Crystal M. Beshears, Office of Innovation for Education, Learning Designer

Can’t wait!

✨ We’re thrilled to announce our Keynote Speaker for Coaching Convergence: Michele De Bellis ✨

Michele De Bellis is an educator and leadership developer committed to strengthening self‑directedness in individuals and systems. For more than two decades, she has taught Cognitive Coaching℠, Adaptive Schools, and the Habits of Mind while serving as a special education teacher, district administrator, and Director of a K–16 partnership at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Michele designs learning experiences that help educators cultivate reflective, collaborative, and growth‑oriented communities. Service to others is central to her life. Her dedication to building capacity extends into her ministry work, including women’s prison ministry and one‑to‑one coaching and prayer.

Guided by her deep belief in transformation and human potential, Michele brings both expertise and heart to every space she enters—and we can’t wait for her to inspire us at Coaching Convergence.

Join us June 2-3, 2026 in Little Rock, Arkansas as we learn, grow, and lead together!

🔗bit.ly/Convergence2026

At Ignite Summit at The Momentary with Office of Innovation for Education! Our intern Jamie has been an awesome member of our team this semester!

Had a blast last week with the Office of Innovation for Education and educators from around the region and state learned so much about accelerating learning, systems thinking, and community growth from at our Learning Journey last week. Big shout out and thanks to the staff of Darby Middle School and FSSD, Mercy Hospital, awesome students who led our journey, and all of our super engaged and thoughtful participants.

Come see a caring and thriving culture in action!

Want to see something that truly works❓

Join us for the first stop on the Road to Innovation Rally and experience powerful systems in action. During your school visit, you’ll step inside one of two standout models:

🔹PBIS at the elementary level — watch routines, rewards, and expectations come alive, and see how their behavior matrix connects directly to competency-based grading.
🔹Transitions at the high school — hear inspiring student stories, see real workforce skills being built, and watch the Billie Store in action as students lead daily operations.

Then the learning continues at the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, where we shift from observing to processing and applying what you’ve seen. Engage in collaborative discussions, deeper dives into the structures behind the success, and dynamic panels. Hear from leaders like Hope Worsham, Founding Director of Thrive and now Assistant Commissioner of Public School Accountability, along with members of the local Thrive Team, Arkansas’s MTSS support program.

This Road to Rally event is an elevated, innovative regional experience—spotlighting what’s working in Arkansas schools!

Register now— bit.ly/Road2Rally
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Monticello School District
Monticello Elementary School Home of the "Little Billies"
Monticello High School, Arkansas

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Check it out!

Arkansas Department of Education launches website to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary The Arkansas Department of Education has launched a website to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, providing resources for students, families, and educators to explore the state’s ro…

Join our Coaching Community of Practice!

Looking to strengthen your coaching strategies and boost collaboration? In this session, we’ll explore effective coaching techniques that bring the 7 Norms of Collaboration to life.

🗓 Date: September 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:30 AM (Virtual)
🔗 Register here: http://bit.ly/4ppibPr

Let’s connect, learn, and grow together!

🌟 Join us for Cognitive Coaching at CRESC! 🌟

Join us Sept 9–10, 2025 at Crowley's Ridge Educational Service Cooperative for days 1 and 2 of the Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar — a DESE-approved coaching pathway at NO cost to participants!

✅ Build skills to enhance teacher performance
✅ Earn 12 PD hours
✅ Attend the seminar for FREE!!

🔗 Register and learn more: http://bit.ly/4mMwLyI