Rankin was recognized for her leadership, expanding educational opportunities for students with disabilities, and her commitment to student success. She was selected from a pool of 15 finalists and five semi-finalists.
"I am so grateful that the people that I love are here to share this recognition with me...This has not been something I did on my own. Thank you for the support I received from my team, the school, and my family. I feel this award affirms the work we do every day for our students," Rankin said
The four other semi-finalists were Mickey DuVall of Russellville Junior High School, Erin Green of Benton Junior High School, Melissa Purifoy of William O. Darby Middle School, and Kayti Wilson of Jonesboro Kindergarten Center.
Rankin was surprised during the school visit when Gov. Sanders and Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva made the announcement.
“Every child deserves a teacher who sees their potential and helps them reach it, and Lindsay Rankin brings that commitment to the classroom every day,” said Governor Sanders. “She knows success looks different for every student, works closely with families to give students with disabilities the support they need to learn, grow, and prepare for what comes next. Arkansas is stronger because of educators like her. Congratulations, Lindsay!”
“We are excited to have Ms. Rankin represent the great state of Arkansas as our 2027 Teacher of the Year,” said Secretary Oliva. “Her commitment to providing every student with a meaningful, high-quality education that leads to real outcomes is evident in everything she does. Through her advocacy for students with disabilities and her use of evidence-based practices, Ms. Rankin exemplifies the very best of Arkansas education. She will be an outstanding champion for our students, educators, and state.”
Rankin has served as an educator with Springdale Public Schools for six years and realized her dream of becoming a special education teacher after working more than a decade in human resources. Throughout her time in the classroom, she has worked to create meaningful learning environments where students with disabilities are equipped to reach their full potential. Through data-driven instruction and close collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams, she develops individualized educational programs that meet each student’s unique needs. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as she mentors and supervises paraprofessionals to strengthen instructional and behavioral supports and leads transition planning for students with complex educational needs.
Principal Norwood emphasized that Rankin fosters a true team environment.
“Her paras and district partnerships help make things happen,” Norwood said, adding that the state made the right decision choosing Rankin. “We might be biased, but truly believe Lindsay Rankin is the best candidate for teacher of the year. We are honored to have her represent our school, district, state, and the special education community. Her selection truly embodies ‘All Means All.’”
Rankin earned her Master of Education in Special Education K–12 from Arkansas State University in 2020 and holds certifications in seizure response, CPR, Applied Behavior Analysis crisis management, heart-safe schools, and the Science of Reading. Additionally, she is actively pursuing certification through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership Program to expand access to conservation, outdoor education, and environmental learning opportunities for students with significant disabilities.
Prior to being selected as Teacher of the Year, Rankin was named a Top 15 Finalist—receiving a $1,000 prize—and a State Semi-Finalist, which included an additional $1,000 prize provided by the Walton Family Foundation at an Aug. 6 ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion. During Thursday's presentation, Gov. Sanders and Secretary Oliva presented Rankin with an additional $14,000 check sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation. She is now eligible to apply for the National Teacher of the Year program and will also receive the Dr. Mary B. Gunter Arkansas Teacher of the Year Scholarship from Arkansas Tech University.
Rankin’s one-year term as Arkansas Teacher of the Year will begin July 1, 2027. During that time, she will travel throughout Arkansas to promote the teaching profession, serve as an ambassador for meaningful education reform, and serve as a non-voting member on the State Board of Education.
To learn more about the ATOY program, visit https://dese.link/ATOY.