The Arkansas Communication and Theatre Arts Association (ACTAA) has selected Kim Stanley, theatre and communication educator at North Little Rock High School, as the 2025 ACTAA Teacher of the Year.

Stanley, who was also honored earlier this year as the North Little Rock School District Teacher of the Year, has dedicated more than 25 years to teaching in her hometown school community. A proud alumna of North Little Rock High School, she has spent her career building a vibrant theatre and communication program that fosters student creativity, confidence, and excellence both on stage and in competition.

“Kim Stanley’s career represents the very best of our profession,” said Zackery Tucker, President of ACTAA. “Her impact extends far beyond her classroom—she is shaping future leaders, communicators, and artists who will carry these skills throughout their lives. We are proud to recognize her with this award.”

Under her leadership, North Little Rock High School has continued its strong tradition in theatre, speech, and debate, regularly producing high-quality performances and preparing students for ACTAA competitions across the state. Colleagues and students alike describe her as a dedicated mentor whose influence reaches beyond the classroom.

The ACTAA Teacher of the Year award honors an educator who exemplifies the association’s mission to promote excellence in communication, debate, theatre, and forensics across Arkansas. Stanley’s career reflects this commitment through decades of service, innovation, and advocacy for the arts.

As ACTAA Teacher of the Year, Stanley will be nominated by the association for the National Federation of State High Schools Association (NFHS) Outstanding Speech, Debate, & Theatre Educator award this winter.

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.