LITTLE ROCK – On Thursday the Arkansas Department of Education announced the selection of four educators as its 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists, including a popular and influential teacher from De Queen High School.
DQTV Teacher and District Communications Director Beau McCastlain was recognized as one of those four finalists during a ceremony in Little Rock. McCastlain, who has also coached for De Queen Public Schools, launched DQTV three years ago to provide De Queen High School students with opportunities to learn more about careers in media.
McCastlain was announced as one of 14 regional finalists earlier this month. The regional finalists each received a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation. The event at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock yesterday included a brunch, a ceremony honoring the 14 finalists, and the announcement of the four 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists, including McCastlain. One will be named the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year this fall.
“Congratulations to these teachers for achieving this honor,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “We are proud to recognize excellence in teaching and honor those selected for this recognition.”
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program participates in the National Teacher of the Year program and recognizes teachers for their outstanding teaching and leadership skills. To learn more about the program, visit https://bit.ly/3hJwC0g.