Governor Hutchinson with the four semifinalists for Arkansas Teacher of the Year (from left) Stephanie Long, Elouise Shorter, Capri Salaam, and Amber Leaton.
Bryant High School teacher Amber Leaton was recently named one of four semifinalists for 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and State Education Secretary Johnny Key, Arkansas Department of Education Secretary, announced the semifinalists at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock on August 4. The semifinalists were chosen from 13 regional finalists who were also honored at the event.
Mrs. Leaton is a United States History and Leadership teacher at her alma mater, Bryant High School. She also sponsors the BHS Student Senate, where she works with young leaders to improve school culture and serve the community. She is the 2021-22 Bryant Teacher of the Year.
Arkansas Teacher of the Year Semifinalist Amber Leaton.
“Each of these four educators represent the best of the best in the teaching profession this past school year,” Key said. “I am excited to announce them as state semifinalists, and one of them will ultimately represent Arkansas in the National Teacher of the Year competition. Any one of these four would serve as an excellent ambassador for Arkansas and for all educators around the state.”
“We are extremely pleased to have a teacher of Mrs. Leaton’s caliber and experience represent Bryant Schools. Not only is she a skilled history teacher, but she also engages and empowers students through leadership opportunities. We wish her all the best as she takes the next steps in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year selection process,” said Bryant Superintendent Karen Walters.
Arkansas Teacher of the Year Finalist Amber Leaton (center) with Bryant Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Walters and Bryant High School Principal Dr. Todd Edwards.
The state semifinalists each received a medallion and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation. As a regional finalist, they also received a certificate and an additional $1,000 prize. The other three semifinalists are:
- Stephanie Long — 3rd grade teacher at Walter Turnbow Elementary School in the Springdale School District.
- Capri Salaam — social studies teacher for grades 7 and 8 at North Little Rock Middle School.
- Elouise Shorter — math teacher for grades 9 through 12 at Dollarway High School in the Pine Bluff School District.
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes teachers for their teaching and leadership skills, the release states. The state Teacher of the Year selection committee will conduct site visits for each of the semifinalists, with the 2023 Arkansas Teacher of the Year named this fall.