Conway Teacher of the Year Named Regional Finalist

Anita Cegers-Coleman, Conway Public Schools' District Teacher of the Year, has been named a regional finalist in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year competition.
Cegers-Coleman joins thirteen other teachers from around the state as a finalist for the 2017 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Arkansas Department of Education Commissioner Johnny Key will recognize the regional finalists next Thursday September 28th at 1:30 p.m. in the Old Supreme Court room at the Capitol.

During the ceremony, the four state semi-finalists will be announced.
“Effective, dynamic teachers are the foundation of a quality education,” Key said. “As we work to transform Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused education, we must recognize teachers who have demonstrated their commitment to educational excellence and celebrate their accomplishments. I am extremely proud of these finalists and for the example they set for all current and future educators.”
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, which is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, recognizes teachers who demonstrate strong teaching and leadership skills. This year’s regional finalists will receive a $1,000 award, with the Arkansas Teacher of the Year receiving an additional $14,000. The awards are made possible by a grant provided by the Walton Family Foundation, a long-time supporter of the program.
After the four state semi-finalists are announced at the ceremony Sept. 28, the selection committee will conduct site visits. During the visits, the committee will observe the teacher in the classroom and interview the teacher and school administrators. A surprise notification announcing the 2017 Arkansas Teacher of the Year will be held later this fall.
Cegers-Coleman was chosen as Conway's District Teacher of the Year after being named Ruth Doyle Middle School's Teacher of the Year last Spring.  She teaches keyboarding at RDMS and has taught school for a total of 21 years.

Her principal Debi Avra says she's a perfect choice for this honor.

"Mrs. CC," as she is affectionately known to both our students and staff, gives tirelessly to her students and our school," said Avra.  "Whether it's working with students during lunchtime to catch them up on keyboarding or cheering them on from the sidelines at games, her presence and extra efforts are noted.  She is not afraid to accept challenges and enthusiastically models a "We can do it!" attitude." 

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