, what has meant the most is knowing that people see value in the work she has put into both her education and her career, and that others believe in what she is trying to accomplish.

“As an adult student balancing school and a full-time career, there have certainly been challenges along the way,” Limbaugh said. “What has meant the most is knowing that people saw value in the work I have put into both my education and my career.”

Despite working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she considers herself fortunate to have built her career within a women-led organization, where she has been surrounded by strong female mentors. Witnessing women in leadership roles from the start inspired her to envision similar paths for herself. Her involvement with Women in Trucking further reinforced the value of mentorship and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

“The support I have received has reinforced my belief that women like me have an important role to play in shaping the future of the industry,” Limbaugh said. 

Looking ahead, Limbaugh plans to pursue a master’s degree in supply chain management and continue growing within the transportation industry. She hopes to move into a leadership role where she can help develop team members and create opportunities for others, just as mentors did for her throughout her career.

As she continues working toward those goals, she encourages other women considering careers in transportation鈥攐r adults thinking about returning to college鈥攖o believe in themselves and embrace opportunities, even when the path ahead feels uncertain. She hopes her story shows that following your interests, even when they seem worlds apart, can lead to rewarding and unexpected opportunities.

“Returning to school as an adult and building a career in transportation were not part of the plan I made in high school, but those experiences shaped the person I am today 鈥� and I like that person,” Limbaugh said.

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Pyle earned a Master of Arts in Applied Communication Studies from the University of Arkansas at 糖心视频logo in 2011.

鈥淚 was honored to be selected,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭he other candidates are really wonderful, highly qualified colleagues of mine, so it was humbling to be chosen for the role.鈥�

As associate dean of undergraduate learning, Pyle will help shape Clemson’s undergraduate experience by overseeing initiatives related to student learning and the university’s general education curriculum. His work begins by listening, building relationships, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

鈥淢y primary goal starting in this new role is to get a good sense of where we have opportunities and where things aren鈥檛 working like they should in the General Education curriculum,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚 anticipate my first 6-12 months will primarily be learning the landscape, building relationships, and making sense of data to get a picture of where there are bottlenecks or where things need to be adjusted or updated.鈥�

Pyle said his enthusiasm for helping students learn and grow was shaped by the teachers and mentors who invested in him throughout his academic journey, including several faculty members at UA 糖心视频logo.

鈥淚鈥檝e had such wonderful teachers and mentors during my academic career, including some amazing folks in applied communication at UA 糖心视频logo,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淚n my work as a professor, I always look for ways to connect with and create opportunities for students. I鈥檓 excited about this new role because it is all about ensuring that our undergraduate student experience is a strong one.鈥�

Pyle’s connection to UA 糖心视频logo began while he was completing his undergraduate degree at Ouachita Baptist University. During that time, he took a course taught by Dr. Linda Pledger, a retired UA 糖心视频logo faculty member who encouraged him to consider the university’s graduate program in Applied Communication Studies.

鈥淪he knew that I was interested in an academic career, and she recommended that I take a look at UA 糖心视频logo for my graduate studies,鈥� Pyle said.

After meeting with then-department chair Dr. Rob Ulmer, Pyle said he quickly realized he had found the right place to continue his education.

鈥淗e convinced me that UA 糖心视频logo was the right place for me to continue my academic journey,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was right. I had a marvelous experience with the wonderful people in applied communication.鈥�

Those experiences proved foundational to the educator and leader he would become.

Pyle credits his graduate assistantship and the mentorship of faculty members with shaping the way he teaches, mentors, and leads today. He specifically highlighted the influence of Dr. Kristen McIntyre, who served as both an instructor and supervisor during his time as a graduate assistant.

鈥淒r. McIntyre鈥檚 course and her mentorship during my time as a GA shaped the way that I teach and train others, and those are lessons I still apply to my teaching and mentoring today,鈥� Pyle said.

He also pointed to Ulmer’s leadership as a model he continues to follow.

鈥淚 try to emulate his leadership style,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淗e was kind and supportive, but also challenged me to grow and develop. He had the humility to own his mistakes, which is unfortunately atypical in organizational structures.鈥�

Before being named associate dean, Pyle served as interim director of Clemson’s National Scholars Program and as undergraduate coordinator for Clemson’s Department of Communication. He said those experiences provided valuable preparation for his new responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Pyle hopes his work will strengthen the student experience for future generations of Clemson students.

