Carla Mathis Named Beard Elementary Teacher of the Year!

Fort Smith Public Schools has recognized fifth-grade teacher Carla Mathis as the Beard Elementary Teacher of the Year, recognizing her dedication to student growth, academic excellence, and professional leadership.

Mrs. Mathis is known for fostering a classroom climate where students feel safe to express themselves, ask questions, and make mistakes. She implements strategies such as positive reinforcement, mutual respect, and clear communication of expectations to ensure every student feels valued. One colleague shared, “On many occasions, I have seen Mrs. Mathis working one-on-one with a student helping them to understand a concept.”

Her commitment to student achievement is evident in the way she challenges her students. Before a recent assessment, she encouraged her class to surpass their previous performance, setting a clear goal and motivating them to show growth—which they did. She consistently promotes a growth mindset, teaching students that learning comes from effort and mistakes.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Mathis is a mentor to her peers and a leader in professional development. She actively seeks opportunities to enhance her teaching, participates in professional learning communities, and collaborates with colleagues to analyze student data and refine instructional strategies.

Through her passion for education, dedication to student success, and commitment to lifelong learning, Mrs. Mathis exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding educator at Beard Elementary.