January 2024 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 2024 January National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Reema of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of Schaumburg.

In talking about how Ms. Reema exemplifies LSP’s core values, Program Director Ms. Colleen said, “Reema is an amazing head teacher. She plays such an important role in our school. The parents and staff look to her for guidance on situations regarding their children/students. She is super hardworking and has made such a great impact on our school with her positive attitude and fun energy. We love her and can’t wait to see her continue to grow with the company in the future.”

What age group do you teach?
All – I am a Head Teacher

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
I love that I’m able to help in every age group and classroom. It really allows me to come out of my comfort zone and connect with each child on a different level. I’ve seen a lot of children who have started as babies and to see them grow and develop their own personality has been such a pleasure!

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
One of my favorite things to do in classrooms when I visit is circle time. I love getting the entire class together to do a fun large group activity whether it’s leading my own circle time, singing songs, reading a book and/or dance movement activity.

Every year at our school, I also host a Diwali celebration. It’s one of my favorite times of the year. I put together the celebration by bringing in traditional Indian attire for the children to dress up in and we also do Reggio inspired age-appropriate activities for each age group such as colorful rice sensory bin with light up candles, making our own Rangoli using loose parts/colored sand as well as making our own fireworks using natural materials. I’m forever grateful to my management team for allowing me to share my culture with the rest of the school.

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
I love that at Schaumburg we are one big community and family! All the parents, children, teachers, and management team treat each other like their own and truly care so much for each other. We never know what each day will bring but it’s so nice to know that no matter what happens we are able to relay on each other and know that together we will get through whatever is thrown at us. Everyone is so supportive of each other.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. I would sit all my siblings down in a row and pretend play “teacher.” They would be my students and I would lead the class. As I grew older, I always knew I wanted to work with children. I was given a few opportunities to work in a childcare environment and realized how much I loved it. The most rewarding part was seeing the children smile and seeing their excitement every time they learned a new skill!

Who and/or what inspires you?
My parents are the biggest inspiration in my life. They came to this country many years ago for better opportunities and for their family and I can never be grateful enough for the life they’ve given me. They’ve worked so hard throughout the years with so much dedication and I’ve always been taught no job is too big or too little, it’s always about doing your best and putting your 100% into whatever you do. That’s all that matters. I try to take everything I’ve learned from them and put it into my daily life. Doing the best, I can while also being respectful, honest and kind to those around me.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I have two amazing children that keep me on my toes. I love spending time with them and seeing the world through their eyes each day! When I’m around my children, I become a child myself and love living each moment with them.

I also love to cook and learn new recipes! I’m a big foodie and I love trying different fusion dishes and feeding my family! Lastly, I love to travel and see new places.

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
I’m an excellent swimmer due to my arms being more than 90-degree angle. I was told this by my swim coach, and it helped me become more confident.

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

Vilma A. – Alpharetta

Emma N. – Arvada

Adrienne S. – Broomfield

Victoria W. – Chesterfield

Kiki K. – Creve Coeur

Elizabeth G. – Colorado Springs – Cheyenne Mountain

Jennifer P. – Cumming

Alexandra C. – Franklin

Lee N. – Four Points

Jaqui B. – Gilbert – Higley

Ryann D. – Gilbert – Val Vista

Piper F – Granite Bay

Elisabeth T. – Lakeway

Courtney S. – Lake St. Louis

Madison D. – Littleton

Anna V. – O’Fallon

Taylor O. – Overland Park

Karianna C. – Ozark

Mehgan S. – Parker

Jessica C. – Rogers

Chantrisse P. – Roswell

Yesenia F. – San Antonio – Dominion

Alyssa W. – San Antonio – Stone Oak

Shelbi B. – Scottsdale

Lori B. – Southlake

Payton – Springfield I

Elena H. – Springfield II

Haley D. – Springfield III

Isabella A. – The Woodlands

Andrea K. – University City

Zakeshia W. – Willowbrook