Mission Viejo, CA – The Association of American Educators (AAE), a national nonunion, professional association serving educators in all fifty states, and its Arkansas chapter Arkansas State Teachers Association (ASTA) are pleased to announce the winner of the Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award for 2025. The award recipient is Nathan Costner. Mr. Costner completed his student teaching training as a first-grade educator at Caldwell Elementary in Benton, Arkansas. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Ouachita Baptist University in May 2025.

The Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award recognizes excellence in student teaching, and is made possible through a generous gift by long-time educator and AAE member Darrell Holmquist and his wife Suzanne. This is AAE’s only award dedicated exclusively to student educators. The purpose of the award is to celebrate student teachers who excel in this critical phase of education training and acknowledges the many opportunities for growth as well as navigating the unknowns that student teachers face as they apply their years of coursework, preparation, and theoretical knowledge in a classroom setting for the first time.

“Mr. Costner’s professionalism, communication, and interpersonal skills are impeccable and well beyond his years of experience. He is information seeking and always trying to learn something new,” noted his supervising teacher, Ms. Brittany Cage in her nomination letter. “He is goal oriented, innovative, and extremely passionate about education. These are marks of a true professional teacher.”

In his acceptance of this national recognition, Mr. Costner said, “I was extremely humbled by receiving this reward. My mentor teachers were a blessing to me, teaching me much about being in the classroom, management, and the like. I would not be the teacher I am today without their guidance.” Mr. Costner also announced, “In the fall, I will be teaching first grade at Little Rock Christian Academy. I hope to continue serving the students and teachers I will be working with in the coming years!”

We salute all of this year’s nominees and congratulate the 2025 Student Teacher of the Year winner Nathan Costner as he begins his professional teaching journey in Little Rock, Arkansas this fall.

The Darrell and Suzanne Holmquist Student Teacher of the Year Award includes $250 toward setting up a new classroom and a one-year professional membership in the AAE Arkansas chapter Arkansas State Teacher Association (ASTA). The competition was open to all education students who completed their student teaching in the 2024-2025 school year and will be entering the classroom for the first time in fall 2025. For further information and questions regarding the program, email awards@aaeteachers.org.

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The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, nonunion, professional educator organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to educator empowerment and advocacy—promoting professionalism, collaboration, and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE is committed to a teaching profession that is student oriented, well respected, and personally fulfilling. AAE serves members in all fifty states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional resources, and many other benefits. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, student teachers, university professors, and supporters can learn more at joinaae.org.

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