The Office of Innovation for Education (OIE), a research and outreach unit of the College of Education and Health Professions, recently brought together educators and leaders from across Arkansas to explore how strong educational roots can cultivate bold and creative solutions for future challenges.

The OIE "Rooted in Education, Growing Through Innovation" rally featured inspirational speakers, collaborative opportunities for teachers who share a commitment to nurturing growth in innovative education and breakout sessions to uplift and energize the educator community.

OIE continued its new tradition of TED-Ed Student Talks, which gives students the opportunity to discover, develop and present their best ideas. The rally also featured Educator Talks. Jessica Holmes from the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District was the EDTalk featured speaker for the TED-style keynote session.

Four Arkansas educators received coveted Trailblazer awards, which recognize teachers who are "blazing the trail" to transform learning across the state.

Denise Airola, the founding director of OIE, received a Lifetime Achievement in Education Innovation Award, honoring her "decades of transformative leadership, relentless advocacy and unwavering focus on what matters most: students." From shaping policy to mentoring leaders, Airola has been a driving force for meaningful change in Arkansas.

In her new role as the associate director of the Office for Education Policy in the college's Department of Education Reform, Airola's impact has continued to reach every corner of Arkansas education. She specializes in using analytics and statistical modeling to shape education policy aimed at improving outcomes for all learners.

Airola joined two others as keynote speakers at the event: Buck Davis, a speaker, trainer and coach from Atlanta, and George Philhower, superintendent of Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana.

Davis has more than two decades of experience as a professional development expert for both education and business leaders. He's a recognized leader in resilience, happiness and communication skills. Philhower was part of the first Innovation Rally a decade ago, and organizers were excited about the "full-circle moment" that allowed him to return and share how he's leading student-centered innovation that's transforming the schools in his district.

Future educators in the College of Education and Health Professions teacher education program also attended the rally. Several received WE CARE funding from the college to attend at no cost.

"Each year, OIE's Education Innovation Rally provides excellent professional development for Arkansas' teachers and school leaders," said Michael Hevel, associate dean for research, strategy and outreach in the college. "The OIE staff did another excellent job this summer in leveraging expertise from both inside and outside Arkansas, including from the Arkansas Department of Education and our own college, to help educators make sure all Arkansas students achieve their potential."

The OIE was established in 2013 to support innovation in Arkansas schools and is funded by the Arkansas Department of Education. The organization collaborates with public schools, districts, educators and organizations across the state and beyond to ensure a measurable impact for all learners in Arkansas schools.

To find out more about the OIE's mission, work and how to get involved, visit the official OIE website.