The Nevada Department of Education has announced the recipients of the 2024 Nevada Early Educators of the Year award. The honorees are Leigh Todd, a preschool teacher at Myrtle Tate Elementary School in Las Vegas, and Adrianna Salas, an infant/toddler teacher at the Child and Family Research Center - Early Head Start Program at the University of Nevada, Reno.
This awards program, now in its fourth year, acknowledges early educators who work with children from birth through age five. Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized the importance of early childhood educators: "Early childhood educators are integral to both our education system and the community. They lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth. This recognition is an effort to elevate the important job they do, and to celebrate their hard work and dedication."
The Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Development partnered with The Children's Cabinet, Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children, and Lakeshore Learning to honor both winners and finalists. Each winner receives a $500 award, a framed certificate, and a Lakeshore gift certificate.
Nominations were accepted until April with applications reviewed by an award committee that conducted interviews in July. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for outstanding early educators throughout the year via bit.ly/3lrHJiC.
Leigh Todd has been with Myrtle Tate Elementary School in Clark County School District for seven years. She expressed her passion for teaching: "I love being an early childhood educator because every day I get to experience the magic of learning through the eyes of my students. I love watching my students grow academically and socially, and I work hard to make sure they get the best first school experience possible."
Adrianna Salas has been part of the University of Nevada, Reno's Child and Family Research Center – Early Head Start program for over four years. She shared her commitment: "As an early childhood educator, I find fulfillment in playing a crucial role in a child's early education. Building meaningful relationships with young children and their families is deeply rewarding. I strive to be a consistent and supportive presence for the children and families in my class and throughout the center."
Runner-up Ryann Hofmann is a PreK teacher at Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy in Henderson within Clark County School District.
Finalists include Suzanne Goostree from Mt. Charleston Elementary School in Pahrump (Nye County School District) and Loreen (Lori) Hansen from James H. Bilbray Elementary School in Las Vegas (Clark County School District).