TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A Fort Braden Elementary School teacher got the surprise of a lifetime when Addition Financial and WCTV walked into her classroom to name her November Teacher of the Month.<\/p>\n
Whittnie Merlau, an ESE team lead and inclusion teacher, is known for creating a structured, supportive classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success.<\/p>\n
According to her nominator, Merlau is the go-to person for guidance, strategies, and solutions, especially when navigating complex student needs. Her impact reaches far beyond academics.<\/p>\n
In addition to teaching, Merlau coaches softball, leads yearbook development, organizes school-wide celebrations and honor roll events, coordinates field trips, and supports extracurricular activities that help students feel connected to their school community.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just genuinely love my kids, and I love my teammates,\u201d Merlau said. \u201cI do a lot of things on campus, but teaching is my absolute favorite part of it. I get to wake up and choose these kids every day.\u201d<\/p>\n
School leaders say Merlau changes lives by celebrating student successes and advocating for them every step of the way.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to Whittnie Merlau!<\/p>\n
Nominate the next Teacher of the Month<\/p>\n
Every month, WCTV and Addition Financial visit a different classroom across the Big Bend and South Georgia.<\/p>\n
Have a teacher who\u2019s made an impact on your child\u2019s life? Nominate them today by following this link!<\/a><\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n