Chief of Computer Education Chosen

Kelly Griffin is Arkansas’ new director of computer science education, succeeding Anthony Owen, who resigned from his post with the Arkansas Department of Education this summer to become Code.org’s senior director of state government affairs.

A licensed educator, Griffin previously served as a lead computer science specialist on a government agency’s computer science team. She has held this position since her 2016. She has worked on coding tours for science standards, the governor’s school, and helped develop a nationally distributed computer science toolkit.

She started her teaching career as an administrative assistant before becoming a teacher.

Governor Asa Hutchinson has championed the expansion of computer science education during his tenure. In 2015, when he became president, he signed a law requiring all public high schools to offer computer science. This is a first for the state.

Now, starting in grade 9 this year, all students are required to earn one credit in a high school computer science or computing course in order to graduate. Beginning her 2023-2024 school year, every public high school must employ at least one of her high school computer science certified teachers.

Student Coach Recruitment City Year

City Year Little Rock is seeking a student success coach to work in the Little Rock School District.

Through September 27, the non-profit City Year Little Rock organization affiliated with AmeriCorps is accepting applications and nominations for AmeriCorps intermediate members.

If selected, individuals will begin service on October 17th.

“City Year Little Rock delivers proven results for students and members of AmeriCorps in Central Arkansas,” said Jennifer Cobb, senior vice president and executive director.

“Throughout their jobs, these young people will acquire in-demand skills, from effective communication to time management, that are critical to future workforce success,” said Cobb.

As members of AmeriCorps, student success coaches receive bi-weekly scholarships, health insurance, educational awards, access to scholarships, and over 200 hours of professional development.

For more information on applying or nominating someone to serve at City Year Little Rock from October 2022 to June 2023, visit bit.ly/cityyearlittlerock.

Baroni Moves to Resource Center

Luanne Baroni, Assistant Superintendent and Director of Communications for the LISA Academy Charter School System, has moved to a new position at the Arkansas Public School Resource Center.

Baroni is the center’s new director of charter development, according to Christina Fowler, the center’s director of communications.

Baroni will succeed Joanna Lever, who is currently Vice President of Education at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.