September 30, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to announce that two teachers have been named as 2024 Nevada Early Educators of the Year.

Award recipients 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.

The awards program - now in its fourth year - recognizes the valuable contributions of early educators who work with children from birth through age 5.

“Early childhood educators are integral to both our education system and the community,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “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 is partnering with The Children's Cabinet, Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children, and Lakeshore Learning to recognize the winners and finalists.

The winners each receive a $500 award, a framed certificate, and a Lakeshore gift certificate.

Nominations for the award were due in April and applications were accepted through May. An award committee reviewed the applications and conducted interviews in July.

Families, community members, educators, and administrators are encouraged to submit nominations for outstanding early educators throughout the year.

To submit a nomination, visit bit.ly/3lrHJiC.

Meet the Winners

-- Leigh Todd – PreK winner Todd has worked at Myrtle Tate Elementary School in the Clark County School District for seven years.

“I love being an early childhood educator because every day I get to experience the magic of learning through the eyes of my students,” Todd said. “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 – Infant/toddler winner Salas has worked at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Child and Family Research Center – Early Head Start program for more than four years.

“As an early childhood educator, I find fulfillment in playing a crucial role in a child's early education,” Salas said. “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, PreK teacher at Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy in Henderson (Clark County School District)

The finalists are:

-- Suzanne Goostree, PreK teacher at Mt. Charleston Elementary School in Pahrump (Nye County School District)

-- Loreen (Lori) Hansen, early childhood special education PreK teacher at James H. Bilbray Elementary School in Las Vegas (Clark County School District)

-- Milagro Guardado, Early Childhood Home Visit Program at the Child and Family Research Center - Early Head Start Program at the University of Nevada, Reno

Attachments

• Photos from Leigh Todd’s award ceremony

• Photos from Adrianna Salas’ award ceremony

• Photos from Ryann Hofmann’s award ceremony

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.