Administrator Mentoring and Registration

Information 2025-2026 School Year

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides mentoring support for new administrators through grants awarded to Arkansas Educational Service Cooperatives.

Administrator Registration Requirements

Upon hiring a new administrator, school districts must register individuals who are:

1. First-year principals in Arkansas

2. Newly appointed superintendents with no prior superintendent experience 

   Note: Administrators serving as evaluators for the 2025–2026 school year who do not meet the criteria above do not need to register, provided they meet the evaluator requirements outlined in the Rules Governing Educator Performance.TESS Credentialing, LEADS (for superintendents), and calibration opportunities will be communicated regionally by the Educational Service Cooperatives.

 REGISTER HERE.

New Superintendent Training & Mentoring Launch

DESE, in partnership with Educational Service Cooperatives, will launch the required New Superintendent Training and Mentoring Program in July. The program is a comprehensive, year-long induction experience for new superintendents. It combines structured professional development, small-group collaboration, personalized mentoring, and on-site technical support to ensure first-year superintendents are successful in leading their districts. The program addresses leadership, finance, instruction, safety, board relations, compliance, and strategic planning. New Superintendents will receive information via email once their information has been submitted in the above link. 

Dates: July 14–15, 2025 (Monday and Tuesday)

Location: Embassy Suites, Hot Springs, AR

2025 ADE Summit:

Complimentary Registration for New Administrators

DESE is pleased to offer complimentary registration for the 2025 ADE Summit, held July 15–17 in Hot Springs, AR, as part of Year 1 mentoring for new administrators.

The Summit will include:

• A dedicated session for first-year principals and superintendents

• Multiple professional development sessions tailored to beginning administrators

Please note: DESE covers only the Summit registration fee. All travel, lodging, and other expenses must be covered by the local district.

Registration Deadline: June 20, 2025
When registering, select the “Beginning Administrator” or “Beginning Superintendent” ticket.

Already registered? To update your ticket:
Email ade.summit@ade.arkansas.gov with your name and ticket number, and request a switch to the correct ticket type.

Register for your complimentary ticket here.

For more information, please contact:

Andy Sullivan, Director of Educator Performance
Arkansas Department of Education
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Four Capitol Mall, Room 403B
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-2155 
Email: Andy.Sullivan@ade.arkansas.gov