Prairie Grove Teacher Recognized By Governor

LITTLE ROCK -- Melanie Nations, an eighth-grade history and English language arts teacher in Prairie Grove Middle School, was recognized by Governor Hutchinson for her accomplishments in the Arkansas Declaration of Learning program.

Nations was one of seven educators who mentored participants in the third year of the program, which uses historic art and objects from state and national museums and libraries to develop innovative lesson plans centered around civic engagement.

Because of Nations' dedication to the program during the 2017-18 school year, she was recognized by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Education on June 29 at the Clinton Presidential Center.

"The Arkansas Declaration of Learning program provides a transformative experience for students and teachers alike through object-based learning while making civic engagement its centerpiece," said Nations. "While serving as the ADOL [Northwest Arkansas] mentor, I witnessed this transformation firsthand as my team of teachers evolved and thrived as master educators while helping their students to fully realize and harness the power of their own voices and actions within their community, their state, and their country."

Johnny Key, Arkansas Department of Education commissioner, said he is proud of Arkansas educators who dedicated their time and expertise to making the Arkansas Declaration of Learning initiative a success.

"Arkansas is the first state in the country to implement this national program, and through our partnerships with other organizations, we have enhanced student learning by providing access to historical objects that are rich in history. Together we are transforming Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused education."

Nations said the ADOL experience ensured students and teachers that the closing words of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, '...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth,' now ring truer than ever. Any program that does this deserves the support of us all, and I consider it a blessing to have been a part of the ADOL team."

The program was formed in 2013 as part of an inter-agency educational initiative that began when representatives from 13 national organizations signed the Declaration of Learning. This declaration pledged that these organizations would work with state and local partners to create learning tools for educators and students in middle and secondary education.

Arkansas is the first state to participate in the program. Program partners are the Arkansas Department of Education, Clinton Foundation, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Central Arkansas Library System's Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Reception Rooms.