Celebrating Mrs. Tiffany: Our Teacher of the Year
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool, we believe that great teachers inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, and make learning a joyful experience. Each year, we recognize an educator who embodies these values—someone who goes above and beyond to create meaningful moments for their students and uplift those around them.
This year, we are thrilled to honor Mrs. Tiffany as our Teacher of the Year!
Mrs. Tiffany joined Little Sunshine’s in 2023 as an Early Preschool Teacher in our Wild Things classroom. Over the past two years, she has made a lasting impact, bringing warmth, patience, and creativity to every classroom she has been a part of. Now serving as the Lead Pre-K Teacher in our Neverland classroom, she continues to foster a learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to grow.
A Passion for Teaching and Making Learning Magical
What makes Mrs. Tiffany so special is her ability to truly connect with each child. Her compassionate and thoughtful approach ensures that every student feels understood and encouraged to explore.
One of her core teaching philosophies is:
“If I’m having fun, they’re having fun!”
This mindset is evident in the hands-on, engaging learning experiences she creates every day. One of her most cherished classroom moments was when she transformed her room into an underwater adventure during an oceans unit:
“As a class, we planned a day to go ‘scuba diving.’ All the kids picked out what they hoped to see in the ocean. We made scuba masks, I laminated and prepped them to ensure they would be functional for our day trip. The next morning, I set up the projector to play an ocean video as we turned off the lights and put on our masks. You could feel the excitement and wonder in the room. When the screen showed different fish, there were cheers and ‘awws’ as all the kids pretended to swim with the various animals in the ocean!”
This experience left a lasting impression on one student in particular.
“As magical as that was, I still have kids who talk about it, including one who is convinced he will be a scuba diver when he grows up. He often comes to class with new facts he has learned about creatures of the deep.”
For Mrs. Tiffany, moments like these remind her why she loves teaching.
“Reflecting on this experience reminds me that you never know where a child’s curiosity might lead. As an educator, I take pride in following the pathways of every little question and interest that arises. It often leads me off my lesson plan into what my class is eager to learn about.”
Her ability to embrace child-led learning and adapt lessons to her students’ interests makes her an exceptional teacher.
The Power of Play in Early Childhood Education
Mrs. Tiffany is a strong advocate for play-based learning. She emphasizes that play is not just fun—it is a crucial foundation for lifelong development.
“If I could tell parents just one thing, it would be that play is a powerful part of your child’s day and a crucial foundation for their development. During play, our children learn so much about themselves and the world around them. They are creating a foundation that will assist them for the rest of their lives!”
She explains that through play, children develop:
✔ Problem-solving skills
✔ Social-emotional awareness
✔ Critical thinking skills
“In my class, I have seen children take ordinary things to create worlds, make up games, and inspire others. I have observed them negotiate and empathize with one another. What may look like just fun and games is actually the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning.”
By fostering a play-based, child-led learning environment, Mrs. Tiffany ensures that her students are developing essential skills while having fun.
A Supportive and Inspiring Educator
Beyond her impact in the classroom, Mrs. Tiffany has been a wonderful part of our team. She has worked in various classrooms, gaining valuable experience and forming strong connections with her fellow teachers.
“What has shaped me the most are the people I work with. We are a team—when I come to them with my wild ideas, they cheer me on, and when I need help, they are the first to respond. We are truly a community that grows stronger through our mutual support.”
Her growth as an educator has been inspiring to those around her. One of her mentors reflected on her journey:
“The amount of growth and commitment to being her best self for the children in her classroom leaves us in awe. We are truly blessed to have been a part of her journey and immensely proud of the teacher she has become!”
Mrs. Tiffany has also stepped into a leadership role by contributing to curriculum development. She serves on the committee that writes lesson plans for the school, ensuring that children across all classrooms benefit from engaging, well-structured learning experiences.
“I entered Little Sunshine with a love of learning, and my leaders have empowered me to explore that passion by opening doors to opportunities I never imagined. I have learned so much from the other ladies on the committee, and seeing other classes use the lesson plans I help create is a powerful reminder of why I love being part of the LSP family.”
An Educator Who Inspires Us All
Mrs. Tiffany’s passion, dedication, and enthusiasm make her an inspiration to her students and colleagues alike.
“Her classroom is always filled with laughter, creativity, and joy,” shared one of her coworkers. “She truly loves what she does, and you can see that in the way her students look up to her.”
Her ability to connect with children, create engaging learning experiences, and support her fellow educators makes her a truly deserving recipient of the Teacher of the Year award.
Thank You, Mrs. Tiffany!
To Mrs. Tiffany: Thank you for your kind heart, your dedication, and the passion you bring to teaching every single day. Your students adore you, your fellow teachers look up to you, and our school is a better place because of you.
We are beyond grateful to have you as part of the Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool family and are so proud to recognize you as our Teacher of the Year! 🎉💛