Melanie Brotherton, a third-grade teacher at Drew Central Elementary School in Monticello, has been selected as one of 23 educators statewide to participate in the Arkansas Department of Education’s (ADE) inaugural Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship.
Brotherton, who has taught for 27 years, was inspired to pursue education by her children and a supportive second-grade teacher. She is married with three children and seven grandchildren. Her love for her family continues to fuel her passion for teaching and shaping young minds.
The fellowship, which runs through May 2026, will bring together high-performing educators from across Arkansas for virtual sessions focused on professional growth, teaching excellence, and promoting awareness of the teaching profession. Participants will also deepen their understanding of the state’s Merit Teacher Incentive Fund.
“We launched the Arkansas Excellence in Teaching Fellowship to recognize some of the highest-performing K-12 educators in the state,” said Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva. “This program is not only a reward for their excellence in the classroom, but also a unique opportunity for them to grow professionally, build lasting connections, and make an even greater impact in their schools and communities.”
All 23 educators selected for the program are recipients of the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund. In addition to participating in professional learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities, each teacher will receive a $1,500 stipend.
