October 2022 National Teacher of the Month

The Teacher of the Month award is designed to recognize an employee that exemplifies our core values, which are compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty and discipline. This month we are pleased to announce that our 2022 October National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Mariah of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of Springfield at Cardinal.

In talking about how Ms. Mariah exemplifies LSP’s core values, Assistant Director, Ms. Anna said, “Ms. Mariah has shown her excellence in being our two’s lead teacher. Mariah comes up with great ideas that keep the kids learning, involved, and having fun! Ms. Mariah also does a wonderful job at getting her classroom to try to regulate their emotions. She is compassionate when a child is sad or shows any behavior that might need a little more attention. Mariah has helped out in other classrooms as well to do observations or to help re-work a schedule. Mariah does such a wonderful job and we’re very thankful to have her here at Cardinal.”

Here is some fun information about her and what makes her such a standout!

What age group do you teach?
Two’s

What is the name of your classroom?
Where the Wild Things Are

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
I love that they are beginning to use their voice and are becoming more independent. They want to do things for themselves and it is so fun to watch their progress. They are also super sweet and say the funniest things!

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
My favorite curriculum project I’ve done in my classroom was during the theme of Gardening and Horticulture. We made butterflies out of construction paper and glued on real flower pieces from a bouquet (which we took turns smelling and exploring)! They loved feeling the textures of the flowers and the butterflies turned out so cute!

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
I love the connections I make with families. Caring for their children day in and day out is such an honor and I’m so glad they trust me to do so. We really have the best families ever!

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
I realized that I wanted to be the role model I wish I had when I was a child. I want to make a difference in children’s lives and make them have hope for their future. Early Childhood Development is so important and the relationships/connections made during this time affect relationships into adulthood. It is such an important field and I am so grateful to work in it!

Who and/or what inspires you?
My coworkers and management team inspire me! I love finding new ideas from them and learning new skills. When I see a coworker making a positive impact, it makes me want too as well.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy reading, walking my dogs, spending time with my family, doing photography, and decorating my house!

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
I am super interested in psychology and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. I am also an introvert and very shy when I meet people for the first time!

We also want to say congratulations to all the nominees who are listed below. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

Swetha G. – Alpharetta

Lori W. – Broomfield

Sharron G. – Chesterfield

Mia G. – Colorado Springs

Dawn – Cumming

Katrina D. – Four Points

Jessica F. – Franklin

Violet G. – Gilbert – Val Vista

Hannah J. – Gilbert – Higley

Serena B. – Granite Bay

Liz B. – Lakeway

Mariah L. – Leawood

Keyona F. – Littleton

Janae F. – O’Fallon

Hannah M. – Overland Park

Sierra W. – Ozark

Lyn X. – Rogers

Aundrea M. – Roswell

Gianni P. – San Antonio – Dominion

Sundra N. – San Antonio – Stone Oak

Anahi G. – Schaumburg

Devina F. – Scottsdale

Glenda H. – Southlake

Mayra S. – Springfield I

Kim H. – Springfield II

Keira G. – The Woodlands

Lauren M. – University City

Emily G. – Willowbrook