October 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 October National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Mari from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Elkhorn North.

The leadership team at Elkhorn North had such kind words to say in light of this honor: “Ms. Mari is such a fantastic teacher. Her warm heart and loving smiles greets the children every day! She is always interacting with the children and supporting their growth and development. We are so lucky to have Ms. Mari on our team!”

We asked our October 2026 National Teacher of the Month, Ms. Mari from Elkorn North, a few questions so you could have the opportunity to get to know her better!

What age group do you teach?

I teach Two’s!

What is the name of your classroom?

My classroom is named Ashdown.

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

My favorite Reggio invitation is loose part building. I asked the kids to build us a pumpkin patch and they came together and built a big pumpkin patch in the classroom.

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

I love that the Two’s group is always wanting to learn new things. It is always a party in our age group. I feel like the kids and teachers in our group are like a big family.

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

My favorite project was when we were decorating our board for the fall and the kids came together and made ghosts and pumpkins!

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

I love the family atmosphere. We’re more than just coworkers at LSP Elkhorn North. We all love each other like a family. It doesn’t feel like work when I walk into the building.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life. I wanted to teach the kids all the knowledge I have, and then some, and even learn new thing with them. When I was in school my teachers were my safe space, and I wanted to create that for my students, no matter the age.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

My English teachers in high school, Ms. Connor and Miss Connors, showed me a safe space and that education has power to make the world a better place.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love hanging out with my family, going on drives with friends and sometimes sitting at home with a nice book.

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

I am introverted in my personal life, but at work no one could tell! The kids bring out the best in me.

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 — Tiffany F.

Aurora — Angel R.

Briargate — Onna M.

Broomfield — Anita B.

Cardinal — Seth C.

Castle Rock — Heather D.

Chesterfield — Usha V.

Chestnut — Kaya H.

Cheyenne Mountain — Megan M.

Claremont — Liz C.

Creve Coeur — Vanessa C.

Cumming — Kia M.

Dominion — Kylei M.

Erie — Nate E.

Four Points — Riley L.

Franklin — Ryane O.

Granite Bay — Katie W.

Hendersonville — Kathy K.

Gilbert Higley — Liliana M.

Lakeway — Arianna S.

Leawood — Miranda F.

Littleton — Taylor L.

Lake St. Louis — Madeleine K.

Mt. Juliet — Kyndal W.

O’Fallon — Pam D.

Overland Park —

Ozark — Jerika B.

Parker — Zoe N.

Rogers — Fatima M. C.

Roswell — Binitha A.

Schaumburg — Linda W.

Scottsdale — Heather P.

Southlake — Sonya S.

Stone Oak — Anthony H.

Thornton — Pawsh S.

University City — Wafae K.

West Omaha — Sarah C.

Willowbrook — Courtney C.

Woodlands — Kimberly N.