LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Education has named 14 educators from around the state as 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists. Southeast Arkansas educators are included.
Finalists are: Candace Wilson — Sheridan School District; Liz Richey — Hermitage School District; Renée Bailey — Magnolia School District; Jennifer Biggers — Lawrence County School District; Chrystal Burkes — Bryant School District; Juanita Harris — Texarkana Arkansas School District; Heather Hite — McCrory School District; Marcus Luther — Wynne School District; Stacey McAdoo — Little Rock School District; Rob Plant — Mineral Springs School District; Blair Rogers — West Memphis School District; Vanessa Stewart — Springdale School District; Margie Towery — Greenbrier School District; and Erica Walters — Alma School District.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Johnny Key will recognize the regional finalists Aug. 16 at the Governor’s Mansion. The program will begin at 11 a.m. During the ceremony, the four state semi-finalists will be announced, according to a news release.
“Each year we receive applications from some amazing teachers, and this year is no exception,” Key said. “These 14 teachers have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, and I am pleased to recognize them as regional finalists. They serve as role models for their peers, and I commend them and all the applicants for their commitment to ensuring our students graduate ready for college, career and community engagement.”
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate strong teaching and leadership skills. The 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, who will be announced this fall, will apply to become the 2019 NTOY, according to a news release.
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This year’s ATOY Regional Finalists will each receive a $1,000 award. Awards are made possible by a grant provided by the Walton Family Foundation, a long-time supporter of the program.
Some State Board of Education members plan to attend the event Aug. 16.
Details: http://www.arkansased.org/divisions/communications/teacher-of-the-year.