PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. -- In its first year of participation, Pulaski County Special School District is thrilled to announce that Sylvan Hills Middle teacher, Shanon Hum, was selected as a regional finalist in the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year program through the Arkansas Department of Education.
“This honor means so much to me, “ Hum said. “Making a difference in children’s lives is probably the most rewarding thing a person can do. Seeing my students reach their full potential is priceless.”
Hum is the AVID College and Career readiness coordinator for grades six through eight at Sylvan Hills Middle School. Before moving into the AVID coordinator position at Sylvan Hills Middle, she taught math for several years. Prior to becoming a middle school teacher, Hum worked at Cato Elementary which is also a PCSSD school.
“I have never considered my job as an actual job,” said Hum. “It is a journey with so many blessings and wonderful challenges. I am so blessed to work with such a wonderful group of students and staff.”
Mike Hudgeons, principal at Sylvan Hills Middle school, immediately saw potential in Hum as soon as he joined the school staff in
“Shanon Hum is the type of teacher you want your child to have,” said Hudgeons. “She will get the best from them and they will enjoy it. She’s the best.”
PCSSD is proud that Hum joins 11 other talented educational professions in the state. The 12 finalists, listed below, will be recognized at an event August 5 at the Governor’s Mansion. The regional finalists will receive a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation.
| Brigette Biley-Olatunji Arkansas High School | Rozanna Brown Ballman Elementary | Allison Dolan Don Tyson School of Innov. |
| Amy Farmer Academies of West Memphis | Jil’Lana Heard Lake Hamilton High | Shanon Hum Sylvan Hills Middle |
| Vickie Lewis NewStart Academy ALE | Amy Privett Walnut Ridge Middle | Kaitlyn Ryals Bob & Betty Courtway Middle |
| Jessica Saum Stagecoach Elementary | Jessica Talley East Side Elementary | Angela Walters East End Intermediate School |
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program is part of the National Teacher of the Year program, which recognizes teachers for their teaching and leadership skills. The four state semi-finalists that will be announced on August 5 will be selected from among the 12 regional finalists. One of the four state semi-finalists will be named the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall and will apply to become the 2022 National Teacher of the Year. Some State Board of Education members may attend the August 5 event at the Governor’s Mansion, but no official business will be conducted.
To learn more about the ATOY program, visit the ATOY section on the ADE website.