鈥淢y hope is that I will be able to meaningfully contribute to work that will improve the undergraduate student experience at Clemson,鈥� Pyle said.

For students interested in pursuing careers in higher education, communication, or academic leadership, Pyle encourages gaining firsthand experience in research and teaching while staying patient as leadership opportunities develop.

Faculty jobs are research positions at most institutions, so students need to understand that from the outset, Pyle said. 

鈥淎dditionally, I would encourage students to pursue training and development as teachers,鈥� he said.

For those considering administrative roles, he offered a simple piece of advice.

鈥淒on鈥檛 rush into an administrative role simply because it鈥檚 available,鈥� Pyle said. 鈥淭hink about your interests and skills, as well as all the ways that moving into an administrative role will change your work dynamic. It鈥檚 a big change. Make sure you鈥檙e ready for that kind of upheaval.鈥�

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The exhibit, 250 Years of American Symbols, explores the history and meaning of iconic symbols throughout the nation鈥檚 history. It will be on display in the Capitol fourth-floor gallery through early September as part of the statewide America250 celebration.

At the center of the project is Dr. Kristin Dutcher Mann, a professor of history, whose research on the Arkansas Liberty Bell Replica inspired the larger exhibit. As her research continued, she connected with Jennifer Hughes, curator for the Arkansas State Capitol, who was developing exhibit ideas for the America250 celebration. That introduction opened the door to a new collaboration, the creation of the exhibit, and the exciting opportunities for students to research, design, and install an exhibit in the State Capitol.

鈥淚 invited Dr. Mann to join our discussion,鈥� Hughes said. 鈥淔rom there, the idea to have her students develop a display about American symbols was decided as a part of the multiple exhibits we will host to commemorate the semiquincentennial.鈥�

The 250 Years of American Symbols exhibit explores how symbols such as the Liberty Bell, the bald eagle, and the national anthem have been adopted to shape the nation鈥檚 identity and communicate its values over the years. The exhibit explores well-known and lesser-known symbols, encouraging visitors to explore how Americans have used them to express shared ideas, commemorate important moments, and ultimately define the nation. Throughout the exhibit, symbols are presented not only as reflections of history but also as aspirations that help Americans 鈥渇orm a more perfect union.鈥�  

鈥淪ymbols are calls to action for Americans to improve their country and their own lives,鈥� Mann said. 鈥淎 study of American symbols shows us both change and continuity in American history, as well as how the country views itself at different significant anniversaries.鈥�

The exhibit’s exploration of American identity was shaped not only by its history and artifacts but also by the five UA 糖心视频logo students who helped bring it to life.

History students Sydney Evans, Dawson Arnold, Tamara Riddle, and Amy Stabila, along with graphic design student Jadon Parks, researched artifacts, wrote exhibit text, coordinated museum and archive loans, designed display panels, and helped install the exhibit in the Capitol gallery, gaining hands-on experience beyond the classroom.

For the students, seeing their work displayed in the State Capitol as part of the nation鈥檚 250th anniversary celebration was an experience they never imagined would be possible.

鈥淚t was exciting to be part of something much bigger than a classroom project,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淲e helped shape the exhibit from start to finish, and seeing visitors engage with our work in the State Capitol was a surreal experience that I鈥檒l never forget.鈥�

What began as faculty research evolved into collaboration among students, state agencies, museums, and archives across Arkansas. The result is an exhibit that invites visitors to view the symbols that have shaped the nation鈥檚 identity, values, and aspirations over the past 250 years, while considering their continued relevance today.

Mann encourages visitors to see these symbols as more than static images. 

鈥淭hey remind us that our democracy is a work in progress and that our history binds us together,鈥� she said.

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鈥淚 want to help foster more connected, accessible, and sustainable communities,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 want to contribute to urban planning strategies that integrate active transportation, mixed-use development, and urban forest health.鈥�

That dedication recently earned her the Henry M. Alexander Scholarship Award from the (ACMA). The scholarship is awarded to students interested in urban government, especially city management.

