The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is bringing nationally-known educator Dr. Jean Feldman to Fort Smith on June 1 to conduct an all-day workshop for early childhood professionals, preceded by a free concert on May 31.

 

The seventh annual Early Childhood Conference will be held from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. June 1 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. A registration fee of $50 per person is due by May 17. A 6 p.m. free concert May 31, which is open to the public, will be held at the Arkansas Best Corp. Performing Arts Center, 55 S. 7th St.

 

Feldman’s educational career of more than 40 years includes serving as a classroom teacher, instructor of adults, author and consultant. Her workshops -- often labeled “fun and entertaining” -- are packed with creative, practical ideas, according to Dr. Tisha Shipley of Fort Smith, director of the UAFS preschool program in the College of Education.

 

“Dr. Jean is the most inspiring early education professional that I have ever heard speak,” said Shipley. “She has amazing ideas, and I believe anyone would be interested in seeing her.”

 

Shipley said the free concert will be entertaining for all ages.

 

“This will be an evening of fun for families,” she said, “complete with singing and dancing. All ages will enjoy it. We’re offering it free because it’s something that will appeal to everyone, and we feel fortunate to be able to provide that at UAFS.”

 

Feldman has written several books and produced numerous games and songs for use in classrooms. Her published recordings are used by school systems across the country.

 

Among Feldman’s books are “Survival Guide for Preschool Teachers,” “The Complete Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games and Activities,” “Transition Time,” “Science Surprises,” “Rainy Day Activities,” “Wonderful Rooms Where Children Can Bloom,”  “Teaching Tunes,” “The Best of Dr. Jean Series,” “Sing and Read Along Books, “I Love Letters” and “Ready, Set, Read!”

 

Titles of some of Feldman’s songs include “Dr. Jean Sings Silly Songs,” “Sing to Learn,” “Nursery Rhymes and Good Ol’ Times,” “Totally Math” and “Better Bodies and Brains.”

 

Feldman is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Kindergarten Alliance and the International Reading Association. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, a Diploma for the Advanced Study in Teaching from Emory University and both a master’s degree and a doctorate from Georgia State University.

 

In addition to the keynote conference address by Feldman, the conference will feature other speakers and break-out sessions conducted by educators in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

 

For more information or to register, contact Shipley at 479-788-7917 or administrative specialist Sheila Davis at 479-788-7249.