Whether her students are graphing hibernating animals or reading aloud to their stuffed “buddies,” Ms. Shunda makes learning joyful and meaningful. She is known for her individualized approach — meeting each child where they are and helping them soar — and for her dedication to strong family connections, often sending voice memos to encourage children on big milestone days. A true global citizen, Shunda has spent 11 summers teaching children to read in under-resourced communities across the world and brings those rich cultural experiences back into her classroom.
Spotlighting Goddard Educators Shaping Tomorrow
Our annual Teacher of the Year Award was created to recognize and celebrate extraordinary Goddard School educators. Families and faculty are invited to nominate teachers who exemplify excellence, leadership, creativity and a safe, nurturing teaching approach. This award highlights the critical role Goddard educators play in providing the foundation for children’s remarkable futures.
Spotlight a special Goddard teacher in your life by nominating them for Teacher of the Year! Submissions close on January 30, 2026.
Meet Our 2025 Teacher of the Year!
Ms. Shunda, Preschool
The Goddard School of Sugar Hill, GA
Ms. Shunda is a passionate, inspiring educator whose 21 years of teaching experience and personal journey through foster care have shaped her mission to be a steady, empowering presence in the lives of children. She blends academic excellence with deep compassion, fostering independence, curiosity and social-emotional growth through creative, inquiry-based learning.
2025 Northeast Regional Winners
- Ms. Shaniqua, Infant Classroom
- Ms. Pamela, Toddler Classroom
- Ms. Bria, Preschool Classroom
- Ms. Shannan, Kindergarten Classroom
Ms. Shaniqua, Infant Classroom
The Goddard School of Fairfield (Little Falls Road), NJ
Ms. Shaniqua is the heart of the Infant program at The Goddard School® of Fairfield, NJ, where she has served as lead Infant teacher for nine years. Known for her warmth, nurturing spirit and deep understanding of early childhood development, Ms. Shaniqua creates a classroom environment where infants thrive and families feel at home. Her ability to build strong, lasting relationships with families, paired with her thoughtful, personalized approach to care and learning, has made her a beloved presence and a vital part of the school community. From celebrating milestones with heartfelt enthusiasm to mentoring new teachers and serving on the Teacher Advisory Council, Ms. Shaniqua’s impact extends far beyond her classroom. Her dedication, professionalism and unwavering passion for nurturing little learners make her a shining example of excellence in early childhood education.
Ms. Pamela, Toddler Classroom
The Goddard School of Worcester, MA
Pamela Fanjoy, a dedicated lead Toddler teacher, has brought joy, compassion and professionalism to every aspect of her work since 2021. She builds meaningful connections with families to create a strong foundation for learning and is known for her creativity in the classroom like introducing children to a wide range of art and sensory materials while maintaining a consistent, comforting routine. As a Peer Mentor, she supports new teachers with patience and clarity, helping them feel confident and capable in their roles. Behind the scenes, she’s always one step ahead — keeping her classroom safe, organized and aligned with high-quality standards. Pam’s thoughtfulness shines through in the small moments, like reading beloved books aloud during meals, and in big moments, like when she supported a child with complex medical needs through a successful and compassionate classroom transition. Her belief that all children deserve an equal opportunity to thrive is evident in everything she does.
Ms. Bria, Preschool Classroom
The Goddard School of Farmington, CT
Ms. Bria brings warmth, structure and deep intentionality to her classroom each day. She has become a cornerstone of the School community — valued for her positive attitude, strong family connections and unwavering commitment to child development. She masterfully implements the Wonder of Learning™ curriculum, using small-group instruction and individualized lesson plans to meet her students’ needs. Bria's classroom is filled with engaging provocations (things that spark action and stimulates thinking), child-led exploration and developmentally rich routines that reflect her deep understanding of early childhood education. She also takes time to nurture relationships with families, building trust and strong home-school partnerships through thoughtful communication and collaboration. Bria’s leadership extends beyond her classroom, serving as a mentor and reliable resource for her peers. Whether planning curriculum, supporting new staff or providing emotional safety and consistency for her students, Bria exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary early childhood educator.
Ms. Shannan, Kindergarten Classroom
The Goddard School of Hillsborough, NJ
Ms. