Administrator Registration Requirements

Upon hiring new building and district-level administrators, school districts must register individuals who are:

1. First-year building-level principals in Arkansas 

• Does NOT include assistant principals
• DOES include any experienced principals from out of state

2. Newly appointed Arkansas superintendents with no prior superintendent experience 

• Does NOT include assistant superintendents
• DOES include any experienced superintendents from out of state 

Educational Service Cooperative Directors will contact district superintendents to coordinate administrator mentoring enrollment. Additionally, a separate complimentary ADE Summit link is provided below. 

First Year Superintendent Training & Mentoring Launch 

DESE, in partnership with Educational Service Cooperatives, will launch the required New Superintendent Training & 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 13, 2026
Location: Room 207, Hot Springs Convention Center
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

First Year Principal Training & Mentoring Launch

DESE, in partnership with Educational Service Cooperatives, will launch the required New Principal Training & Mentoring Program in July. The program is a comprehensive, two-year-long induction experience for new building-level principals. It combines structured professional development, small-group collaboration, personalized mentoring, and on-site technical support to ensure new building-level principals are successful in leading their buildings. In year one, the program addresses Foundational Leadership Development, focusing on Climate, Communication, Coaching, Commitment, LEADS, particularly Domain 2 (School Climate).  In year two, the program addresses -Advanced Instructional Leadership, Instructional Leadership, and High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM).

New building-level principals will receive information via email once their information has been submitted in the above link. 

Dates: July 13, 2026
Location: Rooms 208-209, Hot Springs Convention Center

2026 ADE Summit: Complimentary Registration

In addition to the pre-conference, DESE is pleased to offer complimentary registration for first-year building-level principals in Arkansas and newly appointed Arkansas superintendents with no prior superintendent experience to attend the 2026 ADE Summit, held July 14-16 in Hot Springs, AR, as part of Year 1 mentoring.

The Summit will include:

• A dedicated session for first-year building-level principals and newly appointed Arkansas superintendents with no prior superintendent experience.
• 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.

Pre-Registration Deadline: June 19, 2026
When registering, select the “Beginning Principal” or “Beginning Superintendent” ticket.

Register for your complimentary ticket here.