Recent News and Events
Fall Young Voter Workshop:
Empowering young citizens— that's the mission of the Secretary of State's Young Voter Workshop. Hundreds of students from all around the state participated in the day-long programs which was held on November 18, 19, and 20 this Fall.
As one of our most popular student programs, the Education Team considers educating voters and future voters as one of our most important responsibilities.
“I want these young people to get involved. Voting is an American cornerstone, and I believe they take away a new appreciation of that process from this program."
-- Secretary of State Mark Martin
The workshop demonstrates the importance of voting to high school students who are nearing or have already reached voting age. From the founding of America, to the civil rights and women’s suffrage movements, students experience the value of their right to vote through discussion, role playing and games as well as the modern election process from announcement to inauguration. Students especially enjoy the chance to speak their minds during a guided current events debate. Teachers may opt to conclude the day with a tour of the Arkansas State Capitol, which gives students a first-hand look at the site where laws are made that have a daily impact on their lives.
Click the image above to watch a video compilation of previous workshops and get an insider look at content covered.
Young Voter Workshops are held each Spring and Fall, in March and September respectively. For more information on how to be a part of the Spring workshop, which will be held March 14, 15 and 16, contact Katie Bass, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
Sounds of the Season:
Each year, for two weeks in December, the Secretary of State's Office invites musical performance groups to the Capitol Building to to spread Holiday cheer through song and dance in the Rotunda. This year, as with all the years previous, brought smiles to so many faces, young and old, and filled the Capitol with Holiday spirit. Click the collage below to see and hear more performances and learn how to sign up for next year. (*Sign-ups do not being until October 1.)
Upcoming Events
Arkansas History Month
As many of you educators out there know, the month of May is generally Arkansas History Month in many schools across Arkansas, with Arkansas History week generally celebrated the final week in April leading into the month. Don't wait until the last second to book your classroom presentation or tour as this is one of our busiest times of year and appointment slots are already filling up fast! Check out all of our free resources and opportunities below and request a tour or presentation today!
Teachers at all grade levels take this opportunity to teach their students specifically about Arkansas History, many of which end up visiting the Capitol Building for a field trip. The Secretary of State's Office provides something for every age--guided tours, self-guided tours, self-guided grounds tours, and even scavenger hunts! Click on the labeled images to learn more. To schedule, contact Katie Bass, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
Can't get to the Capitol Building this year? That's ok!! Take your students on a Virtual Tour of the Capitol Building and Capitol Grounds!
The education section of the Secretary of State's website allows you to watch videos about Arkansas History, listen to podcasts from Arkansas Historians, and have access to many other student and teacher resources such as print-outs, games, and activities! Click the image below to go explore!
 The Education Team will even come to your classroom! We have multiple traveling presentations for students of all ages and grade levels. One of our skilled team members will come right to your classroom and teach your students using hands-on, cross-curricular methods on subjects such as state symbols, how a bill becomes law, the Arkansas Traveler, and even the difference between an author and an illustrator in our "Little Golden Books" presentation! To learn more or to schedule a presentation, contact Bethany Nick, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
Professional Development Opportunity for Teachers
There are numerous opportunities for the 2017 Teacher Workshop offered FREE by the
Arkansas Secretary of State, entitled “Using the State Capitol to Teach.” Each workshop earns two hours
of ADE approved and accredited Arkansas History professional development hours and walks educators through all of the amazing, free resources and programs the Secretary of State's Office has to offer! Our team can come to your school for an in-service, your team can come to the Capitol for a half a day of PD, or you can sign up for our workshop at your favorite or local Educational Co-op this Summer. For more information, contact Bethany Nick, Education and Visitor Services Specialist.
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