Memo Text
The
Arkansas Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2026 Arkansas
Teacher of the Year (ATOY) program.
Each
public school district and
public charter system in Arkansas may select one teacher as its District
Teacher of the Year (DTOY) and nominate that teacher for the ATOY program. As
required by Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-17-2501 et seq., the ATOY will be
selected from among District Teachers of the Year.
During
the first round of the 2026 ATOY selection process, the Top 15 Finalists
will be selected. This application is the first round of selection. The Top
15 Finalists will be notified via email with instructions on the next steps
including the submission of additional evidence. State Semi-Finalists
will be selected, and a recommendation for the winner will be made to the ADE Secretary.
The
2026 ATOY will then be eligible for the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY)
program. The National Teacher of the Year program, which is a project of the
Council of Chief State School Officers, began in 1952. As part of the NTOY
program, the Arkansas Teacher of Year program promotes the teaching profession
and identifies and recognizes teachers in elementary and secondary classrooms
in Arkansas public schools who exemplify excellence both inside and outside the
classroom.
Candidates
must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Candidates must be skillful and dedicated teachers in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
- The ATOY candidate must be engaged directly in instruction in a classroom setting for more than 70 percent of the individual's contracted time.
- Librarians and Guidance Counselors are eligible to participate in the ATOY.
- Administrators are not eligible.
The
ATOY will begin his or her duties on July 1, 2026, and will end his or her
duties on June 30, 2027. Duties include the following:
- Serving on paid administrative leave from his or her district to work with the Arkansas Department of Education.
- Developing professional development and providing technical assistance to Arkansas teachers and students.
- Serving as an ambassador for education in Arkansas.
- Making appropriate public appearances across the state.
- Representing Arkansas in the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Candidates nominated by their districts must
complete the online application at the following link by noon June 9, 2025: 2026 ATOY Application. Please
see the attached guidelines document for more instructions.