May 2026 National Teacher of the Month

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. We’re excited to announce that our 2026 May National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Morgan from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Higley.

The leadership team at Higley had such kind words to say in light of this honor: “We are excited to recognize Ms. Morgan as our Teacher of the Month! As our youngest toddler teacher, Ms. Morgan brings positivity, patience, and enthusiasm to her classroom every single day. No matter what the day brings, she always has a smile on her face and creates a warm, welcoming environment for her students. Ms. Morgan consistently stays on top of her responsibilities, completes tasks by every deadline, and is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. Her dedication to both her students and her team does not go unnoticed. Over the past year, we have also watched Ms. Morgan grow into an incredible Reggio-inspired teacher. She thoughtfully incorporates children’s interests into her classroom experiences and continuously works to create meaningful learning opportunities that encourage exploration, creativity, and independence. Thank you, Ms. Morgan, for your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you make every day. We are so grateful to have you!”

We asked our May 2026 National Teacher of the Month, Ms. Morgan from Higley, a few questions so you could have the opportunity to get to know her better!

What age group do you teach?

I teach children from 12-18 months.

What is the name of your classroom?

Wonderland!

What is your favorite Reggio invitation to learning?

I love allowing the children to be hands on in many different ways that include many different loose parts! Working with loose parts such as boxes, sticks, egg cartons, along with many other things, is so fun and I believe the children learn so much through it!

What do you love most about the age group you teach?

Well, everything! But if I had to choose one thing, it would be seeing their personalities come out more and more! They go from cute, tiny, babies to talkative, funny, caring little humans!

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?

I’ve enjoyed many, but one that I had so much fun with was in the “Every Child Is An Artist” curriculum where we did “mud” painting. I used brown paint and sand to create a muddy texture and we got to use our hands to create some messy, fun art!

What do you enjoy most about working at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse?

I enjoy the environment the most. The relationships I’ve built with children, parents, and all of my coworkers.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I’ve always loved working with children, from a young age, especially having a sibling 13 years younger than me. I just love being able to be a part of growing their minds and helping them learn so early on. It’s very rewarding.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

My son inspires me the most! He pushes me to be better everyday and he loves hearing about my day with the children just as much as I love hearing about his day at school. Watching him grow has been so fun, which is why I love being a part of it for all the other kids.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family. I love being outside, farmers markets, fishing.. .shopping (of course!). You’ll always catch me at a country concert. As long as I’m with people I love, I am happy!

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.

I’m a Colorado native…but a HUGE KC Chiefs fan!

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!

Arvada — Kayla M.

Briargate — Lorraine T.

Broomfield — Julia M.

Cardinal — Gabrielle H.

Castle Rock — Taryn M.

Chesterfield — Claire B.

Chestnut — Karlie B.

Claremont — Kelsei J.

Colorado Springs — Valentina G.

Creve Coeur —Bella S.

Cumming — Darien S.

Dominion — Caitlyn W.

Elkhorn North — James M.

Erie — Jayd P.

Four Points — Callie R.

Franklin — Erika M.

Gilbert Val Vista — Betsy J.

Granite Bay — Julianna H.

Hendersonville — Olivia D.

Gilbert Higley — Morgan M.

Lakeway — Cameron H.

Littleton — Teagan K.

Lake St. Louis — Ella I.

Leawood — Miranda O.

Mt. Juliet — Libby C.

O’Fallon — Megan R.

Overland Park — Dawsyn P.

Ozark — Stephanie B.

Parker — Kenzie B.

Rogers — Adriel J.

Roswell — Tatyana M.

Schaumburg — Tori P.

Scottsdale — Tina E.

Southlake — Hannah B.

Stone Oak — Terri W.

Thornton — Joanna V.

University City — Dayna R.

West Omaha — Cailynn A.

Willowbrook — Margie G.

Woodlands — Pamela B.