WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman honored Arkansas Teacher of the Year Meghan Ables in the Congressional Record, the official proceedings of Congress. 

Boozman will present Ables a copy of the Congressional Record on Friday with the following remarks: 

Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Arkansas educator, Meghan Ables, who was named the 2016 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. 

In nearly 13 years of teaching, Meghan’s work in the classroom has made a difference in the lives of students in the Stuttgart School District. While she’s taught a variety of subjects at Stuttgart High School, she currently serves as an English and journalism teacher. She’s added reading and writing opportunities at the school by reestablishing its monthly magazine, The Bird Banner, and helping launch its studio - Ricebird Television.

Meghan challenges her students to use their skills to improve their community. Her journalism class partnered with Arkansas Children’s Hospital as well as the local police and fire departments to raise awareness about safe driving.

Meghan’s commitment to education also inspires those who work with her to do their best to encourage further development in the classroom. She has led professional development activities for using literacy techniques in the classroom, presented for the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) and provided Teacher Excellence and Support System (TESS) training to her colleagues. 

The Arkansas Teacher of the Year program, part of the National Teacher of the Year program, recognizes teachers around the state for their teaching excellence. This truly is a major accomplishment in Meghan’s career and something for which she can be very proud. Her outstanding contributions to education, the Stuttgart School District and her students proves she is well-deserving of this recognition. 

I would like to offer my congratulations to Meghan Ables for her determination, devotion and commitment to her students and to education. I am encouraged by her efforts to inspire our next generation of leaders and her drive to help them succeed.