Even though she has been teaching in Fort Smith for 34 years, Mrs. Monica Phillips said people often mistake her as being much younger than she actually is. Her father, Mr. Abernathy, inspired her to become a teacher.

“He taught at Howard Elementary School, and would hear all these stories he would tell,” Mrs. Phillips said.

After graduating from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor’s in Education, Mrs. Phillips taught 4th and 6th grades at Bell Point and 6th English, Reading, Science and Math at Fairview. After the reconfiguration of FSPS, she moved to Kimmons.

Mrs. Phillips feels that everything here is fun.

“The teachers have helped me, and I enjoy our amazing kiddos,” Mrs. Phillips said.

Finding interesting topics for her 6th grade social studies students is Mrs. Phillips’ biggest challenge.

“They struggle to relate to cultures that’s not their own,” Mrs. Phillips said.

Outside of school, Mrs. Phillips likes relaxing activities.

“I enjoy watching mystery and horror movies and working on fill-in puzzles,” Mrs. Phillips said.