September 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 September 2024 National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Ariel of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of The Woodlands.

What age group do you teach?
Preschool

What is the name of your classroom?
Arendelle

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
One of the things that I love about the preschool classroom is how engaged and interactive our students are. The more that they engage with me and the lessons, the more they learn, the more fun they have and the better conversations we have in class.

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
STEM projects are my jam! One of my favorite projects was when we created and launched rockets. There are so many ways you can adjust the lesson to meet the interests and developmental needs of the students. We launched bottle “rockets” using recycled 2-liter bottles, baking soda, vinegar, and raced them on strings, using balloons as a propellant. I love watching the light in the kiddos’ eyes when they “get” a concept as well as seeing them express their creativity.

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
I truly feel valued here at Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of The Woodlands. Everyone from the children to the parents to my coworkers and management team show me each day how loved and appreciated I am. I respect and honor my management team for the family like environment they have always provided here at LSP. From the day I came for my initial interview with Mrs. T.K, to now, I have always felt valued, important and respected. I love the fact that we, the teachers, write the lesson plans and that the curriculum is fully open to each student’s individual needs making learning adventurous and personal for all.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
Initially, I went into early childhood education to provide a safe space for children. The more that I have worked in the field, my focus had shifted. While it is of paramount importance to provide that safe learning environment for all my students, my “why” is to see that “ah-ha” moment in a student’s eyes when they learn something new or “get” a new concept. I love watching the growth my students experience in the year or so that they spend with me in my classroom.

Who and/or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired on many levels. The students in my class inspire me daily to continue learning, growing, and to push myself outside of my comfort zone to provide the most fun and engaging learning experience possible. My management team inspires me by providing the necessary support and understanding that we need to be successful. My family also inspires me to be the best wife, Mom and daughter I can be!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my family, shopping, riding motorcycles, and going to church.

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
I love to give back to others. I can often be found helping stranded motorists or safely moving turtles out of the middle of the road.

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

Juliana Silva R. – Alpharetta

Annie P.  – Arvada

Youri R. – Broomfield

Rianna F. – Chesterfield

Riley O. – Colorado Springs (Cheyenne Mountain)

Lisa P. – Colorado Springs (Briargate)

Jessica L. – Creve Coeur

Samina R. – Cumming

Yareli L. – Elkhorn North

Ella M. – Four Points

Kellie S. – Franklin

Cruz E. – Gilbert – Higley

Mon C. – Gilbert – Val Vista

Emme B. – Granite Bay

Morgan M. – Lake St. Louis

Victoria P. – Lakeway

Glenda Ayala R. – Littleton

Kali B. – O’Fallon

LeighAnn S. – Overland Park

Emily P. – Ozark

Shay D. – Parker

Kassandra G. – Rogers

Jayla G. – Roswell

Diane R. – San Antonio – Dominion

Gabriella A. – San Antonio – Stone Oak

Xochitl P. – Schaumburg

Johnny D.  – Scottsdale

Kiara W. – Southlake

Anna B. – Springfield I

Kiana G. – Springfield II

Madison S.  – Springfield III

Ra’Niya J. – University City

Maureen C. – Willowbrook