TASD’s Harris named Arkansas Education Association teacher of year for 2022-23
TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Arkansas Education Association has named Texarkana Arkansas School District’s Juanita I. Harris as the 20222023 teacher of the year.
Harris, a first-grade teacher at Harmony Leadership Academy, has been in education for 13 years. She said an uncle, Van, inspired her to become a teacher.
“Originally, I wanted to be a social worker. I remember coming home after church and I talked to my uncle Van and said, ‘I don’t know if I want to be a social worker or work in education,’” Harris recently said to the Gazette. “He asked me what I was passionate about, and I said teaching.
“He tapped me on my shoulder and said, ‘You should teach,’ and walked away.”
Impelled by her uncle’s encouragement, Harris returned to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia and changed her major to education.
“Next to salvation, changing my major to education has been one of the most rewarding and best decisions I’ve ever made,” Harris said.
Harris graduated from SAU in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and in 2013 with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
Harris has been recognized before for her accomplishments in the classroom. She was named the Union Elementary teacher of the year in 2017, the TASD teacher of the year in 2018, and a regional finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year in 2019.
As teachers began leaving the field during and after COVID-19, Harris said she had to find something to keep her motivated. She found her inspiration in a Bible verse.
“My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, ‘And we know that all things work together for the good of them for those who love the Lord, for those who have been called according to his purpose,” Harris said.
Harris said she was filled with gratefulness when she learned of being named the education association’s teacher of the year.
“God did it again,” Harris said. “Every award that comes my way for me is just a God wink. It is a sign of affirmation that I am going the way God wants me to go.”
With the association’s recognition, Harris is a candidate for the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence in 2024.
After teaching for over a decade, Harris does not plan to stop anytime soon. She described her students as being her children, and said she can relate to them because she comes from the same neighborhood as they do.
Harris said she also feels a kinship with fellow teachers and looks for ways to do something for them all year long, not just during Teacher Appreciation Week.
As CEO of Teachers Support Teachers, Harris has built a board of directors composed of educators across Arkansas and Mississippi, raising funds to recognize stellar teachers while providing monthly self-care opportunities, such as group therapy sessions, massages, pedicures, funds for supplies and more.
“Our mission for Teachers Support Teachers is to live out our vision of ‘Encouraging the Hearts that Shape the Minds,’” Harris said.
To raise funds for educators, Teachers Supports Teacher will hold a gala March 4 at Crossties event center in downtown Texarkana. For information or tickets, visit www.teachersupportteachers.com.