June 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 June National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Abby from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Erie.

The leadership team at Erie had such kind words to say in light of this honor: “Ms. Abby has been our very own energizer bunny, always on the move and ready to lend a helping hand wherever it’s needed. She eagerly jumps in to support her fellow teachers, tackles every project with a positive attitude, and consistently goes above and beyond for our school community. Thank you, Ms. Abby, for your hard work, dedication, and willingness to make a difference each and every day. We are so grateful to have you on our team. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!”

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

What age group do you teach?

All of them!

What is the name of your classroom?

I actually get to support the whole school.

What is your favorite thing about the Reggio invitation to learning?

I love that it doesn’t limit a child’s imagination with rules or expectations about how they should play or learn. Instead, it encourages children to explore, create, and discover in ways that make sense in their own minds.

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

I love that supporting every classroom allows me to know every child in the school. Building those relationships and seeing their smiles each day is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

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

I loved planting sunflower seeds with the children. Watching each of them interact with the soil in their own way and how excited they were to watch their sunflowers grow was such a fun experience.

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

What I enjoy most about working here is how much joy it brings my heart. I love making the children smile and watching them grow into their own unique personalities. Knowing I can be a small, positive part of their day is what makes this work so rewarding. Working here has also genuinely changed me for the better, and I’m grateful for the ways the children have helped me grow just as much as I hope I’ve helped them.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I’ve always been drawn to working with children because the smallest moments can make a lifelong difference. Knowing I can help a child feel seen, bring a smile to their face, and encourage them to believe in and be kinder to themselves is so meaningful to me.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

My younger self inspires me because I want to be the person I needed growing up. I hope the children in my care feel the love, patience, and acceptance they deserve. I want them to know mistakes are okay, to believe in themselves, to stay silly, and to keep learning because someone believed in them.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love hanging out with my friends and my dog Bear, I love taking care of my 18 houseplants, and I love to hike.

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

I have 18 houseplants in my room!

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 – Eli G.

Briargate – Sophia C.

Broomfield – Naomi

Cardinal – Christian T.

Castle Rock – Kenna R.

Chesterfield – Kirstin N.

Chestnut – Aleisha R.

Claremont – Alexa R.

Colorado Springs (Cheyenne Mtn.) – Lyuba G.

Creve Coeur – Jessica L.

Cumming – Sravya C.

Dominion – Erika B.

Elkhorn North – Maddie W.

West Omaha – Sandra R.O.

Four Points – Kamila C.

Gilbert Val Vista – Summer G.

Granite Bay – Kaly J.

Hendersonville – Annabeth C.

Gilbert Higley – Christopher M.

Lakeway – Tiffany J.

Littleton – Shannon M.

Lake St. Louis – Ariel J.

Leawood – Regina B.

Mt. Juliet – Abby K.

O’Fallon – Allie C.

Overland Park – Sam R.

Franklin – Candisha T.

Ozark – Allyson H.

Parker – Kylie R.

Rogers – Morgan N.

Roswell – Olivia S.

Schaumburg – Sol H.

Scottsdale – Frankie

Southlake – Tara N.

Stone Oak – Jessica P.

Thornton – Courtney H.

University City – Kelly R.

Willowbrook – Amanda P.

Woodlands – Jada D.