SPRINGDALE, Ark. – Lindsay Rankin, a special education teacher at Bernice Young Elementary School in the Springdale School District, was named the 2027 Arkansas Teacher of the Year (ATOY) today.
Rankin was surprised during a school visit when Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva made the announcement.
“Every child deserves a teacher who sees their potential and helps them reach it, and Lindsay Rankin brings that commitment to the classroom every day,” said Governor Sanders. “She knows success looks different for every student, works closely with families to give students with disabilities the support they need to learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next. Arkansas is stronger because of educators like her. Congratulations, Lindsay!”
“We are excited to have Ms. Rankin represent the great state of Arkansas as our 2027 Teacher of the Year,” said Secretary Oliva. “Her commitment to providing every student with a meaningful, high-quality education that leads to real outcomes is evident in everything she does. Through her advocacy for students with disabilities and her use of evidence-based practices, Ms. Rankin exemplifies the very best of Arkansas education. She will be an outstanding champion for our students, educators, and state.”
Throughout her six years as a special education teacher, Rankin has worked to create meaningful learning environments where students with disabilities are equipped to reach their full potential. Through data-driven instruction and close collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams, she develops individualized educational programs that meet each student’s unique needs. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as she mentors and supervises paraprofessionals to strengthens instructional and behavioral supports and leads transition planning for students with complex educational needs.
Rankin earned her Master of Education in Special Education K–12 from Arkansas State University in 2020 and holds certifications in seizure response, CPR, Applied Behavior Analysis crisis management, heart-safe schools, and the Science of Reading. Additionally, Rankin is actively pursuing certification through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership Program to expand access to conservation, outdoor education, and environmental learning opportunities for students with significant disabilities. Her continued pursuit of professional learning reflects a commitment to finding new and meaningful ways to strengthen learning environments, expand opportunities, and ensure every student has the necessary tools to reach their full potential.
Prior to being selected as the ATOY, Rankin was named an ATOY Top 15 Finalist, receiving a $1,000 prize, and an ATOY State Semi-Finalist, which included an additional $1,000. Today she received an additional $14,000 award sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation and is eligible to apply for the National Teacher of the Year program. She will also receive the Dr. Mary B. Gunter Arkansas Teacher of the Year Scholarship from Arkansas Tech University.
Rankin’s one-year tenure as ATOY will begin on July 1, 2027, during which time she will travel the state promoting the teaching profession and serving as a non-voting member on the State Board of Education. The ATOY also serves as an ambassador for meaningful education reform and continued improvements that are driving Arkansas’ progress in education. To learn more about the ATOY program, visit https://dese.link/ATOY.