For Swain, the recognition marks just a small portion of her public service journey. A United States Navy veteran, she served as an information systems technician at the Fleet Weather Center in Norfolk, Virginia. During her time in Virginia, she also dedicated more than 400 hours as a volunteer state park ranger, assisting visitors and supporting educational programs.

Before pursuing her master’s degree, Swain earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Today, she serves as the City of Searcy’s first planning administrator and as Chair of the Searcy Tree Board, while also contributing to other local boards and committees focused on planning and beautification.

The award came during a busy year marked by professional responsibilities, academic demands, and a regular commute between Searcy and 糖心视频logo.

Beyond the financial support, the award provided Swain with an opportunity to attend the 2026 ACMA Conference in North 糖心视频logo, where municipal leaders, students, and public service professionals from across Arkansas gathered to discuss issues facing local communities.

The conference reinforced Swain鈥檚 commitment to advancing connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability through public service.

鈥淭he message that strong communities are built on connectivity really resonated with me,鈥� she said. 鈥淏uilding infrastructure that supports safe and convenient active transportation, as well as relationships that foster belonging and support, are both fundamental to community strength. This perspective continues to shape how I approach my work in public service.鈥�

As she prepares to begin her second and final year in the MPA program this August, Swain is returning to campus with a renewed sense of purpose. The award recognizes her accomplishments to date; she views that as encouragement to continue growing as a public servant and community leader.

鈥淭he award reinforced that the work I鈥檓 doing matters,鈥� Swain said. 鈥淚t motivates me to continue learning, building relationships, and finding ways to make a meaningful impact in Arkansas communities.鈥�

Service has been a constant part of Swain鈥檚 life. From teaching as a substitute teacher in Monticello, Arkansas, serving in the U.S. Navy, to hours of volunteer work, she has continually sought out opportunities to serve others. Pursuing her MPA is just the latest step in that journey, strengthening her skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.

鈥淚n city planning, the phrase 鈥榟ighest and best use鈥� is used to evaluate land based on its potential to serve the community,鈥� Swain said. 鈥淪imilarly, my professional and educational goals are guided by a determination to reach my own highest and best use in public service.鈥�

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The ACDA-AR Undergraduate Conducting Symposium brings together talented student conductors from across Arkansas to receive mentorship, conducting instruction, and professional development from experienced choral educators.

For music education majors Analise Brewer and Avery Litton, the opportunity is the latest milestone in a journey neither expected. Both arrived on campus focused on music education and performance, never considering conducting. But what began as a required course quickly became a passion and a potential career for them. 

To many people, conducting may look like simply keeping time. In reality, conductors are responsible for interpreting music, communicating style and emotion, and guiding an ensemble through a shared artistic vision. 

Developing those skills as an undergraduate is no small feat.

It also often requires a musical history lesson as understanding the time period, style, and intent of a composer shapes how a piece is interpreted and led. Much of the repertoire conductors work with comes from classical and historical works, meaning students must learn to read not only the notes on the page, but also the context behind them in order to guide an ensemble effectively.

鈥淲hen I took my first conducting course, it was then that I had my ‘this is it’ feeling,鈥� Brewer said. 鈥淕etting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it.鈥�

Both students found conducting in the classroom, but each had their own reasons for sticking with it.

For Brewer, conducting brought an unexpected sense of belonging. She started out focused on singing, but soon felt drawn to leading and performing with an ensemble. This role let her combine her love for music and leadership. As her interest in conducting grew, so did her opportunities. She has led UA 糖心视频logo choirs in concert, connected with music educators across Arkansas, and gained experience as a student liaison for the ACDA-AR board.

“Conducting is a special art that provides me with the feeling of belonging. Getting on stage in front of an ensemble and performing with them, there is nothing like it,鈥� Brewer said.

Litton鈥檚 path to conducting was different. She has played flute since sixth grade and came to campus focused on performance and music education. At first, conducting seemed intimidating, but she soon became interested in the history and emotions behind each piece. As she learned about composers and their work, she realized conducting is more than keeping time; it is about telling the story behind the music and helping an ensemble bring it to life. The teamwork involved in conducting became one of its biggest draws.

