Arkansas Tech University Graduate Honored as Arkansas Teacher of the Year: Inspiring Excellence in Education!

Stephanie Arflin Williams, an alumna of Arkansas Tech University, has been named the 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. This exciting announcement came during a surprise assembly at Mountain View Elementary in Benton on October 21, made by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva.

Williams graduated in 2009 with a degree in music education. She has been teaching in Benton for 17 years, starting as a band director at Benton Middle School for 14 years. Currently, she teaches music at Mountain View Elementary.

Governor Sanders praised Williams, stating, “Behind every successful student is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond. Stephanie is a great example of that ideal.” She highlighted how Williams makes learning enjoyable and encourages curiosity among her students.

As Arkansas Teacher of the Year, Williams will receive a $14,000 award from the Walton Family Foundation. She is also eligible for the national Teacher of the Year program and will get the Dr. Mary B. Gunter Arkansas Teacher of the Year Scholarship from Arkansas Tech University.

This recognition is more than just a title; it’s a testament to the impact teachers have on students’ lives. According to a recent survey by the National Education Association, 86% of students believe that teachers influence their learning experiences significantly. Williams embodies this idea by fostering an environment where students feel excited about learning.

For further details, check out the official announcement from the Arkansas Department of Education here.

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