LH teacher regional finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year
PEARCY — LeaAnn Ferrell, a fourth-grade math teacher in the Lake Hamilton School District, has been named one of the 12 regional finalists for the 2021 Arkansas
Teacher of the Year award.
“I am so very honored to be recognized among all the great educators in Arkansas, and plus to be a part of a great district like Lake Hamilton (for 27 years). So, it’s pretty exciting,” she said.
Ferrell said a memorable moment for her is the senior walk, where most seniors at the end of the year wear their caps and gowns and walk through the building giving high-fives and clapping their hands.
“The seniors get to write letters to their teachers that have impacted them. I always enjoy getting a letter from our past seniors. So, I appreciate Brian Bridges (communications and public relations coordinator) for starting that because it is one of the most fun times,” she said.
“I think it’s a testament to (Ferrell’s) commitment to her students. Every year that we have done this, she has had students that have written her a letter as far as her playing
such a big role in their educational journey at Lake Hamilton,” Bridges said.
Ferrell said she feels she was selected because the Arkansas Department of Education saw her love for children, noting she wakes up every day with a sense of purpose. Applications for the award are handled by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“I’ll see the fruits of my labor every single day just by my relationships with the students,” she said.
Ferrell said she was shocked because there are so many wonderful educators out there and to be chosen from all the other teachers, she felt the committee saw her passion for teaching and students.
“My love of children drew me to teaching, but then I’m passionate about learning. So, that helps me with teaching when I am passionate about learning,” she said.
Ferrell said academics are important, but growing relationships with students is number one to her, followed by the academic part.
“I think when you have students respect and trust you, and they know you care about them, then they are going to want to learn. They’re going to want to do their part in the classroom. They know they matter when they can see that you care about them and trust and respect them, too,” she said.
Ferrell said she went into education because of the love she has for children, and her passion about learning.
“I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives,” she said.
Her commitment to the students is to recognize their unique abilities and how they learn. Her commitment to the community is doing a lot of community-based projects within her classroom, Ferrell said.
“I hope to develop skills in them to where they will be able to become contributing members of society. So, we do a lot of project-based community activities,” she said.
Ferrell said one of the project-based community activities is a toy drive. They also recognize the Arkansas State Police, the Garland County Sheriff’s Department and the Hot Springs police in May when it’s National Police Appreciation Week.
“Mrs. Ferrell’s selection as a finalist for Arkansas Teacher of the Year is a proud occasion for the Lake Hamilton community. Students remember her not only because of her higher academic expectations and her commitment to math education but because she teaches from the heart,” Superintendent Shawn Higginbotham said.
He said Ferrell is a leader among the professional staff, as evidenced by her achievement as one of the first National Board Certified Teachers in the district and in Garland County, a certification she has maintained more than a decade later.
Ferrell has “devoted her career to inspiring our children and serving as a model for our teaching staff. Congratulations to Mrs. Ferrell and best wishes as she proceeds through the ATOY selection process,” Higginbotham said.
“The regional finalists will be recognized, and the four state semifinalists will be announced at an event July 31 at the Governor’s Mansion. The event will adhere to social distancing and virus prevention guidelines and directives,” a news release said.
Ferrell said she is not nervous, but very excited. She said she invited her grandson to go with her because he was excited about her getting the Teacher of the Year award.