Arkansas Computer Science Educator of the Year finalists named

The Arkansas Department of Education’s Office of Computer Science is pleased to announce the five educators selected as finalists for the fourth annual Arkansas Computer Science Educator of the Year award.

“This year the ADE Office of Computer Science, with its team of statewide computer science specialists, reviewed the applications of many of the best teachers in Arkansas,” said Anthony Owen, the state director of Computer Science Education. “While there were several outstanding applicants, the committee unanimously agreed that these five educators best demonstrate a long-term and ongoing commitment to, passion for, and impact on computer science education in Arkansas and the nation. Congratulations to this year’s finalists!”

The other finalists are listed below:

• Brenda Qualls, Bryant High School

• Carl Frank, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs

• Kimberly Raup, Conway High School

• Nicholas Seward, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts in Hot Springs

• Phillip Blake, estem Public Charter Schools in Little Rock

Each of the finalists will receive a $2,500 award from the Arkansas Department of Education’s Office of Computer Science. A panel composed of representatives from the ADE Computer Science Initiative Unit and external computer science and computing education and industry leaders will review the finalists’ applications and select the 2022 Computer Science Educator of the Year based on a rubric scoring system. The winner, who will be announced at a later date, will receive an additional $12,500 award.

For more information, please see ADE Commissioner’s Memo COM-22-087 at https://adecm.ade.arkansas.gov/Viewapprovedmemo.aspx?id=5000.