Stacey McAdoo - 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year
The Spirit of Maya Award is presented to an individual who reflects literary icon Maya Angelou’s work to create a better world. It is awarded during the organization’s FriendRaiser, the organization’s annual fundraiser and donor appreciation event.
Stacey McAdoo is a writer, educator and literary advocate who has conducted numerous writing workshops and poetry readings at Arkansas schools, libraries, universities and programs. She has served as an oral communications instructor at Little Rock Central High School for 18 years and is currently a mentor for novice teachers in the Little Rock School District, as well as a sponsor for spoken-word collective, The Writeous Poets. In fall 2018, she was named 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year.
“The Spirit of Maya Award recognizes those who exude the leadership, creativity and community-building that Maya Angelou demonstrated in her work and teachings,” said Janis F. Kearney, founder and president of the Celebrate! Maya Project. “Stacey McAdoo is an outstanding educator and writer who has greatly impacted the way numerous Arkansas youth are able to express themselves through writing and spoken word.”
McAdoo will serve as the featured speaker for the Celebrate! Maya Project’s 2020 FriendRaiser, a program of music, poetry and speakers that will take place 6 p.m. Nov. 30 via Zoom and Facebook Live this year due to COVID-19.
Bio
This sought after arts integration workshop facilitator has also served as the co-producer of the radio documentary, “On the Line: Stories from Ninth Street,” copy-editor for The Rock of Arkansas Newspaper, co-host of the television show “Art & Literature in Motion,” and co-producer of the youth-oriented poetry radio show entitled “The Writeous Hour.” Mrs. McAdoo recently hosted televised AMI classroom lessons on AR PBS during the school shutdowns due to the Covid pandemic. She is also the creator and host of A Mile In My Shoes: The Walk & Talk Podcast, where she and her guests walk to improve their health while discussing various education-related topics.
McAdoo holds a B.A. in Professional & Technical Writing, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and is the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. She currently serves as the Lead Mentor for all novice teachers in the Little Rock School District and as an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Arkansas. To learn more about her or to read/listen to some of her work, visit her blog at www.stillstacey.com.
