The Department of Education announces a request for nominations for Arkansas Teacher of the Year: 2002 – 2003. Each local district is encouraged to designate a local district Teacher of the Year who is invited to complete the attached application packet. Funding from the Walton Family Foundation will allow the Department of Education to recognize one teacher from each of the 15 regional service cooperatives and one from Pulaski County as regional Teacher of the Year Finalists. Each of those teachers will receive a cash award in the amount of $1,000.
Applicants should follow the directions in the packet carefully and be precise and focused in responding to the essay items. Completed packets, including one set with original signatures and six additional copies, should be returned to the Department of Education on or before the close of work (4:30 p.m.) on Monday, September 30, 2002.
Four teachers will be selected from the regional finalists as state Teacher of the Year semi-finalists. The selection panel will visit each of these classrooms prior to naming the 2003 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year will receive an additional cash award in the amount of $14,000.
For questions about the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, please contact Dr. Charles D. Watson at 501-682-4474 or by e-mail cwatson@arkedu.k12.ar.us.