The Classroom Heroes Award Honors Frontline Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The past year has brought tremendous challenges, especially for our frontline teachers. From tackling remote learning while keeping students engaged, to finding unique ways to enforce social distancing in the classroom, teachers all over the world have been forced to work creatively to teach and support their students amidst chaos. In partnership with KARK 4 / Fox 16, the Landers Auto Group has launched the Classroom Heroes Award to recognize our hard-working teachers in Arkansas during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nominate an Arkansas teacher for the Classroom Heroes Award 

The Classroom Heroes Award was first presented in the fall of 2020 in response to the challenging circumstances teachers were facing during the pandemic. Each month, nominations from peers, parents and students are judged, and one winner is chosen to receive $500 to share with their school and a gift basket. At the end of the semester, the public votes online for the Semester Hero who is honored with $5,000 to share with their school and a special Classroom Heroes trophy.

Classroom Hero Jeanne Wright

The first Classroom Heroes Award winner was chosen in September. Jeanne Wright of Lake Hamilton Middle School was nominated by a parent. Her nomination said that during the pandemic, Jeanne has “gone above and beyond to make sure her students with special needs have everything they need. She made herself available for private tutoring and made paper packets for her students who didn’t have access to the internet. She also made herself available by personal cell at any time.” 

Classroom Hero Lolita Hayes

The October Classroom Heroes Award was given to Lolitia Hayes from Pinnacle View Middle School. Her nomination said, “Instead of just teaching geography and historic facts, Mrs. Lolitia Hayes teaches her students to learn from their classmates and teachers who come from other diverse backgrounds. Students are inspired to consistently appreciate and welcome diversity and uniqueness.” 

Classroom Hero Nancy Gibbons 

Nancy Gibbons was chosen as the November Classroom Hero. Nancy is the 8th Grade Business Education/Career Development teacher at PInnacle View Middle School. She is currently in her 31st year of teaching, and she has had the pleasure of teaching all three of her daughters. At the end of the fall 2020 semester, Nancy Gibbons was chosen as the Semester Hero and was  awarded with the grand prize money and trophy. 

The spring semester is off to a great start for the Classroom Heroes Award, and the March winner will be announced on our social media channels on Thursday, April 1st. Nominations for the April Classroom Heroes Award will also open on April 1st, and we need your help! Click on the link below to nominate a deserving teacher today! 

Nominate an Arkansas teacher for the Classroom Heroes Award