Christon McClure, an English Multi-Classroom Lead Teacher at the North Little Rock Middle School - Sixth Grade Campus, has been named the 2024 North Little Rock School District Teacher of the Year. McClure earned this title after having the highest score following the Teacher of the Year application submission and in-person interview.
The surprise announcement was made at the 2024 Night of Honors, which is the district's signature event to recognize Building-Level Teachers of the Year and Classified Employees of the Year.
McClure received a jaw-dropping crystal award, a laptop, a basket of NLRSD paraphernalia, and a $1,000 check from the Bobby Gosser Family. In 2022, Bobby Gosser, an alumnus, former school board member, and longtime supporter of the district, pledged $50,000 over a ten-year period to the Night of Honors, which includes a check to the NLRSD Teacher of the Year. To commemorate this contribution, the award has been renamed in honor of the Bobby Gosser Family.
This year’s level winners are listed below. They were recognized with a crystal trophy, an iPad, and a basket of NLRSD paraphernalia for having the highest scores from the Teacher of the Year Application and in-person interview in their respective grade levels are as follows:
Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Gerald Baker, a fourth grade teacher at Meadow Park
Middle School Teacher of the Year: Akeyla Barksdale, a seventh grade science teacher at the NLRMS - Seventh & Eighth Grade Campus
High School Teacher of the Year: Jonathan Calvin, a biology teacher and coach at North Little Rock High School
The Night of Honors takes place because of the generosity of sponsors. The Steering Committee paid tribute to the slate of sponsors, which includes local businesses, organizations, and schools.
This year’s program had solemn moments. The NLR JROTC paid a special tribute to Stanley Whisnant, one of the North Little Rock High School Teachers of the Year. Whisnant passed away in January. He had been with the NLRSD for 26 years.
Prior to the Night of Honors, the honorees and Platinum-Level sponsors joined Dr. Gregory J. Pilewski, Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District, and Dr. Torrye Hooper, Deputy Superintendent of the North Little Rock School District, at the Mocktail Hour, which is an opportunity for everyone to mix and mingle over light refreshments.
The honorees and attendees had a chance to take pictures at the photo booth. Each honoree was participated in a grand entrance into the event space, which was coordinated by the NLR JROTC.
The NLRHS Jazz Band provided prior to the start of the program.
Capri Salaam, the current Arkansas Teacher of the Year, served as the emcee. Salaam, who has taught in the district for eight years, was the 2022 NLRSD Teacher of the Year before nabbing the state title.
McClure will be applying to become Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
Night of Honors takes place every year in April.