Stay tuned for more information about the 2022 Mtaeyc Annual Early Childhood Conference.
Stay tuned for more information about the 2022 Mtaeyc Annual Early Childhood Conference.
Awards
Mtaeyc recognizes and presents awards to individuals or groups that have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to young children and families, either at the state and/or local level. Nominations for recipiants open three months before the annual confernce and are voted on at the Affiliate Board meeting prior to annual Conference. Awards are presented at the conference during an award ceremony. Recipients and information about each award will be listed in the conference booklet.
Early Childhood Service Award
This award is to be presented to an individual who has demonstrated an exemplary service to the Montana Early Childhood field at both the local and state level. This individual has demonstrated an active role in a support service to programs that care for and/or educate young children and/or their families, and is a current member of mtaeyc.
McCarthy Public Service Award
This award is to be presented to an individual or group that has demonstrated a long-term, exemplary commitment to the care and/or education of young children at the state level by actively participating in advocating, developing and/or maintaining public policies affecting young children and/ or their families. This public service may be through election, employment and/or volunteer efforts. This individual or group may or may not be a current member of mtaeyc.
Montana Infant/Toddler Teacher of the Year Award
The MT Infant Toddler Teacher of the Year Award is presented to an individual whose specialty is excellence in the personal care and education of children ages 0-2 years old and is employed in a licensed child care program in Montana. This individual encompasses intentionality, responsiveness, and professionalism, and demonstrates understanding of developmental milestones for children in the areas of physical, psychosocial, cognitive, and language development. The recipient of this award demonstrates skills and knowledge related to the unique needs and education of infants and toddlers age 0-36 months; and, utilizes developmentally appropriate observation, assessment, and documentation skills that can be applied to interpretations of growth and development, planning, and identification of individual needs. Lastly, this individual demonstrates professional skills including ethical practice, reflective practice, written and verbal communication, collaboration, advocacy, and identification of personal qualifications in relationship to state and national requirements for teachers of young children.
Montana Preschool Teacher of the Year Award
The Preschool Teacher of the Year Award is given to someone who is committed to teaching children ages 3-5 years of age. This person is an advocate for children and the early childhood field alike. They have enthusiasm and dedication to teaching and aiding in the development of preschool age children in a holistic way. The recipient of the Preschool Teacher of the Year Award is given to a teacher who inspires children to grow and learn.
Montana K-3 Teacher of the Year Award
The K-3 Teacher of the Year Award is given to an early childhood teacher working in a classroom serving children kindgergarten thorugh 3 rd grade who demonstrates outstanding character in education initiatives. This individual has the ability to inspire, guide, and mentor students through independent and creative thinking. The recipient of this award shows an understanding in adjusting to the needs and interests of a wide variety of student learners. This teacher is dedicated to education and shows a love for inspiring students through early learning.
Early Childhood Excellence in Program Administration Award
The Early Childhood Excellence in Program Administration Award recognizes outstanding administrative and professional performance; Program Administrators play a critical role in the qualility and delivery of Early Childhood Services. The recipient of this award will encompass many characteristics including operational excellence, exceptional service provider, positive impactfulness, leadership, mentorship, and community service.
Friend of Early Childhood Education Award
The Friend of Early Childhood Education Award is to be presented to an individual or group who has made a significant contribution to education and/or the early childhood profession in Montana. The purpose of this award is to recognize dynamic individuals or organizations who have empowered early childhood workforce and made contributions to the advancement of early care and education through exhibited leadership, acts, and support of quality early childhood for Montana’s children.
The 2021 Award Winners are:
McCarthy Public Services Award:
Brandi Thomas
Montana Early Childhood Service Award:
Michelle Sexton
Montana Infant Toddler Teacher of the Year Award:
Pepper Curtis
Montana Preschool Teacher of the Year Award:
Kirby Sandall
Montana K-3 Teacher of the Year Award:
Mishel Vatoussis
Early Childhood Excellence in Program and Administration Award:
Susan Sholar
Friends of Early Childhood Education Award:
XY Planning Network