December 2025 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 2025 December National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Kayla from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Claremont.

The leadership team at Claremont had such kind words to share about Ms. Kayla, saying: “Ms. Kayla has been a superstar since the day she started, leading her Wild Things classroom with joy and adventure! She constantly has the kids busy exploring and learning through play, exemplifying our missions and making learning fun! Ms. Kayla is always down for a dance party and is never afraid to get messy! She lends a helping hand wherever she can and we are so grateful to have her teaching at our castle! We cannot wait to see all she will accomplish as part of our LSP team!”

What age group do you teach? 

I teach the 2’s age group.

What is the name of your classroom?

My classroom name is Where The Wild Things Are!

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

The thing I love most about teaching the 2 year old’s is that they look up to you so much! They’re like little sponges ready to learn and grow everyday. I love coming in and making them laugh and smile all while feeling safe enough with me to let out their wild side. They’re still small enough that they accept all the cuddles and love still, as well as being able to learn new things everyday, weather it be life skills I get to teach them or new numbers and colors.

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

I’ve only been working with little sunshine’s for a short time so I haven’t gotten the chance to do a lot of the curriculum projects but one of my favorites was the one we did back in October where we explored all the different types of weather and seasons. My class got to do all sorts of science experiments that they were super engaged in. One of my favorites was definitely when we practiced carving pumpkins. My co-teacher and I cut open the pumpkins with a pumpkin craving kit and let the kids scoop out the insides. They got messy with it, and some of the kids really enjoyed it, while others hated the texture of the pumpkin guts. They’re all so different! I just love watching their faces light up when they start to understand the project we’re doing or get to do sensory related play. That’s one of my favorite ways to get them engaged and interested.

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

I really enjoy the bonds I’ve made so far and the appreciation I’ve been shown since starting. I’ve already made so many meaningful friendships and bonds with coworkers, my bosses, and the parents who come to the school. I really love how much the parents are willing to communicate with you and want to be a part of the school community.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

My mom and all of her teacher friends are who inspired me to become a teacher. I grew up watching my mom teach elementary school and she was always so amazing at it. I actually used to teach my little brothers before they went to kindergarten. We would play “school” all the time. Then, when I got older, I went and shadowed at another preschool. After seeing all those little faces I just knew I had to have my own classroom where I could teach little humans and watch them grow/learn everyday, not only academically but emotionally as well.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

The children inspire me everyday to be the best teacher I can be. I want to be there for them and be the nurturing person that they can trust. I want them to feel like they are safe and loved even when they aren’t at home. I want to watch them grow and hit new milestones and be there to congratulate them when they reach their goals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

When I’m not working I do a lot of baking! I love to make cookies, muffins, and brownies. I also enjoy reading; I read a lot of mystery books. I enjoy exploring the outdoors as well with Hunter (my boyfriend). My favorite outdoor activities are are hiking, camping, and fun mini road trips over the weekend.

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

Growing up, I was in choir all the way up until high school. I absolutely love to sing! I had a solo in every play from kindergarten to fifth grade and was a part of our school choir till 8th grade. Its my hidden talent!

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 – Paige S.

Briargate – Emily J.

Broomfield – Michael M.

Cardinal – Samantha S.

Castle Rock – Angela R.

Chesterfield – Justice A.

Chestnut – Emma R.

Creve Coeur – Chrissy W.

Cumming – Deepa D.S.

Dominion – Sasha M.

Elkhorn North – Esme A.G.

Elkhorn South – Natalya K.

Erie – Kimmie

Four Points – Serena F.

Gilbert Val Vista – Kate H.

Granite Bay – Liz M.R.

Hendersonville – Josie R.

Gilbert Higley – Heather H.

Lakeway – Angel B.

Colorado Springs – Kylee O.

Littleton – Juanita V.

Lake St. Louis – Caitlyn H.

Leawood – Claire F.

Mt. Juliet – Sophie C.

O’Fallon – Ella C.

Overland Park – Amaziah C.

Franklin – Kimberly G.

Ozark – Grace H.

Parker – Megan B.

Rogers – Fatima M.C.

Roswell – Mckenzie P.

Schaumburg – Emily N.

Scottsdale – Rae C.

Southlake – Pam C.

Stone Oak – Sonja L.

Thornton – Lacey Griffin

University City – Ashlee W.

Willowbrook – Josephine B.

The Woodlands – Alejandra B.