Little Rock, AR – Earlier this month, Arkansas K-12 educators convened for a comprehensive professional development workshop focused on integrating entrepreneurship and innovation into education. This immersive session was part of the "Connecting Educators to Entrepreneurs" series, organized by Economics Arkansas in collaboration with Conductor, a central Arkansas-based entrepreneurship and innovation support organization. The initiative aims to equip educators with entrepreneurial skills that can be transferred to the classroom, fostering a new generation of innovative thinkers.
The event, held in partnership with ACC Capital, the Conway Downtown Partnership, and the University of Central Arkansas, exposed participants to entrepreneurial concepts and practical tools. "Our team is passionate about helping educators understand and apply entrepreneurial thinking, both for themselves and for their students," noted Grace Rains, executive director of Conductor. "This kind of professional development not only transforms classrooms, it also helps create a pipeline of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers across Arkansas."
Throughout the day, educators engaged in various activities, starting with insights into how entrepreneurship boosts local economies. A walking tour of downtown Conway businesses offered direct engagement with entrepreneurs, allowing educators to learn from their experiences. The session included a panel discussion where local business owners shared candid experiences, followed by an "Innovation Sprint." This exercise encouraged educators to collaborate on addressing complex problems creatively.
The day concluded with a Lean Canvas workshop led by Dr. Tracy Suter from UCA, providing a framework for developing business ideas applicable in both educational and real-world settings. "We are proud to provide educators with opportunities to connect directly with the entrepreneurial community," added Kathleen Lawson, executive director of Economics Arkansas. "These experiences not only enhance teaching practices but also empower students to think critically, creatively, and entrepreneurially."
The "Connecting Educators to Entrepreneurs" series builds on the success of the "Connecting Educators to Industry" initiative, both of which aim to bridge classroom learning with real-world economics by fostering critical thinking and business skills among students.
Upcoming workshops in the series are scheduled for June 25 in Searcy, July 7 in Little Rock, July 14 in Hot Springs, and July 17 in Fort Smith, with another date to be announced for Benton. Educators interested in participating can find more information and register at www.economicsarkansas.org.
