CONWAY — There’s not a corner of Kathy Powers’ classroom at Raymond and Phyllis Simon Intermediate School in Conway that isn’t filled with books.
The fifth- and sixth-grade language arts teacher is a self-proclaimed voracious reader and is working hard to pass the habit on to her students.
“I believe very strongly in what I do. I believe it is critical that students learn to read and write well — that they can form a logical argument in writing,” Powers said.
Her passion for her subject and for her students is the reason Powers is one of 14 regional finalists for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year Award.
All finalists will be celebrated at the second annual Arkansas Teacher of the Year Gala at the Governor’s Mansion on Friday, Nov. 12, which will be televised live by Today’s THV 11.
But whether or not Powers wins the award or is named a runner-up, she said just being nominated has been worth it.
“For being a finalist, we already scored an ice cream party,” she said. “Blue Bell donated ice cream sandwiches to every student at the school, and I got four tubs of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream. So if I don’t win, it’s already been worth it so far.”
But of course, Powers would be thrilled to win.
“I want to do well because I want to represent these amazing teachers that I work with, and I want to see Simon shine,” she said.
Simon Intermediate Principal Renee Bennett said Powers has represented the school well. Powers was selected by her colleagues as Teacher of the Year at Simon Intermediate and was then selected to represent the district, as well as the region.
“This is the first time we have had a finalist at the school,” Bennett said. “I think it’s an excellent reflection on our school. She is one of many teachers that could have been nominated.”
In her fifth year at Simon Intermediate, Powers said she is as proud as ever of her students.
“She has excellent teaching skills,” Bennett said of Powers. “She has a wonderful rapport with students.”
Powers said she often shares stories from her childhood with her students to encourage them at school and bring out the best in their work.
“Right now we’re working on personal narratives,” she said. “So I tell them about the time in fifth grade when I accidentally stapled my finger.”
The students love the story, she said, but they also learn from it.
“I mapped out my own story the way they should map theirs out,” she said.
When her students are writing and reading, Powers is doing the same.
She said her students often share book recommendations with her, in and out of class.
“When we share ideas, it makes everyone stronger,” she said. “I respect my students, and I respect their ideas.”
The Teacher of the Year Gala will be held Friday, Nov. 12, at the Governor’s Mansion.
Powers will find out then if she has won the award.
“I have my dress picked out, and I’m ready to go,” she said.
More importantly …
“They’re going to webcast it,” Powers said excitedly, “so my mom down in Florida will be able to watch.”