Bentonville Schools teacher of the year announced, employee milestones celebrated

Bentonville Schools named Amy Cox, a Bright Field Middle School science teacher, as the district’s teacher of the year at a celebration Thursday night.

“Just being on that stage with those amazing men and women was the best honor,” Cox said. “To be selected as the Bentonville school district teacher of the year was beyond anything that I could’ve expected. It is the highlight of my career. I was blown away.”

Aaron Gaffigan, the principal at Bright Field, said Cox “exemplifies what it means to be a teacher at Bright Field Middle School and Bentonville Schools.”

“While she has high expectations for her students, she also wants them to enjoy coming to her classroom,” Gaffigan said. “In addition to her teaching duties, she has volunteered many hours to lead a robotics team at Bright Field Middle School.”

Each school selects a teacher of the year. Then, one winner is chosen from each school division: elementary, middle, and secondary. Finally, a single winner is selected for the entire district.

Cox was the winner for middle-level schools. Jennifer Bowen from Elm Tree Elementary was named elementary school teacher of the year. Kory Price, a social studies teacher at the district’s virtual school, was named the secondary teacher of the year.

See the full list of school-level teachers of the year here.

Additionally, 112 employees were recognized for various employment milestones.

Notably, Dean Hacker, a facilities employee, was recognized for 50 years of service to the district.

Janet Schwanhausser, deputy superintendent & CFO, said Hacker has “more years of service than any other employee in our records” and praised his dedication and work ethic.

“His old crew gave him the name ‘Beagle Hound’ because he’d pick up a work order and wouldn’t let it go until it was completely fixed,” Schwanhausser said. “He’s an institution.”

Christina Hoisington, Colleen Nulty, and Lisa St John were recognized for 35 years of service.

Deborah Jefferson, Kendall Martin, Lori Passmore, and Kimberly Sence were recognized for 30 years of service.

See the full list of awards here.