(left to right) Governor Asa Hutchinson and Commissioner Johnny Key, Arkansas Department of Education, congratulate Chrystal Burkes on her selection as one of four 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year State Semi-Finalists.
Bryant’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Chrystal Burkes, was named one of four Semi-Finalists for 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY).
Mrs. Burkes is the Library Media Specialist at Parkway Elementary. She was a third-grade literacy teacher at Davis Elementary when selected to represent Bryant in the 2019 ATOY process.
The four state semi-finalists were chosen from among 14 regional finalists. Over the next few weeks, the ATOY Selection Committee will conduct site visits that will include classroom observations and interviews with the state semi-finalists and school administrators. The 2019 ATOY will be announced later this fall.
“We are beyond excited to have Mrs. Chrystal Burkes represent Bryant Schools as one of the Semi-Finalists,” said Bryant Superintendent Karen Walters. “She is a model teacher, dedicated to her students and committed to high expectations for learning. Mrs. Burkes is a true teacher leader, investing in her colleagues and in her school community. She impacts the entire school community through her strong leadership and positive attitude. The culture of learning she creates is an example of educational professionalism and excellence in teaching,”