Memphis Educators Honored at Inaugural Tennessee Early Educator Awards

Memphis Teachers Shine Bright at Tennessee Early Educator Awards

Good day, Memphis! Our fair city recently had a moment in the spotlight, thanks to two outstanding local educators who were honored at the inaugural Tennessee Early Educator Awards. These awards highlight the amazing contributions of early childhood educators across the state, and guess what? We have some exceptional winners right here in town!

Celebrating Excellence in Early Education

During an exciting surprise visit to their classrooms, Stephanie Sacco, who teaches Kindergarten at Idlewild Elementary, and Malorie Jezelle-Hullet, the passionate owner and primary educator at Creative Collegiate Academy in Cordova, were both recognized as shining stars in early childhood education. It was a truly heartwarming moment to see their joy as they celebrated this achievement surrounded by their colleagues and enthusiastic students.

What’s the Big Deal?

You might be wondering what makes these awards so special, and it’s all about recognizing the true heroes who lay the foundation for lifelong learning in our youngest kiddos. According to Blair Taylor, the CEO of an organization dedicated to quality early education, “These awards are about recognizing the exceptional educators who lay the crucial foundation for lifelong learning.” And indeed, these 20 educators from across Tennessee exemplify the dedication, passion, and commitment that every young learner deserves.

Who Gets the Award?

Out of more than 1,700 nominations and 300 applicants, the selection committee chose 20 fantastic educators to be honored. Ten of these awardees focus on care and education for children from birth through preschool, while the other ten are dedicated to teaching students in kindergarten through third grade. It’s a fantastic initiative to shed light on the importance of both birth-to-age five and early childhood educators who shape the lives of young learners!

What’s in Store for the Awardees?

But wait, there’s more! The winners didn’t just walk away with recognition. They also received a generous $1,000 cash prize to use however they please, and an additional $1,000 to spend on whatever resources they need. As if that weren’t enough, they were treated to an all-expenses paid trip to Nashville to celebrate their achievements with a variety of fun events.

As part of the festivities, awardees experienced a private shopping spree at the Lakeshore Learning store, where they could pick out educational resources and classroom supplies. Imagine the joy in their eyes as they selected the tools they need to continue inspiring the next generation!

A Toast to Our Amazing Educators!

It’s vital to pause and appreciate the tremendous work done by our early childhood educators. They not only teach but also nurture and guide young minds, setting them up for a successful future. So, let’s raise a glass (or maybe a crayon) to educators like Stephanie Sacco and Malorie Jezelle-Hullet, who are truly making a difference in the lives of Memphis children.

If you’re interested in learning more about these incredible awardees or the Tennessee Early Educator Awards, feel free to look up more information online. Remember, every day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing impact of our educators!