The Arkansas Department of Education is accepting nominations for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) program. 

The 2027 ATOY will then be eligible for the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) program. The National Teacher of the Year program 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 school counselors are eligible to participate in the ATOY.
• Administrators are not eligible.

The successful candidate who serves as the Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) must maintain his/her current employment position. The ATOY will be released from classroom responsibilities during their year of service from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2028. Being named the Arkansas Teacher of the Year comes with the significant responsibility of representing the entire teaching profession of Arkansas. Duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Represent Arkansas teachers as an ambassador of education with professionalism and integrity.
• Make scheduled public appearances across the state. Develop professional development and provide technical assistance to Arkansas teachers and students in collaboration with DESE.
• Represent Arkansas in the National Teacher of the Year cohort and competition.
• Act as a liaison between the teaching community, districts, the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Legislature, and communities.
• Serve on the Arkansas State Board of Education as an ex-officio member. 

Automatic Disqualifications

Note that any of the following will prevent an application for further consideration:

• Application is incomplete;
• Application is submitted after the deadline;
• Applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria;
• Misrepresentation of facts on application;
• Applicant has been previously named the overall Arkansas Teacher of the Year by the Arkansas Department of Education;
• Applicant has previously received a Professional Licensure Standards Board (PLSB) sanction.

Candidates nominated by their districts must complete the online application at the following link by noon June 5, 2026: 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year form. Please see the attached guidelines document for more instructions. Upon receipt of the application, the DTOY will be considered for the 2027 ATOY.

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