5. Hometown Feature News

 

    It's always great to see hardworking educators get the recognition they deserve, and one of Monticello's very own just received an incredible honor.

Melanie Brotherton, a third-grade teacher a Drew Central Elementary, was recently chosen as one of only 23 teachers across Arkansas to join the very first Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship. That isn't a small accomplishment!

Local Educator Selected for Inaugural Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship Program | Monticello Live

    

    Mrs. Brotherton has been teaching for 27 years. She says she was inspired to go into education by her children and a supportive second-grade teacher who encouraged her along the way. Over the years, her passion for teaching has only grown stronger. She's married, has three kids, and seven grandchildren, and she says her family is a huge part of what keeps her motivated to make a difference in her students' lives.

    

    The new fellowship, created by the Arkansas Department of Education, is all about recognizing and supporting outstanding teachers across the state. According to Education Secretary Jacob Oliva, the program isn't just about rewarding teachers for their hard work, it's about giving them new opportunities to learn, connect, and make an even greater impact in their schools and communities.

    Through May 2026, Mrs. Brotherton and the other teachers will participate in virtual meetings and workshops focused on improving their teaching, learning more about the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund, and sharing their experiences with others. They will also receive a $1,500 stipend for their participation.

    For Mrs. Brotherton, this recognition highlights not just her years of dedication in the classroom but her genuine love for helping children grow and learn. Her story is a great reminder that teaching is more than a job, it's a lifelong passion that truly shapes the future.