The classroom teacher is the backbone of the American education system. To recognize and celebrate excellent teachers, the Arkansas Department of Education coordinates the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program. The ATOY program is part of the National Teacher of the Year (NTOY) program that is coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Pulaski County Educator Named 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year

Jeanie Wilcoxon, a fourth-grade math teacher at Chenal Elementary School in the Pulaski County Special School District, is the 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made with a surprise visit from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. During her 25 years in the teaching profession, Ms. Wilcoxon's students have consistently ranked in the top 3 percent on standardized tests. She promotes increased engagement with math, the understanding of math concepts, and improved problem-solving skills. Her efforts include organizing math clubs that focus on coding and applying math principles in real-world contexts. To learn more, read the full press release.

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