October 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 October National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Cara from Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Littleton.

The leadership team at Littleton had such kind words to share about Ms. Cara, saying: “Cara has been a rock for Little Sunshine’s Playhouse of Littleton since the beginning of time! She supports all our classrooms in whatever they need, whether it be lesson planning, portfolios, group projects, etc. She embodies Reggio Emilia learning, has the strongest relationships with all our families, and has become someone that I can so easily rely on to do anything and everything. While we go through the ups and downs that every school does, I always know I can lean on Cara for support and she will always have my back. We love you, Ms. Cara!!!”

What age group do you teach? 

I teach in the infant and pre-k classrooms.

What is the name of your classroom?

My classrooms are called Emerald City and Neverland.

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

I am so blessed to work with our school’s tiniest babies on Monday and Friday, and our big beautiful Pre-K friends on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! I love when the babies smile when they see me. It is the sweetest feeling to know that they recognize and remember me and that they have positive associations with seeing my face and hearing my voice. In Pre-K, I love how curious the children are! I find myself asking questions right alongside them and finding joy in discovering the world, hand in hand with the 4-year-olds.

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

One year as we were exploring outer space in Pre-K, the children had a full immersion in the space experience! We had the main lights off in the classroom and galaxy projector lights on as well as space ambience sounds. We had a whole variety of open-ended space activities available to explore. We had recycled CD “planets” on the light table with dry erase markers. We had puffy paint and black butcher paper for the kids to create an outer space mural. The sensory table was full of purple water, glow in the dark stars, and glow sticks. Stepping into our classroom felt like stepping into a children’s museum exhibit on outer space! It was one of the best days of the year!

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

I love watching the children grow from little babies to kindergarteners. It is a company that you can create a lifelong career at, and you build meaningful relationships with all the families that enter our doors.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?

I had a really phenomenal kindergarten teacher. I was 5 years old and was so touched by her kindness, loving heart, and gift for making learning fun! I knew that I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?

I am inspired by my coworkers! In the infant classroom, there is always something amazing happening. I love how the teachers implement curriculum and prepare immersive activities even for our little 6 week to 6 month olds. They know that the children are learning and getting so much out of the effort they put in!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I absolutely love painting and making art.

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

I played the title role of Maria in “The Sound of Music” when I was 17. That experience completely shaped the person I became, and even the kind of teacher I am. If I find myself feeling impatient or discouraged, I just remember the lessons I learned portraying the incredible Maria Von Trapp and I find the inspiration to keep going!

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!

Lisa H. — Four Points

Marisol S. — Scottsdale

Maddie R. — Elkhorn South

Tiffany B. — Granite Bay

Kaylee S. — Broomfield

Dalia R. S. — Elkhorn North

Brooklynn D. M. — Claremont

Jaylien C. — Lakeway

Hailey M. — Parker

Scarlett O. — Southlake

Kendra S. — Cardinal

Nia M. — Dominion

Christa F. — Creve Coeur

Emily I. — Ozark

Sumaira M. — Stone Oak

Savanah M. — Willowbrook

Shelby D. — Arvada

Stacia — O’Fallon

Te’Asia M. — Chesterfield

Kristen S. — Hendersonville

Emily M. — Erie

Lanaya B. — The Woodlands

Ana A. — Roswell

Hailey M. — Schaumburg

Melissa S. — Rogers

Raeleigh B. — Val Vista

Hannah J. — Higley

Emma I. — Lake St. Louis

Kimber B. — Thornton

Susana B. S. — Chestnut

Noelani A. — Briargate

Jaela B. — University City

Kierra D. — Castle Rock

Alyvia T. — Overland Park

Aniyah C. — Leawood

Maria P. M. — Franklin

Brittney W. — Colorado Springs