The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announces an updated timeline for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) program beginning with the 2026-2027 selection cycle.

The revised timeline is designed to expand recognition opportunities for outstanding educators, increase statewide visibility for finalists, and provide additional opportunities to celebrate excellence in teaching throughout the year. By moving the selection process earlier, ADE will be able to recognize and promote more educators at key points during the school year.

Districts may continue to announce and celebrate their local Teacher of the Year according to local timelines and traditions.

Each public school district and public charter school in Arkansas may select one teacher as its District Teacher of the Year (DTOY) and nominate that teacher for consideration in the ATOY program. The Arkansas Teacher of the Year is selected from applications submitted by districts. (Arkansas Code Annotated § 6-17-2501 et seq.)

In order for a district’s Teacher of the Year to be considered for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year, the District Teacher of the Year Reporting Form should be submitted by February 1, 2027.

2028 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Timeline

Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program

The Arkansas Teacher of the Year serves as Arkansas's representative in the National Teacher of the Year program, a project of the Council of Chief State School Officers. Through the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, ADE promotes the teaching profession and recognizes educators who exemplify excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Informational Webinars

The Arkansas Teacher of the Year application will open December 14, 2026. District Teachers of the Year who wish to be considered for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year honor must submit a completed application no later than February 28, 2027. Applications will be sent to District Teachers of the Year whose information was submitted by the district or charter school.

To support districts and schools interested in establishing or strengthening a Teacher of the Year program, ADE will offer two informational webinars. The first session will provide guidance for districts interested in creating or enhancing a Teacher of the Year program. The second will be offered in January and will guide District Teachers of the Year through the ATOY application process, providing practical strategies for selecting compelling evidence, crafting authentic and impactful responses, and clearly communicating their impact on students, schools, and communities.

For additional information about the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, please visit the Arkansas Teacher of the Year webpage.