BENTON, Ark. – Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Tuesday morning.
Sanders visited Mountain View Elementary School in the Benton School District to announce Stephanie Williams as the teacher of the year.
“Behind every successful student is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond in the classroom – and this year’s Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Stephanie Williams, is a great example of that ideal,” Sanders said. “She doesn’t just want her students to succeed; she strives to make learning fun and expand their curiosity, so they never stop growing. Arkansas is better because of educators like her who put our students first. Congratulations, Stephanie!”
Williams is a music teacher at Mountain View Elementary School.
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In addition to the announcement, Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education secretary Jacob Oliva presented Williams with a $14,000 reward…