“We see honor in service to others.” First 8 Memphis Awards 4 Professionals with the Educator of Excellence Award
Local educators receive first-ever Educator of Excellence Award in recognition of their service to our youngest learners.
(Memphis, Tenn.) –To recognize their exceptional dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds and hearts of the youngest learners in Memphis and Shelby County, First 8 Memphis (F8M) awards four Shelby County educators with the first-ever Educator of Excellence Award.
As the community’s backbone early childhood education organization, First 8 Memphis works to ensure every child in Memphis and Shelby County can reach their full potential by building a strong start during the first eight years of life. Strong investments during these formative years will propel children toward optimal development, school readiness, and academic achievement, and on-going family supports will improve family stability and access to resources. Dr. Kandace Thomas, Executive Director of First 8 Memphis, says “we’ve been trained to think education starts at kindergarten, but research shows, and many families know, that children begin learning much earlier, in fact prenatally. In recognizing the many stages of learning, F8M not only works to ensure the success of young learners but also the success of early education providers." Learn more about First 8 Memphis and their initiatives at first8memphis.org.
On November 8, 2023, F8M held its quarterly Leadership Council meeting and awarded early childhood education leaders for the important role they play in a child’s educational foundation. The Award aligns with the First 8 Years Early Care and Education Plan, which constructs a system consisting of four pillars: home visiting, high-quality childcare, Pre-K, and Kindergarten - 3rd grade.
In support of the Education Plan and to celebrate early childhood success stories, F8M recognized four education professionals whose exemplary service in the field of early childhood education has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and their families. Director of Partnerships, Corey Strong, says, “F8M recognizes the importance of service. We see honor in service to others. We recognize that we are partners within communities, not outside of them, and our approach to the work reflects this.”
The following educators were presented with the 2023 Educators of Excellence Award during the November Leadership Council meeting:
Hattie Harris, Home Visitor at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthy Families Tennessee (Home Visitation Pillar Recipient)
Stephanie Cain, Childcare teacher at Hope House (Childcare Pillar Recipient)
Makitra Moore, Pre-K teacher at Alcy Elementary (Pre-K Pillar Recipient)
Jeremee DeMoir, Tutor Support Manager at Literacy Mid-South (K-3rd Pillar Recipient)
Each recipient received a certificate in their honor and a $100 gift card. First 8 Memphis thanks the recipients for their passion, service, and dedication to our children! Success in the first 8 years equals success for a lifetime.
See photos, courtesy of Kudzukian, from the meeting below.
