Four teachers were named 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year State Finalists at a ceremony with Gov. Mike Beebe today at the Capitol. “These four teachers were recognized for their dedication, leadership and commitment to education,” said Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Tony Wood. “They demonstrate innovative teaching practices that encourage learning in the classroom.”
The four state finalists are as follows:
Donna C. Dillahunty, 5th Grade English Language Arts, Marion Intermediate School, Marion School District, Crowley’s Ridge Education Service Cooperative
Lindsay S. Griffin, 6th Grade Literacy, Greenbrier Middle School, Greenbrier School District, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative
Jayna Moffit, 7th-8th Grade Math, Lincoln Junior High School, Bentonville School District, Northwest Education Service Cooperative
Ouida R. Newton, 7th-12th Grade Math, Poyen High School, Poyen School District, Dawson Education Service Cooperative
From the 15 regional finalists recognized today, four state finalists will compete to become the 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The ATOY Selection Committee will conduct site visits with the four finalists over the next few weeks. The 2015 ATOY will then be recognized at a surprise notification event. In addition to receiving a $1,000 award sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation, the top four received an ATOY medallion. The 2015 ATOY will receive an additional $14,000 sponsored by the foundation.