October 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 October National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Fatima of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of The Woodlands.

In talking about how Ms. Fatima exemplifies LSP’s core values, Program Director, Ms. TK said, “Fatima is one of our amazing twos teachers. She is the sweetest, kindest young lady and her genuine warmth and sincere smile ensure the kids and families love her! Fatima does such a great job with lesson plans – always seeking to incorporate loose parts in creative ways, she is the definition of thinking outside the box!

What age group do you teach?
Twos

What is the name of your classroom?
Ashdown Forest

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
I love working with the twos because I get to witness their language skills blossoming and help guide them through potty training. It is amazing to see how they absorb everything we teach them, and how quickly they grow from toddlers to big kids!

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
Building model rocket ships out of loose parts is my favorite curriculum project because it encourages creativity, problem solving and hands-on learning. Watching students design and assemble their own rockets while experimenting with different materials helps develop critical thinking skills and it is always exciting to see their ideas take flight…literally!

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
Of course, I love the kids, but I really enjoy the community that the management, teachers and even parents build. I hear people say all the time that it takes a village to raise a child and at LSP of The Woodlands, we are that village! We are working together to raise the next generation of artists, engineers, and leaders!

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
I realized early on in life that the early years of a child’s life are critical for laying the foundation for their future, both academically and socially. I wanted to be a part of creating an environment where children could feel safe, loved, and challenged to explore their potential. I feel joy when I see our students grasp what I’m teaching them….and the hugs are nice too!

Who and/or what inspires you and why?
Early childhood educators inspire me. It is such a rewarding, yet challenging field and I want to be someone who trains educators and helps them navigate the ups and down of ECE. I am also motivated to one day own my own school so that I can have an even bigger impact on the children and families that I serve.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I am not at work, I like to read, write, take my dog on walks, and spend time with my husband.

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

• Courtney B. – Alpharetta
• Liping Z. – Arvada
• Ky W. – Broomfield
• TeAsia M. – Chesterfield
• Marisa H. – Colorado Springs (Cheyenne Mountain)
• Brandy D. – Colorado Springs (Briargate)
• Kathy S. – Creve Coeur
• Aparna A. – Cumming
• Namratha B. – Elkhorn North
• Kailey T. – Four Points
• Maggie O. – Franklin
• Kaitlynn B. – Gilbert – Higley
• Emma B. – Gilbert – Val Vista
• Skye C. – Granite Bay
• Noele L. – Lake St. Louis
• Luz H. – Lakeway
• Ava H. – Leawood
• Brooklyn L. – Littleton
• Kimberly W. – Mt. Juliet
• Autumn V. – O’Fallon
• Miranda H. – Overland Park
• Jamie P. – Ozark
• Ashley M. – Parker
• Erica H. – Rogers
• Myah M. – Roswell
• Olivia G. – San Antonio – Dominion
• Kathleen H.  – San Antonio – Stone Oak
• McKenna O. – Schaumburg
• Shelbi B. – Scottsdale
• Pam C. – Southlake
• Claudette V. – Springfield I
• Joni R. – Springfield II
• Kaonou T. – Springfield III
• Jaynea B. – University City
• Paulina Z. – Willowbrook