ARKANSAS, USA — Four Arkansas educators have been selected as 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) State semi-finalists at a recognition event at the Governor’s Mansion.
The finalists were chosen among 14 regional finalists, who also were recognized for their achievements in the field.
“I’m so proud to host this year’s Teacher of the Year and our 2024 finalists," said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. "As Capri Salaam steps into her new role, I’m glad to know that our 14 finalists to be next year’s Teacher of the Year bring equally strong passion and resumes. After all, a quality education isn’t possible without quality educators.”
Each of the four educators received a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation as a regional finalist and an additional $1,000 prize as a state semi-finalist.
“Congratulations to this year’s state semi-finalists,” said Jacob Oliva, Arkansas Department of Education Secretary. “It’s clear that these educators exhibit excellence in the classroom, among their peers, and in their community. I look forward to announcing one of them this fall as the next Arkansas Teacher of the Year.”
Site visits will be conducted for each of the state semi-finalists, and the 2024 ATOY will be named this fall. The state winner will be eligible to apply for the national program.
The state semi-finalists are listed below:
Nicole Franklin
English Language Arts and Social Studies, Grades 4-5
Orr Elementary School
Fort Smith School District
Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative
Jeremy Kennedy
AP English Language and Composition, Grade 11
Greenbrier High School
Greenbrier School District
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative
Beau McCastlain
Career and Technical Education — Television Production, Grades 10-12
De Queen High School
De Queen School District
De Queen-Mena Education Service Cooperative
Kassadi Seidenschnur
Library Media, Grades K-5
Hurricane Creek Elementary School
Bryant School District
Dawson Education Service Cooperative
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes teachers for their outstanding teaching and leadership skills. To learn more, please click here.
The ATOY program is part of the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) program coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers.