LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva congratulate the four Arkansas educators selected as 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year State Semi-Finalists. The finalists were chosen from among 14 regional finalists, who also were honored today at a special event held at the Governor’s Mansion.
“Each of our educators changes the trajectory of their students’ lives. That’s why we made recruiting and retaining great teachers our top priority when we wrote Arkansas LEARNS,” Governor Sanders said. “But I also believe that one of the greatest things we can do is say thank you – to all our teachers, and especially to the ones here today.”
“We are so pleased to recognize these four educators for their dedication to education,” Oliva said. “From teaching theatre and English to math and first grade, these are among the best of the best in their field. We look forward to learning more about them and ultimately naming one of them the 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.”
Each semi-finalist listed below received a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation when recognized today as a regional finalist, as well as an additional $1,000 prize for being selected as a state semi-finalist.
Melani Blansett
Theatre, Grades 10-12
Cabot High School
Cabot School District
Wilbur D. Mills Education Service Cooperative
Kimberly Dickens
English (11th Grade), AP Language and Composition, & AP Literature and Composition, Grades 11-12
Alma High School
Alma School District
Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative
Abby Roberts
First Grade
Jim Stone Elementary School
Conway School District
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative
Jeanie Wilcoxon
Math, Grade 4
Chenal Elementary School
Pulaski County Special School District
Pulaski County
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program is part of the National Teacher of the Year program and honors educators for their teaching and leadership skills. The selection committee will conduct site visits for each of the four state semi-finalists, with the 2025 ATOY being named this fall. The state winner will be eligible to apply for the national program.