March 2025 Nationwide Instructor of the Month
The Instructor of the Month award is our method of celebrating educators who reside out our core values—compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and self-discipline—each day. For February, we’re excited to announce that our 2025 March Nationwide Instructor of the Month is Ms. Gracie from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Springfield at Cardinal.
The management crew at Cardinal had such form phrases to share about Ms. Gracie, saying: “Ms. Gracie joined our crew almost two years in the past, and in that
What age group do you educate?
Twos
What’s the title of your classroom?
The place the Wild Issues Are
What do you like most in regards to the age group you educate?
I really like how a lot the children study and develop whereas they’re within the twos class. It’s such a particular time—watching them begin to categorical themselves extra, make little mates, and turn out to be extra impartial day-after-day. You may actually see their personalities beginning to shine and being a part of that’s actually probably the most rewarding issues.
What’s your favourite curriculum venture you’ve ever executed in your classroom?
My favourite curriculum venture might be from our present unit about dinosaurs! The youngsters have been so into it, and one of many highlights was undoubtedly our two-day T. rex craft. They had been so engaged—slicing, gluing, portray—and actually made each their very own. It was wonderful to see their creativity come to life, and much more particular to see the massive smiles on their faces after they completed. Moments like which might be what make educating so rewarding—it’s enjoyable, significant, and simply actually candy to be a part of their pleasure.
What do you get pleasure from most about working at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse?
I actually get pleasure from the way it looks like a household right here. There’s such a heat, supportive vibe—it’s comforting to know that everybody really cares about each other. It makes coming in day-after-day one thing I sit up for, and I get pleasure from seeing everybody!
What made you need to turn out to be an early childhood educator?
I actually love watching kids develop and study new issues—it’s probably the most rewarding components of working with them. There’s one thing so particular about seeing that spark of understanding when one thing clicks for them, whether or not it’s a brand new phrase, a talent they’ve been engaged on, or only a second of confidence. With the ability to witness their development firsthand and cheer them on alongside the way in which is such a present. Each little step ahead looks like a giant celebration!
Who and/or what evokes you and why?
My kindergarten instructor, Mrs. Williams, was the one who first impressed me to begin working with kids. She made such a long-lasting impression on me together with her kindness, persistence, and the way in which she made studying really feel enjoyable and thrilling. Years later, throughout my senior 12 months of highschool, I had the possibility to return and tutor in her classroom—and that have really sealed it for me. Being in that setting once more, serving to the children study, and seeing their little victories firsthand made me utterly fall in love with working with kids. It felt like every part got here full circle, and I knew that was the trail I wished to comply with.
What do you get pleasure from doing outdoors of labor?
In my free time, I actually get pleasure from going to the river and doing a bit of purchasing. There’s one thing so peaceable about being by the water—it’s the right place to loosen up, unwind, and benefit from the outside. Whether or not I’m simply sitting by the sting, taking a stroll, or spending time with mates, it’s all the time an effective way to recharge. And naturally, I really like a very good purchasing journey! Looking by means of shops, discovering cute little issues, or treating myself to one thing new—it’s only a enjoyable method to spend the day and clear my thoughts.
Inform us one particular truth about your self that nobody would count on.
A enjoyable truth about me is that I’ve an Affiliate’s diploma in Basic Research, with a novel mixture of coursework targeted on Early Childhood Training and Legal Justice. I’ve all the time been enthusiastic about working with kids and understanding how they develop, study, and develop—however I’ve additionally been fascinated by the construction of legislation, justice, and the way society works to guard and assist its members. This mixture has given me a well-rounded perspective and a powerful basis in each nurturing younger minds and understanding the methods that assist maintain our communities secure.
We’d additionally like to increase congratulations to all of this month’s nominees listed under. Thanks to your continued ardour and dedication—you might be all an important a part of our Little Sunshine’s household!
Jayda M. – Arvada
Shelia G. – Broomfield
Amaya M. – Chesterfield
Kai A. – Colorado Springs (Cheyenne Mountain)
Charlie T. – Colorado Springs (Briargate)
Britini B. – Creve Coeur
Raelyn C. – Cumming
Kailee W. – Elkhorn North
Taylor H. – Elkhorn South
Aubrei P. – Erie
Rocio A. – 4 Factors
Courtney V. – Franklin
Jenifer B. – Gilbert – Higley
Jesse V. – Gilbert – Val Vista
Courtney D. – Granite Bay
Ketaki P. – Lake St. Louis
Alana O. – Lakeway
Miranda F. – Leawood
Thailyn R. – Littleton
Shesta Ok. – Mt. Juliet
Rebecca M. – O’Fallon
Olivia A. – Overland Park
Illyria B. – Ozark
Melissa R. – Parker
Yvette R. – Rogers
Mehana R. – Roswell
Jack G. – San Antonio – Dominion
DJ V. – San Antonio – Stone Oak
Melissa G. – Schaumburg
Denaysha F. – Scottsdale
Tamara C. – Southlake
Jeanette B. – Springfield I
Madison S. – Springfield II
Haley B. – The Woodlands
Kelly R. – College Metropolis
Jahnvi S. – Willowbrook
