Educator Impact Awards
ABOUT THE AWARDs
The Clinton Foundation’s Arkansas Educator Impact Awards celebrate Arkansas K-12 educators (current or retired teachers, administrators, or other school employees) who inspire students to become compassionate leaders and engaged community members.
These awards recognize education professionals who go beyond academics to build character, nurture belonging, and encourage civic spirit in their schools and classrooms. By creating environments where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered, these education professionals ensure their students not only succeed in school but also develop the skills and values needed to make a difference in the world.
We encourage you to nominate someone who reflects these principles and whose dedication has created a ripple effect of impact within their school and community. Fellow educators, administrators, current or former students/parents, family, and community members may submit nominations.
Winners for the 2025-2026 school year have been announced.
Award Categories:
🏆 The Champion of Belonging Award: How has this person demonstrated inclusivity and created a welcoming environment?
🏆 The Guiding Light Award: How has this person encouraged leadership, school spirit, and a sense of belonging in their classroom or school?
🏆 The Civic Spirit Award: How does this person go “above and beyond” to inspire students to engage within their school and/or community?
🏆 Compassion in Action Award: How has this person empowered students to show kindness, compassion, or empathy?
2026 Winners
Yolanda Smith
Compassion in Action
Arkansas Middle School, Texarkana School District
She is deeply committed to helping every student reach their full potential, both academically and personally, by creating a classroom environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and motivated to succeed. She models integrity, perseverance, and respect while encouraging her students to set high goals for themselves and take pride in their achievements.
Bilal Acikgoz
Civic Spirit
LISA West High School, LISA Academy Public Charter Schools
Bilal is a College and Career Guidance Counselor with more than two decades of experience. He empowers students to become confident, compassionate, and engaged members of their communities. Under his guidance, students have completed more than 7,200 hours of community service, developing empathy, civic responsibility, and a deeper understanding of how they can positively impact those around them.
Beverly McGuire Slavens
Guiding Light
Arkadelphia High School, Arkadelphia Public Schools
She is an exceptional educator who sets high expectations while providing encouragement and support that enable all students to rise to the challenge. Beverly uses incredible storytelling and humor from her own life to encourage students to see their own personal stories and voices as valuable contributions to their community.
Dr. Kathi Sweere, NBCT
Impactful Teacher of the Year
Conway Public School District
Kathi is a District Reading Specialist and veteran educator with 36 years of experience. At her core, Kathi believes in people. She embodies the idea that education is not just about learning facts but about nurturing hearts, building character, and empowering students to become their best selves. In every sense, she does more than teach – she inspires, uplifts, and transforms – leaving a lasting legacy.
Cara Maxwell
Champion of Belonging
Linda Childers Knapp Elementary, Springdale School District
Cara has spent more than a decade championing early childhood education in her district. Her advocacy for culturally responsive education is not just theoretical; it is a daily practice. She is a visionary leader dedicated to building a more equitable, inclusive education system for every child in Arkansas.
Nancy Rousseau
Educator Lifetime Achievement Award
Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock School District
With more than 50 years of experience in education, she has served as principal of one of Arkansas’s most historic sites for nearly 24 years, helping to preserve its legacy and lead one of the most diverse student populations in the whole state. She is a tireless advocate for her many, many students and has upheld the highest academic standards. She has walked countless students through challenges and has celebrated their victories.