“It’s not power and control. It’s guidance. Conducting is always collaborative,” Litton said.

As they get ready for the symposium, both students are excited to keep building their skills as conductors. Brewer wants to improve her score study and conducting technique as she works toward teaching music, with plans to return to school for a master鈥檚 degree in conducting.

For Litton, conducting has encouraged her to get more involved on campus and try new opportunities. She hopes to learn more about expressive conducting, lesson planning, and teaching strategies to help her as a future music educator.

“I never thought that I would be here or be conducting,” Litton said. “It has shown me how much I have grown and become confident over the last couple of years.”

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Drs. Ann Robinson and Monica Meadows of the UA 糖心视频logo School of Education recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to present at an invitational colloquium organized by the Children (NAGC) conference and hosted by the (AFT). As a national leader in research, professional learning, and advocacy for gifted and talented students, the NAGC partnered with the AFT 鈥� the nation鈥檚 second-largest teachers鈥� union, representing more than 1.7 million members 鈥� to bring together experts and educators dedicated to advancing opportunities for all students.

The , brought together educators, researchers, and policy leaders from across the country to address the increasing need for teacher preparation programs that enable educators to recognize and support gifted, creative, and talented students in today鈥檚 classrooms.

鈥淓very child deserves to learn something new every day 鈥� including advanced and precocious children and youth,鈥� Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, said.

During the colloquium, UA 糖心视频logo was recognized as a national leader in gifted education and was invited to present its work to attendees. The university is one of only two undergraduate teacher preparation programs in the U.S. 鈥� alongside Purdue University 鈥� that requires a course in gifted education as part of the middle childhood education curriculum.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the combination of our faculty鈥檚 commitment and collaboration in both middle childhood and gifted education, along with innovative elements like a rigorous, year-long online residency and a required undergraduate course in gifted education, that sets our program apart. This is innovative thinking at its best,鈥� Robinson said.

The course that started the undergraduate gifted education initiative is GATE 40003, 鈥淕ifted, Creative, and Talented Education for Classroom Teachers,鈥� developed about five years ago through a collaborative effort led by Dr. Lundon Pinneo, coordinator of the middle childhood education program. The course was created after Arkansas changed its middle school teaching licensure requirements, creating space in the curriculum for additional specialized training. 

鈥淚 wanted to use that opportunity to better meet both state requirements and, more importantly, the needs of our students,鈥� Pinneo said.

Using feedback from mentor teachers and faculty, Pinneo identified key areas where future educators needed additional support. She reached out to Robinson to adapt graduate-level gifted-education concepts for undergraduate teacher candidates.

鈥淲ithout collaboration among faculty, the undergraduate course in gifted education at UA 糖心视频logo would never have taken place,鈥� Meadows said.

Since its introduction, the course has become a defining feature of the middle childhood education program, with faculty collaboration playing a critical role in its success. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e been given an exciting opportunity for our School of Education to take the lead in demonstrating to the rest of the country how important pre-service preparation programs are in filling the gap that can exist between general education and specialized gifted education,鈥� Robinson said. 

At the colloquium, organizers focused on the persistent 鈥済ap鈥� in educator preparation nationwide: while most teachers receive training to support students with disabilities, far fewer are prepared to recognize and meet the needs of advanced learners. Through their presentations, Robinson and Meadows offered UA 糖心视频logo’s approach as a model for addressing that challenge, demonstrating how gifted education can be integrated into undergraduate teacher preparation programs.

鈥淭here was a lot of excitement around the course and the work we shared at the colloquium,鈥� Meadows said. 鈥淧eople wanted to know how we made it happen, how students are responding to it, and how they might implement similar approaches at their own institutions.鈥�

As universities across the country examine how to prepare educators for classrooms with an ever-growing range of needs, the discussion shows the role gifted education can play in helping teachers recognize talent, tailor instruction, and best support students with advanced learning needs. 

鈥淧re-service teachers come to us with a wide range of experiences and abilities, and all students deserve to be both challenged and supported,鈥� Pinneo said. 鈥淥ur graduates are leaving the program with more tools to support the different learning needs of their future students.鈥�

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