September 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 September National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Sydney from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Lake St. Louis.

The leadership team at Lake St. Louis had such kind words to say in light of this honor: “We are truly so honored to have Ms. Sydney in our castle. Not only does she shine so brightly here, but she has become an inspiration across our entire LSP family. Her ideas have traveled across states, and the thought, intention, and magic she pours into our infant curriculum goes so far beyond the standard. The love Sydney has for her kiddos is palpable. She doesn’t just bring magic to the kiddos, she brings it to all of us as well. She has this incredible way of making learning feel like an adventure. One of our families shared: “Sydney makes it all look easy. She does it full of grace and love and I feel so confident in her care. We wish she could be with us through pre-K!” Honestly, Sydney is everything we hope every child gets to experience. She’s our real-life Ms. Frizzle: wonderfully unique, endlessly curious, a little bit magical, and always ready to take our kiddos somewhere new. We are so lucky she’s with us.”

We asked our September 2026 National Teacher of the Month, Ms. Sydney from Lake St. Louis, a few questions so you could have the opportunity to get to know her better!

What age group do you teach?

I teach in our Infant program.

What is the name of your classroom?

The name of my classroom is Emerald City.

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

Sensory invitations! I love setting up open-ended experiences where babies can explore different textures and materials at their own pace and follow their own curiosity.

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

I love watching their personalities develop and seeing them discover something new for the very first time. It’s so rewarding to be part of those moments of first discovery.

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

I honestly love all of our curriculum projects, so it’s hard to choose just one! There are so many good ones to name, but if I had to pick, it would be activities from our Spectacular Space, Oceans’ Wonders, and Investigating Lights, Shadows & Reflections units. Each one offered so many opportunities for meaningful, hands-on exploration and creativity.

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

What I enjoy most about working for LSP is the opportunity to work alongside an amazing team of leadership and educators who inspire me every day. LSP truly feels like my home away from home! I love having the freedom to be creative, try new ideas, and create meaningful first experiences for our little learners. Knowing I am making a difference each day is the most rewarding part.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I’ve always known that working with children is something I truly love. There’s something so special about seeing the world through their eyes and watching them discover new things for the first time. Knowing that the little things I do each day can have such a lasting impact makes me love what I do.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

I’m inspired by the children I work with, the amazing educators around me, and the people who support and encourage me. The babies especially inspire me with their curiosity and the way they discover the world. They remind me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the simplest moments.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my boyfriend, family, and friends, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and going to see live music. I also love spending time with my reptiles and doing crafts/DIY projects!

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

A special fact about me is that I can do a lot of tricks with a hula hoop! I’m also a reptile mom and have a ball python, a crested gecko, and a bearded dragon at home.

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 — Serena W.

Aurora — Agnieszka M. C. “Aga”

Briargate — Nelisa P.

Broomfield — Dev R.

Cardinal — Stephanie R.

Castle Rock — Summer S.

Chesterfield — Lauren B.

Chestnut — Samantha S.

Cheyenne Mountain — Abby E.

Claremont — Kelsei J.

Creve Coeur — Isabella S.

Cumming — Swarnalatha P.

Dominion — Esmeralda S.

Erie — Mari M.

Four Points — Mahi Z.

Franklin — Jasmine L.

Gilbert Val Vista — Ashlyn M.

Granite Bay — Talisa K.

Hendersonville — Brianna G.

Gilbert Higley — Briana B.

Lakeway — Gloria V.

Leawood — Autumn S.

Littleton — Makayla S.

Lake St. Louis — Sydney S.

O’Fallon — Annabelle D.

Overland Park — Niya L.

Ozark — Brooklynn W.

Parker — Miley D.

Rogers — Alexia M.

Roswell — Michelle T.

Schaumburg — Iryna P.

Scottsdale — Wynne T.

Southlake — Kristie T.

Stone Oak — Anahi R. C.

Thornton — Joanna V.

University City — Mia R.

West Omaha — Tatiana

Willowbrook — Jariana R.

Woodlands — Michelle B. B.