Michael Walker, assistant director and teacher center coordinator at the Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative, shines the spotlight on Celeste Marie Alexander, teacher excellence coordinator and special projects coordinator at the same organization, for her leadership and contributions to professional learning in education. “Her efforts have brought about tangible and transformative changes in the school system, making her a true catalyst for positive change in education,” Walker said in his nomination. “Dr. Celeste Marie Alexander consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the recruitment, retention, and instructional effectiveness of teachers in Arkansas, ultimately benefiting students,” Walker notes. “She works closely with school districts, supporting their recruitment and retention efforts in a proactive and individualized manner. She embraces the motto ‘whatever it takes’ to support schools