Gravette Upper Elementary has selected Sharon Riggs as Teacher of the Year for the 2025-2026 school year. Riggs has taught fifth grade in Gravette for an impressive 39 years, leading classrooms through decades of change. What hasn’t changed is her steady focus on student growth and accountability. She was nominated by families and colleagues for the way she builds strong relationships with students, maintains clear and consistent expectations, and mentors both students and fellow teachers.
Riggs grew up in Hogeye, between Prairie Grove and West Fork, and graduated high school in 1979. She went on to study Elementary Education before beginning her teaching career in Gravette just two weeks before the 1987-1988 school year. Since then, Riggs has enriched our classrooms for generations, leading students through their final stretch of elementary school.
Fifth grade is a pivotal year in education. It is the last milestone before middle school, where work becomes more rigorous and social dynamics grow more complex. Riggs designs her instruction around that understanding. She said, “I tell the students that no one is any better than anybody else whether in our classroom, hallway, or the building. I also tell them that they are responsible for themselves and the choices they make.”
Mrs. Riggs and her students present their toy drive project to the school board in 2025.
In her classroom, students are held accountable for their actions while learning how to move forward step by step, building both understanding and independence. “I think something that we, as educators, tend to lose sight of is the fact that the students we are working with come to us with different abilities and life experiences,” she shared. “Our goal is to meet them where they are and take them where they need to be.” She approaches that goal by slowing down when needed and breaking lessons into manageable parts so every student can keep up with the material.
Being named Teacher of the Year at Gravette Upper Elementary came as a surprise to Riggs. She said it was humbling to be recognized for doing what she loves. “I’m thankful to the parents that have allowed me the privilege of working with their kids each year,” Riggs said, “The kids are why I’m here. I love when they get involved and excited about learning.” She also thanked her fellow teachers and staff for their hard work each day, doing what’s best for students.
For her 39 years of service to students and her leadership among fellow teachers, Gravette School District is grateful for Sharon Riggs. Her work has shaped generations of learners and continues to strengthen the profession within our schools.