Department of Education announces teacher of the year finalists

— The Arkansas Department of Education on Friday announced four state finalists for the Arkansas Teacher of the Year award.

The finalists are:

  • Marquita Carty, a mathematics teacher at Northside High School in the Fort Smith School District. 
  • Alicia Francis, an English teacher at Conway Junior High School in the Conway School District.
  • Linda Odle, a fifth-grade teacher at JB Hunt Elementary School in the Springdale School District.
  • Alexia Weimer, a kindergarten teacher at Avondale Elementary School in the Marion School District.

The department said the teachers are selected based on their teaching skills; dedication to students, parents and colleagues; demonstration of school and community leadership; ability to inspire students of all backgrounds; and commitment to their profession.

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