PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- For the third time in four years, Pulaski County Special School District is excited to announce that its district Teacher of the Year nominee is selected as a regional finalist. The Arkansas Department of Education announced the names of the 14 educators named 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Regional Finalists, which includes Jeanie Wilcoxon from Chenal Elementary.
Wilcoxon is currently a math teacher at Chenal Elementary, a position she’s held since 2011. Before coming to Chenal Elementary, Wilcoxon worked as an elementary language arts teacher in the Dumas School District. She also spent three years as an elementary and middle school teacher with Iberville Parish Schools in Louisiana.
“I am honored and humbled to be selected as one of the fourteen regional finalists for Arkansas’s 2025 Teacher of the Year,” said Wilcoxon. “I am forever grateful for this opportunity and am proud to represent the Pulaski County Special School District. Thank you to my fellow educators, students, district, and my family for always supporting me and allowing me to continue to make a difference throughout the world of education. I am truly touched!”
Yolanda Harris, principal at Chenal Elementary, said she’s humbled to have Jeanie as part of her team. She said if anyone deserves this honor, it’s definitely Mrs. Wilcoxon.
“Mrs. Wilcoxon is an exemplary educator whose success can be attributed to her deep understanding of each student's individual needs,” said Harris. “She consistently identifies and implements strategies to ensure that all students achieve their full potential. Her high expectations and commitment to student success set a remarkable standard in her teaching practice.”
PCSSD is proud to see Wilcoxon join the other regional finalists from across the state and represent the best of Arkansas’ educators. The 14 finalists, listed below, will be recognized at an event at the Governor’s Mansion on August 5. The regional finalists will receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation.
Melani Blansett | Kimberly Dickens | Melanie Hill |
|---|---|---|
Christopher Coker | Candace Gilbreath | Matthew Holden |
Amanda Daly | Tawnya Herring | Tammy Lites |
Ricky Manes | Karen McDowell | Jeanie Wilcoxon |
Marcia Martin | Abby Roberts |
This is the District’s third regional finalist in the past four years. Ben Light from Robinson Middle and High Schools was a regional finalist for the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Shanon Hum from Sylvan Hills Middle School was a regional finalist for the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program participates in the National Teacher of the Year program and recognizes Arkansas educators for their outstanding teaching and leadership skills. During the recognition event on August 5, the department will announce the four state semi-finalists from among the regional finalists. One will be named the 2025 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall.