09/17/2014 Betty Thornton 2015 Teacher of the Year Finalist |
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2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists Announced.LITTLE ROCK – Fifteen outstanding teachers from around the state have been selected as 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists. Gov. Mike Beebe will recognize them at a ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 16 in the Old Supreme Court Room at the Capitol. The top four finalists will be announced at the event. “Each year we are pleased to recognize some of the best teachers around the state,” said Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Tony Wood. “Their commitment to their students and community is exemplary, and we applaud them for their dedication to education.” The 15 regional finalists are as follows: Amy Becker 4th Grade Language Arts and Social Studies Noble/Allbritton Elementary Jason Bridges 10th-12th Grade AP Calculus and AP World History Greenwood High School Donna C. Dillahunty 5th Grade English Language Arts Larry Cornelius Dunn 7th-12th Grade Vocal Music
Walnut Ridge High School Betty Thornton 10th-12th Grade English/Spanish Denise Ward Kindergarten-4th Grade Physical Education Kilpatrick Elementary School The Arkansas program is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, which began in 1952. Teachers are nominated and selected each year based on their teaching skills and practices, school and community leadership, and dedication to students, parents and colleagues. The Walton Family Foundation, a long-time supporter of the program, is providing a grant for the program. As a result, each regional finalist will receive a $1,000 award. The 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year will receive an additional $14,000. |