Boozman Congratulates Teacher of the Year

Boozman Congratulates Teacher of the Year

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today offered congratulations to Springdale's Justin Minkel for being named the 2006-2007 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.

Minkel, is a second-grade teacher at Harvey Jones Elementary School who is also the recipient of the 2006 Arkansas Milken Educator Award. Jones Elementary is an 85% minority-student campus, where 93% of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

"Justin Minkel represents what teaching is about," Boozman said. "Excellence in the classroom should be an every-day thing, and Justin is the type of educator which can show us how to make that expectation a reality.

"He has demonstrated to all of us in the 3rd District what can be accomplished educating students which speak English as a second language, reaffirming the promise of leaving no child, regardless of status, behind.

"I congratulate Justin on his award, and commend the State of Arkansas for recognizing such an important person in the lives of the children of Springdale," Boozman added. "I wish him the best in his future role, helping to improve education across Arkansas."

Under the Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, Minkel will spend a year working in-residence at the Arkansas Department of Education providing professional development to teachers statewide.

http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=54019