Little Rock, Arkansas – Fifteen educators from across Arkansas were recognized for their dedication to students and schools during a special reception honoring the finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva celebrated the finalists during the event Thursday morning, recognizing teachers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education and their communities.
The Arkansas Department of Education previously announced the 15 finalists for this year’s Teacher of the Year award. During the reception, each finalist received a certificate recognizing their achievement along with a $1,000 cash prize.
The annual award highlights educators who go above and beyond in the classroom and represent the work being done in schools throughout the state. The finalists were selected from a group of teachers who were recognized for their teaching skills, leadership and dedication to improving educational experiences for Arkansas students.
The top five semi-finalists for the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award were selected by Stephanie Williams, the 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The educators chosen represent schools from different communities across Arkansas.
The five semi-finalists are Mickey DuVall, a teacher at Russellville Junior High School; Erin Green, a teacher at Benton Junior High School; Melissa Purifoy, a teacher at William O. Darby Middle School; Lindsay Rankin, a teacher at Bernice Young Elementary School; and Kayti Wilson, a teacher at Jonesboro Kindergarten Center.
Each of the semi-finalists will continue through the selection process as the state prepares to name the next Arkansas Teacher of the Year. The final announcement is expected to take place in the fall.
State officials said the recognition provides an opportunity to celebrate educators who play an important role in shaping the future of Arkansas students. Teachers from across the state contribute daily to creating supportive classrooms, encouraging learning and helping students reach their goals.
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The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program has become an annual tradition that brings attention to exceptional educators and the impact they have on schools and communities. The finalists and semi-finalists represent a wide range of grade levels and educational backgrounds, showing the diversity of teaching excellence throughout Arkansas.
As the selection process continues, the remaining candidates will have the opportunity to share their experiences and accomplishments before one educator is chosen as the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year later this year.
