LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Four educators from across the state have been selected as 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year semi-finalists, including:
- Melani Blansett: Theatre, Grades 10-12 at 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 at Alma High School
Alma School District, Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative - Abby Roberts: First Grade at Jim Stone Elementary School
Conway School District, Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative - Jeanie Wilcoxon: Math, Grade 4 at Chenal Elementary School
Pulaski County Special School District, Pulaski County
These educators were chosen from among 14 regional finalists, who also were honored at a special event held at the Governor’s Mansion o August 5.
“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.”
Each semi-finalist received a $1,000 prize from the Walton Family Foundation when recognized as a regional finalist, plus an additional $1,000 for being selected as a state semi-finalist.
“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.”
The selection committee will conduct site visits for each of the four state semi-finalists, and the winner will be named this fall. The state winner will then be eligible to apply for the National Teacher of the Year program.
