Leaton named Teacher of the Year. See more honorees below. ?
The Bryant School District announced last week their honorees for Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year, along with other staff receiving awards.
Bryant’s Teacher of the Year for 2021-22, Mrs. Amber Leaton, teaches U.S. History and Leadership at Bryant High School. She has a passion for the teaching profession and seeing her students succeed. After graduating from college, she chose to return to her alma mater as a teacher. Bryant administration stated in their announcement that students have benefited greatly from having her as one of the outstanding Bryant High School educators.
Mrs. Leaton said one of her main goals as an educator is to help students become civic-minded critical thinkers who can engage positively about real issues affecting the world. She accomplishes this in her AP US History classes by utilizing innovative projects, simulations and technology to engage students. She makes learning fun and relevant, while providing students with opportunities to grow and challenge themselves.
Through her work, she also instills the importance of servant leadership in her students and gives them confidence to become leaders in their communities. She provides Student Senate members with opportunities to practice civic virtue, service and leadership. From the Season of Giving to a tutoring program at the Alexander Outreach Center, to service projects at the Senior Adult Center, she hopes to develop a heart for service in her students by the time they leave her classroom.
The School District stated that Mrs. Leaton is a model for Capturing Kids’ Hearts. She connects with her students, making each feel valued. By building these relationships, she establishes an environment for learning and a mutual expectation of effort and respect. Her students know beyond a doubt that she is invested in their success.
Mrs. Leaton is a passionate, dedicated teacher who creatively engages her students not only in their education, but also in service to their community. She is molding successful adults.
Mrs. Leaton will represent Bryant Public Schools in the 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year program.
Congratulations to Mrs. Leaton and each of the school level Teachers of the Year:
- Courtney Matthews, Bryant Pre-K Teacher of the Year
- Bridgette McBride, Bryant Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Amanda Hooper, Collegeville Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Lindsey Holloway, Davis Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Megan Monroe, Hill Farm Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Lauren Broach, Hurricane Creek Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Chardae Creggett, Parkway Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Bobbi Dettmer, Salem Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Allison Decker, Springhill Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Wendie Reaves, Bethel Middle Teacher of the Year
- Sara O’Bryan, Bryant Middle Teacher of the Year
- Allen Robson, Bryant Junior High Teacher of the Year
The District also honored classified employees, who provide support to teachers, students, and parents. Awards are provided to individuals in each of the district departments. The individuals are then eligible for the overall Classified Employee of the Year Award.
Paraprofessional of the Year, Frank Stracener, was awarded the distinction of overall Classified Employee of the Year for 2021-22. Coach Stracener serves at Bethel Middle School.
The department level Employees of the Year are as follows:
• Dynasty Riley (Bryant High School), Clerical Employee of the Year
• Jackie Pearl (Bryant Middle), Food Service Employee of the Year
• Bobbie Williams (Parkway Elementary), Maintenance/Custodial Employee of the Year
• Jill Landrum (Behavior Specialist), Student Services Employee of the Year
• Officer Bobby Hankins (Hill Farm Elementary), Security Services Employee of the Year
• Karl Sillavan, Technology Employee of the Year
• Connie Coup, Transportation Employee of the Year
• Frank Stracener (Bethel Middle), Paraprofessional of the Year