Bayou Woods Elementary’s Carra “Beth” Melton Named 2025 Louisiana Public Interest Fellow
The Louisiana Department of Education has selected Bayou Woods Elementary’s Carra “Beth” Melton as the 2025 Louisiana Public Interest Fellow. The Louisiana Public Interest Fellowship was established to empower outstanding educators to champion impactful change in education. Each year, recipients are selected from the previous year’s Louisiana Teacher of the Year state-level honorees and are given the opportunity to spend the upcoming school year advocating for an education initiative of their choice. Carra “Beth” Melton’s fellowship project will center on strengthening math fluency, supporting Louisiana’s statewide priority to improve math instruction at all levels.
"We are incredibly proud of Carra ‘Beth’ Melton for being selected as a 2025 Louisiana Public Interest Fellow," said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. "This prestigious opportunity reflects her passion for education and her commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom.”
Carra “Beth” Melton is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Bayou Woods Elementary. She was named the 2024–2025 STPPS District Elementary Teacher of the Year and a semifinalist in the 2024–2025 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year program. She recently celebrated her 23rd year in education. In addition to her classroom work, she has mentored aspiring educators as a student-teacher advisor.
Melton’s commitment to serving others extends well beyond school walls. She is actively involved in community organizations such as Ainsley’s Angels of America, Camp Able Coast, and Buddy Ball. On weekends, she participates in 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons to raise awareness and funds for Ainsley’s Angels. She received her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Southeastern Louisiana University and in 2002 received her Alternative Certification from the same university allowing her to pursue her passion of teaching children.
As the 2025 Louisiana Public Interest Fellow, Melton will be recognized at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.