CAVE CITY, Ark. — Carlee Qualls, a fifth-grade English Language Arts teacher at Cave City Elementary School, has been named the 'Face of Arkansas' for August by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The monthly series honors Arkansans whose contributions exemplify the spirit of the state.
A framed portrait of Qualls, along with her story, is currently on display at the entrance to the Governor’s office. The Faces of Arkansas initiative, launched to spotlight the people behind the state’s communities, celebrates those who have overcome challenges, excelled in their fields, or strengthened Arkansas through their commitment.
Known for her creative teaching methods, Qualls creates immersive experiences for her students. She transforms local landmarks into historical settings that bring lessons to life, such as turning a Cave City coffee shop into a colonial-era tavern or enlisting parents and business owners to re-enact moments from history. Drawing on her students’ interests and making education memorable are cornerstones of her teaching philosophy.
“I feel like the memories kids make from out-of-the-ordinary, fun experiences will last longer than the day-to-day lessons I teach in the classroom,” Qualls said.
Cave City, nestled in the hills of north Arkansas, is renowned for its world-famous watermelons celebrated at an annual festival. Beyond the festival, Qualls highlights the close-knit community spirit, noting that neighbors readily lend a hand whenever needed.
That sense of community has persisted through challenges, including the recovery efforts after destructive tornadoes in 2025, when state and local leaders worked to help families rebuild. Qualls herself volunteers regularly, including helping raise funds for a local inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities.
Qualls returned to Cave City after starting her career in a larger school district. She credits the mentorship she received early in her career for helping her find success in teaching. Now, with 16 years of experience, she continues to collaborate with fellow educators to support students and adapt teaching methods to meet individual needs.
“I’m excited to represent teachers in Arkansas, especially those in small districts who wear many different hats,” Qualls said. In addition to her teaching duties, she serves as the district’s preschool director, coordinates English as a Second Language services, and coaches peewee basketball.
A milestone moment for education in Arkansas came earlier this year with the implementation of the LEARNS Act, a broad initiative to enhance literacy, teacher training, and education outcomes statewide. Qualls has seen its impact firsthand, especially in the use of student data to identify learning gaps and adapt strategies.
“There’s been a bigger push on diving deep into data and seeing where our kids are,” she explained, adding, “We owe it to our kids to constantly help them improve and succeed.”
Qualls encourages her students to embrace the power of reading, often seeing them light up when they discover something new in a book. For her, the ultimate reward is watching students find their voice and confidence through learning, whether it’s sharing ideas aloud or discovering joy in writing.
Reflecting on her journey, Qualls hopes her story inspires students, fellow teachers, and community members alike. “If they can find their voice,” she said, “they’ll be able to succeed in so many different areas.”