Special Education teacher Lindsay Rankin of Bernice Young Elementary School is a 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist.
“Being selected as a semi-finalist is both unbelievable and incredibly exciting, I know there are amazing teachers across Arkansas, many that I have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from, so to be recognized with them is both an honor and humbling,” Rankin said. “I hope this recognition shines a light on the incredible students I serve every day and gives a voice to their often-overlooked success.”
Rankin is one of 15 finalists to be recognized Aug. 6 at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock and one of five educators to be names semi-finalists.
“This group is the best of the best, and they know a thing or two about service,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Congratulations on your selection as a 2027 Teacher of the Year 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.”
Rankin said she sees the Arkansas Teacher of the Year experience as an opportunity to share the incredible things happening in special education, while also bringing back new ideas that will benefit her students and school community.
“I hope this opportunity provides me with an even greater platform to advocate for meaningful inclusivity and learning experiences that prepare students and our families to see every child's full potential, not just academically, but as functional members of their community,” she said.
Rankin noted the recognition as a Teacher of the Year semi-finalist isn’t hers alone.
“I have two classroom instructional assistants who pour themselves into our room and our students,” she said. “They continue to challenge themselves to learn more about our special education curriculum, classroom management and behavior regulation tips and tricks, and understand each one of our students' unique needs.”
Rankin has served as an educator and with Springdale Public Schools for six years and said she realized her dream of becoming a special education teacher after working more than a decade in human resources.
Serving as a special education teacher looks very different than traditional classrooms, she said, adding she’s proud of the skills her students continue to demonstrate.
“In my room, we strive to help grow functional members of our communities,” Rankin said. “Every student deserves high expectations, meaningful opportunities and a true sense of belonging. I feel grateful to be selected to represent Bernice Young Elementary School, Springdale Public Schools and the special education community.”
The four other semi-finalists are Mickey DuVall of Russellville Junior High School, Erin Green of Benton Junior High School, Melissa Purifoy of William O. Darby Middle School and Kayti Wilson of Jonesboro Kindergarten Center.
Each Arkansas Department of Education Teacher of the Year finalist received a certificate and a $1,000 cash prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation. Each semi-finalist received an additional $1,000 prize from the foundation at the Aug. 6 ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion.