The Teacher of the Month award is our way of celebrating educators who live out our core values—compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and discipline—each and every day. For February, we’re excited to announce that our 2025 March National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Gracie from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Springfield at Cardinal.
The leadership team at Cardinal had such kind words to share about Ms. Gracie, saying: “Ms. Gracie joined our team nearly two years ago, and in that
What age group do you teach?
Twos
What is the name of your classroom?
Where the Wild Things Are
What do you love most about the age group you teach?
I love how much the kids learn and grow while they’re in the twos class. It’s such a special time—watching them start to express themselves more, make little friends, and become more independent every day. You can really see their personalities starting to shine and being part of that is honestly one of the most rewarding things.
What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
My favorite curriculum project is probably from our current unit about dinosaurs! The kids have been so into it, and one of the highlights was definitely our two-day T. rex craft. They were so engaged—cutting, gluing, painting—and really made each one their own. It was amazing to see their creativity come to life, and even more special to see the huge smiles on their faces when they finished. Moments like that are what make teaching so rewarding—it’s fun, meaningful, and just really sweet to be part of their excitement.
What do you enjoy most about working at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse?
I really enjoy how it feels like a family here. There’s such a warm, supportive vibe—it’s comforting to know that everyone truly cares about one another. It makes coming in every day something I look forward to, and I enjoy seeing everyone!
What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
I truly love watching children develop and learn new things—it’s one of the most rewarding parts of working with them. There’s something so special about seeing that spark of understanding when something clicks for them, whether it’s a new word, a skill they’ve been working on, or just a moment of confidence. Being able to witness their growth firsthand and cheer them on along the way is such a gift. Every little step forward feels like a big celebration!
Who and/or what inspires you and why?
My kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Williams, was the one who first inspired me to start working with children. She made such a lasting impression on me with her kindness, patience, and the way she made learning feel fun and exciting. Years later, during my senior year of high school, I had the chance to go back and tutor in her classroom—and that experience truly sealed it for me. Being in that environment again, helping the kids learn, and seeing their little victories firsthand made me completely fall in love with working with children. It felt like everything came full circle, and I knew that was the path I wanted to follow.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my free time, I really enjoy going to the river and doing a little shopping. There’s something so peaceful about being by the water—it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether I’m just sitting by the edge, taking a walk, or spending time with friends, it’s always a great way to recharge. And of course, I love a good shopping trip! Browsing through stores, finding cute little things, or treating myself to something new—it’s just a fun way to spend the day and clear my mind.
Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
A fun fact about me is that I have an Associate’s degree in General Studies, with a unique mix of coursework focused on Early Childhood Education and Criminal Justice. I’ve always been passionate about working with children and understanding how they grow, learn, and develop—but I’ve also been fascinated by the structure of law, justice, and how society works to protect and support its members. This combination has given me a well-rounded perspective and a strong foundation in both nurturing young minds and understanding the systems that help keep our communities safe.
We’d also like to extend congratulations to all of this month’s nominees listed below. Thank you for your continued passion and dedication—you are all a vital part of our Little Sunshine’s family!
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. – Four Points
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 K. – 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. – University City
Jahnvi S. – Willowbrook