A Poyen math teacher was named the 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Friday, officials say.
Ouida Newton, who teaches at Poyen High School, was notified of her award by Arkansas Department of Education officials at a surprise event at the school Friday morning.
Newton has been a math teacher for 34 years and currently teaches 7th through 12th grade, the Arkansas Department of Education said in a news release.
She was named Arkansas Rural Education Teacher of the Year and Arkansas Middle Level Math Teacher of Year last year.
“Ms. Newton has strong teaching history and outstanding accomplishments, making her a deserving teacher for the recognition,” Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Tony Wood said in a statement.