Loni Harshaw, an art teacher at Little Rock Southwest High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been named the 2026 Arkansans for the Arts Teacher of the Year. She is a 2009 graduate in art education from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
Harshaw is the first visual arts teacher and the second Little Rock School District (LRSD) educator to earn this prestigious statewide honor, according to a LRSD Facebook post. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and community leaders, she was recognized for her creativity, passion, and lasting impact on students through the arts, the post read.
“What started as a top-secret surprise turned into an unforgettable celebration!” the post read.
Officials from the LRSD shared that they helped surprise Harshaw with the honor on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
“Congratulations, Ms. Harshaw, on this well-deserved recognition!” the post read.
