Tiffany Tucker, forensics & debate teacher at Cabot Junior High North, was named Outstanding Speech, Debate, & Theatre Educator by the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) on Jan. 14. Tucker was one of only 21 speech, debate & theatre educators to receive the award.

Tucker was officially presented the award at the Arkansas Forensics and Debate State Championships, which were hosted by the Arkansas Communication & Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) at Central High School in Little Rock on April 12-13.

“I was so surprised to win this award,” Tucker said. “It is such an honor to be recognized by a national organization like the NFHS. I would not have been able to even be in the running for this without the wonderful support my colleagues and students of Cabot and ACTAA.”

A 2008 graduate of Cabot High School and former forensics student of Jane Morgan Balgavy, Tucker returned to her hometown in 2017 to teach/coach forensics & debate.

“Tiffany entered my classroom excited and energetic about forensics and debate and she's never lost that passion,” shared Balgavy. “It makes me so proud to see her thriving as a teacher, who is now a beloved mentor to so many. She's a working mom who dedicates her time and talent in helping others, and is so deserving of recognition. I know there will be many more students and teachers who are supported, taught and loved by Tiffany Tucker!”

“Mrs. Tucker truly embodies what it means to be a teacher in the arts. Not only has her endless knowledge had a huge impact on students in the academic setting, but her passion for speech and debate has given students a voice and purpose,” commented former student Logan Williams (‘23) on learning of Tucker’s national honor.

In September 2023, Tucker was named ACTAA Teacher of the Year and serves as the professional development coordinator for the state’s communication & theatre arts association.

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The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) is a non-profit professional organization serving educators. Its purpose is to promote communication, debate, forensics and theatre as an essential discipline, life skill, and art form. Additionally, ACTAA is the official sanctioning organization authorized by the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) and National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) to govern interscholastic speech and debate competition in Arkansas.

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