Arkansas Named Elementary Educator Teacher of the Year
The selection reflects a commitment to special education and inclusion in the classroom.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Primary Education
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Lindsay Rankin of Bernice Young Elementary has been named the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. She follows a lineage of state winners, including Joel Lookadoo and Justin Minkel, for her demonstrated leadership and teaching skills.
Why it matters
The award recognizes educators for exceptional teaching and leadership, highlighting specific classroom priorities like inclusion that benefit the broader student population. This selection underscores the state's ongoing focus on fostering supportive learning environments for all children.
Lindsay Rankin was selected from a field of 5 state semifinalists after a rigorous evaluation process. The state program honors educators for their performance and expertise in special education and inclusion.
The players
Lindsay Rankin
An educator at Bernice Young Elementary known for her leadership and expertise in special education and inclusion.
Arkansas Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing the public school system and administering the annual teacher recognition program.
The details
The Arkansas Department of Education selection committee conducted site visits to evaluate each state semifinalist's performance in their home classrooms. During these visits, the committee reviewed essays detailing how candidates implement strategies for special education and inclusive instruction. This process allows the department to assess teaching effectiveness and leadership qualities in real-world environments.
Timeline
2007: Justin Minkel received the award.
2020: Joel Lookadoo received the award.
August 6, 2026: Rankin was named a semifinalist.
October 8, 2026: Rankin was named Teacher of the Year.
The Home Front
This award marks a continuation of the state's long-standing tradition of recognizing pedagogical excellence in public education. The winner is now eligible to participate in the National Teacher of the Year program, aligning state instructional standards with broader national recognition.
Families with students in the district may want to engage with school leadership to understand how inclusive education practices are currently being applied in their child's specific classroom. Reviewing your school's annual report can provide further insight into the curriculum priorities being honored.
The takeaway
This recognition highlights the importance of inclusive education strategies in today's classrooms. Families can support this mission by reviewing classroom newsletters or attending school board meetings to learn about the specific teaching approaches used at their local school.
Further reading
Learn more about local school initiatives by visiting Arkansas Primary Education.
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