Jessica Saum

Jessica Saum is the 2022 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, a 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholar and consultant in special education and educational inclusion for students with special education services. She was appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to serve on the Arkansas Council for Military Children, and is passionate about supporting military connected students during educational transitions and difficult family separations, recently publishing a children’s book celebrating The Month of the Military Child. Prior to being named Teacher of the Year, Jessica worked as a self-contained special education teacher and is known not only for her excellence in the classroom but for her advocacy work. During her year of service, she traveled the state and country speaking to teachers, students, community leaders and policymakers about the importance of inclusive education for all students and the need for improved policy for military connected students. Jessica currently serves as the Cabot Public School District’s Collaboration and Inclusion Coordinator and is a professor for aspiring educators at Reach University.