Dozens of educators and education professionals in all roles came to Little Rock last week to attend the 2025 Student Focused, Teacher Led (SFTL) Conference, an annual event hosted by The Reform Alliance at which experienced educators lead professional learning opportunities centered on providing better student experiences and outcomes.
This year’s event was highlighted by an address from Arkansas Sec. of Education Jacob Oliva.
“It’s always a privilege to connect directly with educators from across our state who are committed to creating transformative learning environments for students,” said Oliva. “The Student Focused, Teacher Led Conference is a powerful opportunity to both speak to and learn from passionate professionals who are leading the way in providing high-quality, innovative, and personalized education for every learner in our state.”
Other keynotes included Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart, discussing innovations in education nationwide and Hera Varmah of Step Up for Students sharing her inspirational story of educational attainment and a look at how both public and private school choice policies are bolstering education across the country.
Emmy Henley, managing director of The Reform Alliance, noted that the conference is unique in its appeal to educators in a variety of roles, from classroom to administration, and across all types of education: public, private and nontraditional schools.
“We love that every year we have, for example, public school district teachers, charter school administrators, private school leaders and educational entrepreneurs building their own microschools all together in the same room, all for the same purpose of putting kids at the forefront of conversations about education,” she said. “There’s a commonality of purpose and mission, even if schools work differently to meet the individual needs of their students.”
Breakout sessions, led by current or former classroom educators, featured content from discussing the use of AI in the classroom to structuring individualized learning, from educator strategies for de-escalation to innovative instructional approaches based on project-based or nature-based learning. One session led by the leadership of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District shared how it is serving students through a variety of innovative programs.
“Education is about continuous growth, not just for students but for educators and communities as well. By sharing how JNPSD empowers scholars and strengthens partnerships, we help spark ideas and collaboration among schools statewide,” said Dr. Jeremy Owoh, JNPSD Superintendent of Schools. Attendees agreed that the professional learning gained at SFTL is both valuable and informative.
“Most definitely, educators should come to this conference, because you will get information that you need,” said attending educator Vincentia Simmons. “Everyone is very knowledgeable, even if they’re not presenting, the vendors and everyone you meet here is very knowledgeable and right on point.”
