ADE Summit 2025

Beau McCastlain is a 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar, the 2024 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, De Queen High School’s DQTV Television Production Advisor, and Communications Director for De Queen Public Schools. Mr. McCastlain, along with the help of his students, has created a work-based environment where students have a voice through choice and a program that is 100 percent student-led. DQTV's mission is built upon three foundation pillars: empower students, serve as a resource to the district and community, and help lift all students and teachers by celebrating the Leopard Family.

In addition to building the high school’s DQTV program from the ground up, McCastlain promotes a culture of school pride by empowering students to showcase the many learning opportunities in their classrooms, schools, and communities. He has built partnerships with the local radio station and the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, resulting in paid internships and freelance opportunities for his students and creating a revenue stream to fund enhanced learning opportunities and state and national recognition of his students. As the district’s communications director, McCastlain’s efforts have bridged the gap between the district and the community by building positive lines of communication for all stakeholders across multiple platforms.

McCastlain began his career in 2001 as a photojournalist at KTHV Channel 11 in Little Rock. He spent several years in the media industry in Arkansas, working for KARK Channel 4, KLRT FOX 16, KHOG/KHBS 40/29 News, and KATV Channel 7. McCastlain transitioned to education in 2009 as a teacher, head baseball coach, and assistant football coach at the Foreman School District. He then moved to the De Queen School District, where he currently teaches and serves as the District Communications Director.

In addition to receiving a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with a minor in Computer Information Systems from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, McCastlain earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Southern Arkansas University. He is a Master Educator certified as a Building Level Administrator, social studies teacher for grades 7-12, and holds a technical permit for television broadcasting.

McCastlain is a member of multiple organizations, including the National School Public Relations Association, Secretary/Treasurer for ArkaNSPRA (the Arkansas chapter of NSPRA), and the Association for Career and Technical Education. He is a regional board member for the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association, a professional advisor for Skills USA, and was named one of 57 Scholars who formed the 2025 Class of the Presidential Leadership Scholars.

McCastlain resides in De Queen with his wife, Dedra, a librarian at De Queen Public Schools.