AAEA: The Voice

Coaching Teachers, Building Culture, and Leading With Empathy

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, is joined by David Yates, principal at Elkins Middle School in Elkins, Arkansas, for a conversation about leadership growth, school culture, and the realities of life as a principal. Yates reflects on his nontraditional path into education, from majoring in history to becoming a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and eventually a school leader, and shares how the day-to-day demands of administration often differ from what preparation programs can fully teach. He discusses lessons learned around discipline, management, and parent communication, emphasizing the importance of balancing transparency with empathy in difficult conversations. The conversation also explores Yates’ approach to instructional leadership and teacher support, including how he uses walkthroughs and reflective questioning to help educators focus on student learning outcomes. He explains why autonomy and choice in professional development can strengthen school culture and collective efficacy, while also highlighting the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and supportive teams in overcoming imposter syndrome as a leader. Yates also reflects on his transition from Conway to the Elkins community and the role AAEA has played in providing resources, networking, and professional guidance throughout his career.   AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Strengthening Curriculum and Instruction Across Arkansas Schools

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, is joined by Dr. Kelli Martin, Deputy Superintendent of Greenbrier Public Schools, Dr. Kim Fowler, Assistant Director of the Ozarks Unlimited Resources Education Service Cooperative, and Bridget Buckley, Assistant Superintendent of the Mena School District. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of curriculum and instruction in Arkansas, drawing on their experiences moving from the classroom into leadership. The conversation highlights how co-teaching, alternative education, and co-op support have shaped their approach to meeting individual student needs. They also share practical ways to identify gaps in curriculum—by spending time in classrooms, listening to teachers, and ensuring alignment with Arkansas standards. From there, the discussion turns to what it takes to support strong instruction at scale, including building durable employability skills, implementing tiered supports, and staying connected through distributed leadership, PLCs, and focused professional learning.   AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Balancing Pressure, People, and Purpose

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, is joined by Dr. Debbie Jones, Superintendent of Bentonville School District, and Dr. Karen Walters, Superintendent of Bryant School District, for a conversation on leadership, growth, and the realities of stepping into the superintendent role. Together, they reflect on the path to leadership, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience in every role, seeking out mentorship, and building strong operational and financial understanding along the way. The discussion explores what it takes to lead with confidence—even before feeling fully prepared—and how systems thinking and continuous learning shape effective administrators. The conversation also highlights the human side of leadership, including the role of emotional intelligence, the need for direct and sometimes difficult conversations, and the importance of staying grounded in core values under pressure. They share practical insights on communicating with school boards, navigating unpopular decisions, and managing the constant problem-solving that comes with the role. They look ahead to emerging challenges, including the impact of AI in education, and what future leaders need to succeed in an increasingly complex environment.   AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Coming Full Circle: Leading the District That Shaped You

In this episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, sits down with Dr. Lloyd Jackson, Superintendent of the Texarkana Arkansas School District, to discuss his inspiring and non-linear leadership journey. From first-generation college student to leading the very district he once attended, Dr. Jackson reflects on the educators who guided him, his early years as a math teacher, and the leadership roles that shaped his path across Arkansas and Kansas City. He shares candid insights on pacing change to prevent burnout, building authentic relationships with students, and learning from mentors along the way. The conversation also highlights his work with the Arkansas American Legion Boys State Program and his perspective on the value of AAEA membership in supporting and connecting school leaders across the state.   AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

The Business of Education: Stewardship, Service, and Community

In the inaugural episode of AAEA: The Voice, host Dr. Megan Duncan, Executive Director of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, sits down with Charles Warren, Chief Financial Officer of Fort Smith Public Schools and President of the AAEA Board. Mr. Warren shares his personal journey growing up in a family of educators, his early career in private accounting, and what ultimately drew him back to public service in education. The conversation explores the vital role of financial stewardship in school leadership, the importance of trust and collaboration with communities, and why strong relationships are essential to effective educational administration. Mr. Warren also discusses the opportunity to attract non-traditional candidates into education and reflects on the collaborative, mission-driven culture that continues to make the education sector a powerful place to serve and lead.   AAEA: The Voice is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com].