The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts recently recognized educators from across the state with the annual Teacher Impact Award.
The Teacher Impact Award recognizes educators who helped shape and guide incoming students at ASMSA. Students nominated teachers who aided their growth both intellectually and emotionally. There were more than 100 teachers nominated for recognition. Every educator who was nominated received a certificate of recognition. A letter highlighting their recognition also was sent to each educator’s principal.
A committee of ASMSA staff members read through the recommendations to give further recognition to five educators from different regions within the state. These stand-out teachers received a handcrafted trophy created by artist and ASMSA art instructor Brad Wreyford.
Teaching is hard work, and often teachers don’t know how much they have positively influenced their students once they have graduated or moved on to further their education. The Teacher Impact Award allows a more immediate recognition of how educators helped shape their pupils.
The five teachers who were recognized as standouts in their regions are:
In the Central Region, Kody Montgomery, who teaches English at the Arkansas Virtual Academy, was nominated by Makayla Hampton. Hampton wrote, “Miss Montgomery drove me to be a better student. She will remain one of the most influential teachers I’ve ever had, and will always be an inspiration for me to try my hardest and be my best.”
Another English teacher, Rance King from Harrison High School in the Northwest Region, was nominated by Eliana Adamos. Adamos shared, “Mr. King helped boost my self-confidence, and he was approachable. [He] goes above what’s required to help students; he puts in time and effort to help prepare us for our futures.”
Two students nominated Susan Johnson, an engineering teacher from El Dorado High School. It was the heartfelt nomination from Alyssa Thomas who secured the top spot in the Southwest Region of the state for Johnson by sharing, “She always encouraged me to shoot for the stars, but to always acknowledge my limitations whether academic or mental. She teaches in a way that is humorous and relatable, so you can connect with the content. She’s also an amazing person who you can have a conversation with.”
In the Southeastern Region, Sarah Stratton, who is now at Arch Ford Educational Cooperative, was nominated by Sabina Day. Day shared that Stratton, who was an educator at Monticello High School at the time, was both academically and emotionally inspiring. “She encouraged me to pursue writing and always complimented her students, while also helping them better their flaws.”
In the Northeastern Region, Penny Tooms, a former Gifted and Talented teacher at Piggott High School who now directs two Arkansas State Heritage Sites, was nominated by Madison Arenaz. Arenaz said, “From the time I entered the Gifted and Talented/Pace program at age 8, she changed my life. She advocated for me in every aspect of life. I wouldn’t have had half the opportunities I had without her.”
The efforts of these educators played an important role in preparing the students to attend ASMSA, said Charlie Feick, director of admissions at ASMSA.
“ASMSA greatly appreciates our partnerships with schools around the state,” Feick said. “A student’s educational foundation is laid long before they arrive on the ASMSA campus. It is because of the dedication of their previous teachers that students are prepared to thrive at ASMSA.
“Reading the students’ nominations each year reminds us of all the good in the world. The students’ descriptions of their former teachers’ impacts highlight how all teachers strive to give their students the very best preparation possible for their lives after high school. The Teacher Impact Award allows us to thank educators that helped each of our current ASMSA students get to where they are today.”
The admissions cycle for ASMSA Classes of 2024 and 2025 is currently open. ASMSA offers a dynamic range of courses in an early college environment that allow students to explore new ideas, cultivate their curiosity, and further develop their passions. ASMSA offers more than 60 university level courses through our Concurrent Core. On average, an ASMSA graduate acquires 50 college credit hours by the time they finish high school. The application deadline is March 1 for current freshmen and sophomores. For more information, visit asmsa.org/ignite.