Ouida Newton, a math teacher at Poyen High School, has been named the 2015 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
The announcement was made Friday during a surprise notification event in Poyen in Grant County.
Newton currently teaches math for grades seven through 12 at the high school. During her 34-year career, she has taught math, Algebra I and II, sixth-grade science, pre-algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, calculus, trigonometry, transition to college math and physics.
During her career, Newton has also served as a library media specialist, math coach, curriculum supervisor and Teachers of Tomorrow supervisor.
Newton received a $1,000 award from the Walton Family Foundation, a long-time supporter of the award, when she was named one of 15 regional finalists. The foundation presented her with an additional $14,000 award at Friday's ceremony.
