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Teacher of the Year

Celebrating Excellence in Education

Every year, our district honors an outstanding educator who exemplifies dedication, innovation, and passion for teaching. The Teacher of the Year award recognizes those who inspire students, support colleagues, and make a lasting impact on our schools and community.

photo of Carly Collye

 

School: Cook Elementary

Grade: First Grade
Years of Service: 9 years

Education:
Master of Arts in Teaching, University of Arkansas
Master Professional Educator license with a certification to teach PK-4 with an ESL endorsement
National Board Teaching Certification in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy

2025 Teacher of the Year - Carly Collyge

Carly is known for her deep commitment to student success and her ability to create a classroom environment where every child feels valued, supported, and motivated to grow. Her compassionate teaching style and thoughtful instruction help students thrive both academically and socially, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and believe in their potential.

Respected by colleagues and admired by students, Carly leads with professionalism, integrity, and creativity. Her dedication is evident in everything she does—from developing engaging lessons to staying after school to provide extra support. She also prioritizes helping students build life skills like communication, emotional regulation, and resilience, knowing that these tools will serve them long after they leave her classroom. Cook Elementary is proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition as Teacher of the Year.

 

Mrs. Collyge is, hands down, the best educator I have had the privilege to work alongside. Her genuine love and care for her students and colleagues is unmatched. She is always working hard to be the best for our school. I strive every day to be more like Mrs. Collyge.

 Nicole Shaffer, Former Principal, Cook Elementary School

Campus Teachers of the Year

Hall of Fame

Past FSPS Teachers of the Year

2024 - Martin Hyatt - Northside High School

2023/2024 - Nicole Franklin - Orr Elementary

2022/2023 - Aimee Brinkley - Northside High School

2021/2022 - Rozanna Brown - Ballman Elementary

2020/2021 - Susanna Post* - Belle Point Center

2019/2020 - Dejah Stephens - Orr Elementary

2018/2019 - Karen Arthur - Darby Middle School

2017/2018 - Natasha Shoate - Cavanaugh Elementary

2017 - Melissa Trangmar - Belle Point Center

2016 - Kim Rahi - Barling Elementary

2015 - Maria Galvan - Ramsey Middle School

2014 - Lisa Gray - Sunnymede Elementary

2013 - Marquita Carty - Northside High School

2012 - Meghan Estep - Cavanaugh Elementary

2011 - Oretha Ferguson - Southside High School

2010 - Lenora Bullington - Cavanaugh Elementary 

2009 - Jeff Mosby - Ramsey Middle School

2008 - Marla Needham - Carnall Elementary

2007 - Sherry Cawhorn-Christopher - Darby Middle School

2005 - Lynda Walker - Sunnymede Elementary

2004 - Virgina "Ginger" Jeffries - Ramsey Middle School

2003 - Ruth "Cookie" Collyar - Sutton Elementary

2001 - Martin Hyatt - Northside High School

2000 - James "Lynn" Smith - Northside High School

1999 - Donna Sue Wintory - Euper Lane Elementary

1998 - Bob Watkins - Park Elementary

1997 - Dacie Rau - Orr Elementary

1996 - Carol Sue Blankenship - Kimmons Middle School

1994 - Sherry Cawhorn - Darby Middle School

1993 - Debbie Mickle - Park Elementary School

1992 - Patricia Dawn Taylor - Carnall Elementary

1991 - Becky Shopfner - Chaffin Middle School

1990 - Joanna Hudson - Carnall Elementary

1984 - C. Ray Baker* - Southside High School

* Arkansas Teacher of the Year Winners