CONWAY — Kathy Powers was a bundle of nerves on Nov. 12 at the Governor’s Mansion gala.
“On the outside, I’m trying to be refined and together,” she said. “And on the inside, I was saying, ‘I can’t believe I’m here and shaking the governor’s hand!’”
She bought her dress months ahead of time. Her parents were in town from Florida, and folks from the Arkansas Education Commission calling her all week before the event hadn’t been helping.
Gloria Stephens of the Arkansas Department of Education called Powers to tell her to start preparing a speech.
“But I’m contacting all of the finalists,” Stephens said.
A few days before the event, last year’s winner, Vandy Nash of North Little Rock, called Powers to check up on her again.
“But I’m contacting all the finalists,” Nash said.
“I really believed her,” Powers said.
But that Friday night, all the stars aligned as Powers, a fifth- and sixth-grade language arts teacher at Raymond and Phyllis Simon Intermediate School in Conway, was named 2011 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
“When I realized I’d won, I just started laughing,” Powers said. “I don’t know why.”
But it was a good thing she had thought about what to talk about during her acceptance speech. Powers addressed her students specifically.
“I just thought it would be so special to get to speak to them from TV,” she said.
She said she appreciates the recognition she receives from her students daily more than anything, but also enjoyed the gala.
“Every once in a while, it sure is nice to be treated in such a respectful way and have an opportunity to get fancy,” Powers said.
Simon Intermediate Principal Renee Bennett said Powers represents the school well. She was first selected by her colleagues as Teacher of the Year at Simon Intermediate and was then selected to represent the district and region in the state contest.
Now, she’ll move on to Nationals this spring in Washington, D.C.
The Walton Foundation provided Powers with a $15,000 cash prize for the award, which she said she will use to take her family with her to Washington.
Since returning to school after winning the award, Powers has been swamped with phone calls and messages of congratulations.
“I’m not used to this,” Powers said, laughing, “although I could get used to this.”
But life goes on. Powers was back in the classroom the Monday after the gala. Students stood at their desks applauding their teacher, whose room will soon be outfitted with a Smart Board.
“My students are already benefiting,” she said.
That’s the important thing, and probably why Powers won the award. She is known most for her enthusiasm in the classroom.
“She has excellent teaching skills,” Bennett said of Powers. “She has a wonderful rapport with students.”
Powers is excited to represent Arkansas in Washington, D.C., and to mingle with other educators from around the country. For now, she’s still reeling from her victory.
“I never win anything,” she said. “This is so awesome.”