Arkansas Retired Teachers Association

06/12/2026

ARTA member Cindy Wofford presented a Parsons-Burnett award to Brittany Brazil. Ms. Brazil is pursuing her GT certification in order to strengthen her skills in working with advanced learners.

06/11/2026

Timely advice from our colleagues at Alzheimer's Association - Arkansas Chapter.

Studies have shown music may reduce agitation and improve behavioral issues that are common in the middle-stages of the disease. Even in the late-stages of Alzheimer's, a person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song from childhood. Music provides a way to connect, even after verbal communication has become difficult. Learn more at alz.org/ArtMusic

06/10/2026

ARTA board member Anita Bell presented Robert Anderson with a Mitchell-Fair Grant. This grant is awarded to classified employees who are working towards becoming a licensed teacher. Mr. Anderson has most recently been a K8 SPED Aide in the Little Rock School District.

06/08/2026

Kayla Villines, Omaha Preschool Director, was awarded a Parsons-Burnett Grant. These grants are funded by memorials and donations from the members of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

06/05/2026

The Colorado Rockies tour has been cancelled. Please contact the ARTA office or Collette Travel if you need additional information.

06/05/2026

The ARTA office address is 1200 Commerce Suite 103, Little Rock.

06/04/2026

ARTA President Paulette Parker presented a Parsons-Burnett Grant to DeAnna Steele, Special Education teacher at the Walnut Ridge High School in Lawrence County.

Steele, who always wanted to become a teacher like her mother, now has 20 years of classroom experience. She plans to use her Parsons-Burnett grant to become certified as a Director of Special Education.

She credits her teaching experience and her students with helping her learn a vital classroom strategy. Steele said, “Everyone has different abilities, and we need to find where they are and to reach them there.”

06/03/2026

ARTA Past President David Cauldwell (L) presented a Parsons-Burnett Grant to Janet Warford at Rogers Heritage High School. A dedicated teacher and coach, Ms. Warford is preparing to move into a leadership position where she can share her experience.

06/02/2026

Izard County RTA members Judy Eldridge, Janie Jenkins and Debbie Moody have been working with the White River Regional Library Board for the past year, resulting in the hiring of Racheal Foster as the new regional director. As part of the welcome reception for Ms. Foster, they held a bookmark competition for grades K-4 at Calico Rock School. Every person at the reception recieved a bookmark to commemorate the 75th year of the Izard County Library System. Three winners received books and cash, paid for by the Izard County RTA, who also selected the winners.