Dexter, Missouri - Eleven Dexter educators representing nearly 300 years i the field of education were honored at the annual Retirement Tea on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

Dexter School Board vice President Herman Morse, a retired educator and administrator, presented the honors at the Bearcat Event Center.

Honored were Loretta Morrow, Regina Mick, Elizabeth Spratt, Rhonda Lane, Michelle Kirkley, Linda Hill, Jennifer Miller, Derek Urhahn, Judy Patterson, Tracy Elfrink and Melanie Stoelting.

Mrs. Melanie Stoelting began working in the district as a substitute teacher. 

In 1995, she was hired as a Learning Disability Aide at Southwest Elementary. 

In 1997, she became a Parent Educator for the Parents As Teachers program and in 2004, she was named Coordinator for the program. 

In 2013, she was awarded Educator of the Year by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce. 

She has served as the P.A.T. consultant for the National Center of Parents as Teachers & the Department of Education & Secondary Education (DESE). 

Dexter has the largest P.A.T program in Southeast Missouri. 

Mrs. Stoelting is retiring with 22 years of service with the Dexter Public Schools.