September 24, 2025

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to announce that two teachers have been named as 2025 Nevada Early Educators of the Year.

Award recipients are Katelyn Donaker, a preschool teacher at Kate Smith Elementary School in Sparks (Washoe County School District), and Alison Matulich, a preschool teacher at Mt. Charleston Elementary School in Pahrump (Nye County School District).

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

“Early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and success, and today we honor the educators who bring that foundation to life with dedication, compassion, and excellence,” said Dr. Steve Canavero, Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction. “These award winners exemplify the very best of what it means to nurture young minds and support families across our state. Their work doesn’t just impact the classroom — it strengthens our communities and shapes our future.”

The Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Development is partnering with The Children’s Cabinet 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 June and July.

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

To submit a nomination, please visit the Nevada Educator Recognition Submission Form - Please contact aseverens@doe.nv.gov for ADA assistance.

Meet the Winners

• Katelyn Donaker (North)

Donaker said it’s a joy and honor to do her best to understand children’s experiences and perspectives, and to deliver thoughtful and meaningful instruction.

“Being an early childhood teacher consistently reminds me of the inherent good and helpfulness of people,” Donaker said. “Young children are pure with their intentions to learn and help. It reminds me that kindness and helpfulness is everywhere, even in the smallest things.”

Donaker’s nominator said she creates a classroom family where all needs are addressed and all voices are respected, and she has the “skill, patience, and love that shows she was born to do this work.”

• Alison Matulich (South/Rural)

Matulich started her career as a teacher assistant and now has a master’s degree in early childhood education.

“I love being an early childhood educator because I get to sing songs, read amazing books, explore math, pour paint, dance, and laugh every day with students who are brimming over with joy!” Matulich said. “I also find tremendous value in having a role that serves and supports families and children in my community.”

Matulich’s nominator described her as a “shining light” who keeps everyone informed of best practices and district guidance while creating a positive atmosphere in her classroom.

The finalists are:

• Kimberly Bishop, Kenneth Divich Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Anne Lowry, Aleph Academy in Reno

• Claudia Gastelum-Colon, Aggie Roberts Elementary School (Clark County School District)

• Georgianna (“GG”) Wasson, Tribal Head Start in Washoe County

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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.