PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. — Pulaski County Special School District recognized outstanding educators and staff members during the Annual District Awards ceremony on Thursday, May 21, at The Venue at Westwind. The event honored building‑level Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year from schools across the district, culminating in the announcement of the 2026 District‑Level Teacher of the Year and 2026 District‑Level Support Staff of the Year.
2026 District‑Level Teacher of the Year: Ashley Washam
PCSSD has named Ashley Washam, a teacher at Maumelle Middle School, as the 2026 District‑Level Teacher of the Year. Washam was selected from a group of exceptional building‑level honorees representing every school in the district.
Washam’s nomination highlighted her leadership, adaptability, and deep commitment to students. When Maumelle Middle faced unexpected challenges earlier this year, she stepped in without hesitation to support both students and colleagues. Her principal described her as a teacher whose “flexibility, leadership, and commitment to student success” strengthened the entire campus.
In addition to her classroom work, Washam is completing an administrative internship, contributing to schoolwide systems and supporting campus initiatives. Her impact extends beyond instruction, with colleagues noting her steady presence in community outreach and whole‑child support efforts.
A parent who nominated Washam shared:
“During one of the most frightening periods of our lives, Mrs. Washam surrounded our family with genuine support, compassion, and love. Our child flourished under her care — emotionally, socially, and academically — because she knew she was safe, respected, loved, and expected to do her very best.”
Washam will now represent PCSSD in the Arkansas Teacher of the Year process.
2026 District‑Level Support Staff of the Year: Angela Nichols
PCSSD also recognized Angela Nichols, a Human Resources Personnel Specialist, as the 2026 District‑Level Support Staff of the Year.
Nichols was honored for her exceptional character, professionalism, and service‑minded leadership. Her nomination described her as someone who “consistently strives to lead with integrity, professionalism, and purpose.” She previously served as a middle school registrar, where she built strong relationships with families and supported students through key transitions. At the Central Office, she has become a vital part of HR operations, expanding her skills and cross‑training to support multiple areas.
Nichols recently completed her bachelor’s degree and has been accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She also serves as Chairperson of the Classified Personnel Policy Committee, where she advocates for equity, fairness, and representation for classified staff across the district.
These roles have allowed her to lead with compassion, wisdom, and accountability while fostering an environment rooted in dignity and inclusion.
The ceremony also recognized Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year from each school, as well as department‑level honorees representing Business, Federal Programs, Human Resources, Learning Services, Operations, Student Services, and Technology Operations.