ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - Hosted by the Huckabee School of Education at Ouachita Baptist University, Called to Teach is a conference designed to encourage, equip and renew teachers in their calling. 

This year’s event also marks the beginning of a multiyear series focused on the fruit of the Spirit and its application in education.

Centered on the 2026 theme, “Bearing Fruit,” the conference will explore how the fruit of the Spirit can serve as a framework for teaching, leadership and whole-person formation. Participants will consider questions such as: What does it mean to bear fruit as an educator in both character and practice? How can the fruit of the Spirit shape the way teachers lead, serve and invest in students?

“We are tremendously excited to host the annual Called to Teach Conference at Ouachita on July 23,” said Dr. Gail Hughes, director of Graduate Studies in Education. “This year’s conference is especially meaningful for us as we launch a new decade-long focus on the fruit of the Spirit." In the years ahead, each conference will highlight a different fruit with practical applications for educators.

“We firmly believe teaching is both a calling and a ministry, and we are eager to encourage and equip teachers through this gathering.”

Educators may choose from breakout sessions covering classroom management, the science of reading, high-quality instructional materials, teen anxiety and Jesus as “Master Teacher.” The teen anxiety session will be led by a licensed counselor and professor and will offer practical insight into supporting students with wisdom and care.

Throughout the day, attendees will learn from experienced professionals, exchange ideas, build relationships and celebrate the work of teaching. Whether they are classroom teachers, school leaders, future educators or advocates for education, participants will find opportunities for encouragement, reflection, connection and practical learning.

Attendees will receive six hours of professional development credit, a conference T-shirt and lunch. Registration is $50, and participants are encouraged to register by July 1.