The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) announces a request for nominations for the 2008-2009 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY). Each district is encouraged to designate a local district Teacher of the Year. It is imperative that each Regional Educational Service Cooperative is represented with at least one (1) Teacher of the Year candidate at the state level. The designated teacher is invited to download the ATOY application packet from the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program webpage: http://arkansased.org/teachers/recognition_toy.html or complete the attachment:
Funding from The Walton Family Foundation will allow the ADE to recognize one teacher from each of the areas served by the 15 regional service cooperatives and one from Pulaski County as ATOY regional finalists. Each such recognized teacher will receive a cash award in the amount of $1,000.
Applicants should follow the directions in the packet carefully, while being precise and focused in responding to the essay items. Completed packets, including one set with original signatures and six additional copies, must be returned to the Department of Education on or before the close of business (4:30 p.m.) on Friday, September 19, 2008.
Four teachers will be selected from the regional finalists as ATOY state semi-finalists. The selection panel will visit each selected teacher's classroom prior to naming the 2009 ATOY. The ATOY will receive an additional cash award in the amount of $14,000.
The ATOY will be placed on administrative paid leave for one year to Work-in-Residence with the ADE and to develop professional development and provide technical assistance to teachers and students, etc. The ATOY will serve as ambassador for education in Arkansas, making public appearances across the state. The ATOY is nominated to represent Arkansas in the National Teacher of the Year Program.
Again, it is very important that each Regional Educational Service Cooperative is represented in the TOY process; therefore school district participation should be a priority.
For additional information, please contact:
Arkansas Department of Education
Gloria Stephens, Coordinator
Arkansas Teacher of the Year Program
Four Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201
501-682-5169 or
E-mail: Gloria.Stephens@arkansas.gov