Second-grade teacher Jessie Walls of Jim D. Rollins School of Innovation was a 2026 Arkansas Teacher of the Year finalists selected by the Arkansas Department of Education.
“I am proud of the finalists for their dedication to the profession and student learning,” said ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva in a press release. “Those selected represent some of the best of the best in the teaching profession, and I look forward to learning from them.”
Walls said she’s honored to represent the outstanding work happening at Rollins Elementary and throughout Springdale Public Schools.
“I am truly blessed to work alongside dedicated educators who pour their hearts into creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences for our students,” she said. “Their support, collaboration and willingness to embrace new ideas have shaped me into the teacher I am today.”
Walls has served as a teacher for 20 years, noting she taught for 16 years at George Elementary School and then helped open Rollins Elementary in August of 2021.
“Every child I have had the privilege to teach has, in turn, taught me something valuable about this remarkable profession,” Walls said. “Their curiosity, determination and passion for learning continually inspire me to adapt, grow and seek out the very best opportunities for their success.”
The 15 finalists each received a certificate and a $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation, according to an ADE press release.
Five semi-finalists for Teacher of the Year were announced July 28 at an event at the Governor's Mansion.
The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program honors educators for their teaching and leadership skills, according to the release.
The ATOY selection committee will conduct site visits for each of the state semi-finalists, with the 2026 ATOY being named this fall. The state winner will be eligible to apply for the National Teacher of the Year program.