July National Teacher of the Month

Teachers are some of the most unsung heroes we have. Teachers don’t just teach children. They help prepare kids for the road ahead in life. Saying you appreciate that effort reminds a teacher that their impact goes beyond the classroom.

The process of choosing just one teacher each month is beyond difficult, but we are pleased to announce that our 2020 July National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Amanda of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of University City.

Ms. Amanda is an exceptional educator. She is the lead teacher in our threes classroom and shows dedication to the kiddos, her co-workers, and the entire school. Ms. Amanda is always thinking of ways to improve our school’s practices and be the most efficient group as possible. Her kiddos LOVE all the engaging activities and continuously surprise leadership with the information they have learned from the Emerald City classroom. She is flexible, kind, and an example of LSP values through her love of the uniqueness of early childhood education.

Here is some fun information about her and what makes her such a standout!

What age group do you teach?
Preschool

What is the name of your classroom?
Emerald City

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
I love seeing how much they grow from age three to four. They become more curious about their world and are excited to learn about everything. By the time they transition from our room, they are their own person, they know so much about life, and have such strong personalities. It is so rewarding to be a part of that part of their lives.

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
My favorite curriculum activity, wasn’t really an activity, but a whole month. Journey Across America is the theme for July every other year. Each day we visited a different state within the United States. We did an activity that related to the place we were visiting, learned about the culture, and made sure to stop at major landmarks. It was a fun month, and I loved it when the children would come in asking where we were going so we could track it on our class map.

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
What I enjoy most about working at Little Sunshine’s are the relationships I form with the children, parents, and my coworkers. I love that the families are so supportive of the things we are doing at school for their children. It really makes me feel appreciated and like an extension of their families. I would be truly lost without my coworkers, especially my co-teacher, Alina. It is a great feeling to have people to bounce ideas off of and to talk to when I’m having a rough day.

Who and/or what inspires you?
As cheesy as it sounds, every child I have ever taught has inspired me. They inspire me to be a better teacher, to learn new things, and to adapt to things on the spot. Their love for life, friends, and knowledge is truly amazing to see.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to read, make crafty things, and hang out with my boyfriend, Jon. Before the pandemic, I loved a good Target shopping spree, going on city adventures to places I’ve never been before, and going to see the Saint Louis Cardinals play. Since the pandemic has made us more homebound, I have a newfound appreciation for outdoor activities like camping and bonfires.

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
I have never traveled west of Kansas City, Kansas, and I’ve never seen a snowy mountain, in person.

We also want to say congratulations to all the nominees who are listed below. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

Tanesha J. – Alpharetta

Gracie E. – Broomfield

Elisa T. – Chesterfield

Therese P. – Colorado Springs

Maren T. – Four Points

Aurellia C.- Franklin

Roni S. – Gilbert – Val Vista

Jaeden F. – Gilbert – Higley

Shaunna A. – Granite Bay

Jeongwon T. – Lakeway

Alyssa B. – Leawood

Kelsey P. – Littleton

Rachel L. – O’Fallon

Justena E. – Overland Park

Traci D. – Ozark

Kellie S. – Rogers

Jessica C. – San Antonio – Dominion

Lena M. – San Antonio – Stone Oak

Melanie C. – Scottsdale

Megan S. – Southlake

Callie F. – Springfield I

Ciara H. – Springfield II

Maggie C. – Springfield III

Yanahi A. – The Woodlands

Kristiana J. – Willowbrook