A Little Rock Central High School teacher was named the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Monday, according to a news release.
Stacey McAdoo, a communication and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) teacher, has been in the classroom for 16 years, the Arkansas Department of Education release states.
As part of the award, Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Education Commissioner Johnny Key presented a $14,000 check to McAdoo. The award was sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation. McAdoo will also receive a paid, year-long sabbatical that begins in summer 2019.
McAdoo began teaching speech communication at Central High in 2002, and began teaching AVID, a college preparatory course, in 2007. In addition to teaching, she sponsors the school’s Writeous Poetry Club and Troubadour Club, which focuses on drama and debate.
“From incorporating rap and slam poetry in the classroom to utilizing creative opportunities that foster parent, community and civic engagement, Ms. McAdoo serves as a model of excellence for all Arkansas teachers,” Key said in the release. “She gently guides her students to think outside the box and challenge stereotypes. I both commend and congratulate Ms. McAdoo for the example she has set for her students, co-workers and parents."
McAdoo was also named a Distinguished High School Mentor in 2017 and this year was also named the Little Rock Central High School Teacher of the Year and the Little Rock School District Teacher of the Year.