July 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 June National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Kathleen from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Stone Oak.

The leadership team at Stone Oak had such kind words to share about Ms. Kathleen, saying: “Kathleen always has such a welcoming smile! She is always willing to help everyone!”

What age group do you teach? 

I get to teach our 2 year olds!

What is the name of your classroom?

My classroom is called Where the Wild Things Are.

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

Seeing the progress in the children, helping them learn more about themselves, and teaching them how to enjoy and be part of this beautiful world.

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

My favorite curriculum project so far has included creating pretend astronaut helmets for the kiddos and building a spaceship out of cardboard and foil.

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

I have enjoyed having the opportunity to work with such a talented team and being able to witness children’s growth and development firsthand.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I have a passion for working with young children, a belief in the power of early education, and a desire to make a positive impact. The work can be both challenging and fun, with opportunities to laugh, dance, and play alongside the the children.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

I find inspiration in a variety of people and things. I would have to say that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my sister. She always has a smile on her face, no matter how hard she worked, and she loves everyone.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy going to the gym and trying new coffee shops or restaurants.

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

I’m learning a new language—French!

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!

Avelina C. – Arvada

Amber B. – Briargate

Alyse L. – Broomfield

Madilyn S. – Cardinal

Alyssa A. – Chesterfield

Kristen W. – Cheyenne Mountain

Alexis S. – Chestnut

Kelsei J. – Claremont

Megan P. – Creve Coeur

Richa A. – Cumming

Bethany C. – Dominion

Morgen B. – Elkhorn North

Moriah D. – Elkhorn South

Joy P. – Four Points

Macee A. – Franklin

Sharon N. – Gilbert Higley

Rubi S. – Granite Bay

Heather M. – Lake St. Louis

Haily S. – Lakeway

Julia W. – Littleton

Sarah E. – Mt. Juliet

Anna V. – O’Fallon

Kyla W. – Overland Park

Michelle C. – Parker

Caitlin A. – Rogers

Lilli C. – Roswell

Brandi W. – Schaumburg

Melanie C. – Scottsdale

Gopi P. – Southlake

Alexa A. – The Woodlands

Anamaria G. – Thornton

Tracy S. – University City

Ryann D. – Val Vista

Nicole S. – Willowbrook