A teacher from Jonesboro has been named a semi-finalist for the prestigious 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year award. Kayti Wilson, who teaches at the Jonesboro Kindergarten Center, is one of five educators chosen as semi-finalists out of 15 finalists for the honor.
The announcement was made Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. As part of the recognition, each semi-finalist received a $1,000 prize from the Walton Family Foundation.
“Congratulations to every one of these educators for achieving this remarkable honor,” Oliva said during the ceremony. “Their work reflects the spirit of Arkansas LEARNS — raising expectations, rewarding excellence, and putting students first. These five teachers truly represent the best of Arkansas education.”
Governor Sanders also praised the honorees, calling them the "best of the best." She said, "Congratulations on your selection as a 2027 Teacher of the Year semi-finalist. But more importantly, from me, from every Arkansas parent, and from everyone in our state, thank you for your dedication to the most important profession of all."
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators for their teaching and leadership skills. Each of the five semi-finalists will participate in site visits by a selection committee before the winner is announced this fall. The state winner will also qualify for the National Teacher of the Year program.
The Arkansas Department of Education administers the annual program as a way to highlight excellence in the classroom and encourage high standards in education. The recognition comes with both monetary rewards and an opportunity to represent the state on the national level.