July 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 July National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Nadia from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Parker.

The leadership team at Parker had such kind words to say in light of this honor: “Ms. Nadia is being recognized for the love, patience, and dedication she brings to her infant classroom each day. She provides a warm, nurturing environment where each child feels safe, cared for, and supported as they grow and explore.”

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

What age group do you teach?

I am an infant teacher.

What is the name of your classroom?

The name of my classroom is Lilliput.

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

I love setting up nature based loose parts on top of a mirror, as it not only fascinates the infants but helps them develop pattern recognition and spacial awareness.

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

I love being present for so many of my babies’ milestones, like learning to stand on their own or taking their first steps.

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

My favorite project was creating a “wind chime” from loose parts during our STEM unit and allowing the infants to explore how objects made of divergent materials swing at different speeds.

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

I love building relationships with the families

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I get a lot of personal satisfaction and fulfillment from seeing the kids’ little faces light up when they see me, and I love seeing the light in their eyes as you teach them a new skill. They are so proud of themselves!

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

What inspires me is a quote I once saw online: “Be the teacher you needed when you were a little girl.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love hiking, camping and solo backpacking with my puppy.

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

I have a biochemistry degree with a special focus on protein misfolding.

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 — Samantha R.

Briargate — Jereme G.

Broomfield — Kaylee B.

Cardinal — Jordan I.

Creve Coeur — Megan H.

Castle Rock — Rachael I.

Chesterfield — Danielle D.

Chestnut — Jackie H.

Cheyenne Mountain — Dory D.

Claremont — Veronica R.

Cumming — Chloe M.

Dominion — Jenny W.

Elkhorn North — Addison B.

West Omaha — Michelle S.

Erie — Hana P.

Four Points – Melody C.

Gilbert Val Vista — Hannah S.

Granite Bay — Rose W.

Hendersonville — Katy H.

Gilbert Higley — Re’shon M.

Lakeway — Raine W.

Littleton — Olivia M.

Lake St. Louis — Alexis K.

Mt. Juliet — Jackie M.

O’Fallon — Jen M.

Overland Park — Lilly B.

Franklin — Gracie C.

Ozark — Jordan R.

Rogers — Betty A.

Roswell — Eliana A.

Schaumburg — Erin P.

Scottsdale — Adriana W.

Southlake — Johanna L.

Stone Oak — April D.

Thornton — Nevaeh M.

University City — Jordan H.

Willowbrook — Nicole S.

Woodlands — Janiece B.