During recent classroom visits, Stephanie Sacco, Kindergarten teacher at Idlewild Elementary, and Malorie Jezelle-Hullet, owner and primary educator at Creative Collegiate Academy preschool in Cordova, were honored among other teachers across the state, during the inaugural Tennessee Early Educator Awards.
The statewide awards program, launched by Tennesseans for Quality Early Education (TQEE), honors outstanding early childhood educators for their impact on the lives of Tennessee’s youngest learners.
The two Memphis educators were surprised during class, celebrating the moment with their colleagues and students.
Courtesy of Tennesseans for Quality Early Education
Stephanie Sacco (left), Kindergarten teacher at Idlewild Elementary
These awards are about recognizing the exceptional educators who lay the crucial foundation for lifelong learning,” says Blair Taylor, CEO of TQEE. “These 20 educators exemplify the dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence that every young learner deserves, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their work.”
Courtesy of Tennesseans for Quality Early Education
Malorie Jezelle-Hullet (left), owner and primary educator at Creative Collegiate Academy
The Tennessee Early Educator Awards were established this year to highlight the importance of early childhood care and education professionals who work with children from birth through third grade. Of the 20 educators selected for the award, 10 are recognized for their work in birth through preschool programs, and 10 for teaching in kindergarten through third grade.
Over 1,700 nominations were received, and 300 applicants applied for this prestigious award. In addition to their $1,000 shopping spree, awardees received another $1,000 from TQEE to use as they please, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to Nashville, where they were celebrated and recognized during multiple events.
The awardees had exclusive access to the Lakeshore Learning store with a private shopping experience to purchase educational resources and classroom supplies.
For more information on each awardee or to learn about the Tennessee Early Educator Awards and its sponsors, visit Tennessee Early Educator Awards.