Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has announced the finalists for this year’s prestigious Teacher of the Year award, recognizing the outstanding dedication and achievements of educators across the state.
Distinguished Educators from Across Arkansas
Fourteen exceptional teachers have been selected as finalists for their exemplary service and contribution to education, spanning various districts and specialties. These educators are celebrated not only for their commitment to their students but also for their innovative teaching methods and the positive impact they have on their communities.
- Melani Blansett specializes in Theatre for grades 10-12 at Cabot High School in the Cabot School District.
- Christopher Coker teaches AP Chemistry, Accelerated Chemistry, and AP Physics for grades 10-12 at Camden Fairview High School in the Camden Fairview School District.
- Amanda Daly is known for her Vocal Music classes for grades 10-12 at Academies of West Memphis in the West Memphis School District.
- Kimberly Dickens teaches English (11th Grade), AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition for grades 11-12 at Alma High School in the Alma School District.
- Candace Gilbreath educates third graders at Cherokee Elementary School in the Highland School District.
- Tawnya Herring handles Library Media for grades 5-8 at Meekins Middle School and Stuttgart Junior High School in the Stuttgart School District.
- Melanie Hill focuses on Math for grade 7 at DeWitt Middle School in the DeWitt School District.
- Matthew Holden teaches Science and Biology (Grade Level, Honors, AP), and Anatomy/Physiology for grades 9-12 at Fayetteville High School in the Fayetteville School District.
- Tammy Lites teaches Math for grades 6-7 at De Queen Middle School in the De Queen School District.
- Ricky Manes covers AP U.S. History, AP Research, Holocaust & Human Behavior for grades 11-12 at Bryant High School in the Bryant School District.
- Marcia Martin is a Literacy teacher for grade 6 at Walnut Ridge Middle School in the Lawrence County School District.
- Karen McDowell teaches second grade at Fairview Elementary School in the Texarkana Arkansas School District.
- Abby Roberts educates first graders at Jim Stone Elementary School in the Conway School District.
- Jeanie Wilcoxon teaches Math for grade 4 at Chenal Elementary School in the Pulaski County Special School District.
Honoring Teaching Excellence
Jacob Oliva, ADE Secretary, expressed his admiration and gratitude towards these finalists, stating, “Each of these educators represents some of the best in teaching for Arkansas. I congratulate each on achieving this honor and look forward to continued excellence from them both inside and outside the classroom.”
In recognition of their achievements, each finalist will receive a certificate and a $1,000 award provided by the Walton Family Foundation. Furthermore, these distinguished teachers will be honored at a special ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion on August 5th. This event not only celebrates their hard work and dedication but also highlights the critical role teachers play in shaping the future of Arkansas through education.
