LaTanya Cheatham and Washam Washam were both awarded the People Committed to Serving Scholars Daily Inspiration in Education Award for February during the regular meeting of the PCSSD Board of Education.
Cheatham was the classified awardee, and Washam was the certified awardee.
Cheatham has been a dedicated member of the PCSSD team since April 2010. She began her career in Learning Services as a Secretary supporting a director and five Coordinators. In 2013, she transitioned to a school-based role as a Bookkeeper to work more closely with students, staff, and school leadership at College Station Elementary,
She says she has had the privilege of working with many outstanding principals and gained valuable experience from each.
Cheatham said, “I take pride in supporting my building leaders and helping ensure daily school operations run smoothly for students, families, and staff. I am committed to serving the school community and enjoy being part of a team that supports student success.”
Nominated by College Station Elementary Principal Anjelica Evans, the nomination said, in part, “Latanya Cheatham inspires students and colleagues each day through her unwavering care, selflessness, and dedication to the school community. Often described as the ‘school mom,’ Latanya looks after the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of everyone around her, ensuring that students and staff feel supported, valued, and safe.
“Latanya’s generosity and servant leadership are evident in all that she does—she is always willing to give her time, her energy, and even her last to help someone in need. She is often the first to arrive and the last to leave, consistently going above and beyond her role to support the school community.”
Washam began her PCSSD career as a Special Educator in 1998 at Oak Grove Junior/Senior High School. Her first classroom was a behavior class for grades seventh through tenth.
Since 2015, she has been the life skills teacher at Maumelle Middle School where she teaches significantly cognitively impaired students. During her time there, student test scores have improved. She previously served as the MMS PTSO faculty representative, and MMS cheer coach. Since 2018, she has been a test writer for the Dynamic Learning Maps National Assessment. She has been a coach for PCSSD novice teachers and has had intern teachers from the University of Central Arkansas.
She was the MMS teacher of the year for the 2020-2021 school year.
Outside of school, Washam has been on the Maumelle Inclusive Playground committee since it was started in 2017.
Jana Carr is principal at Maumelle Middle School and said this in her nomination, “Ms. Washam is a powerful leader and advocate who inspires students and colleagues each day through her commitment to inclusivity and service. She leads her team with purpose both inside her classroom and throughout the building, ensuring all students—especially those with diverse needs—feel valued, supported, and empowered. Her involvement in Special Olympics, community outreach, and campus improvement efforts reflects her dedication to the whole child and the whole school. Through her leadership, collaboration, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential, she makes a lasting impact on the school and district.”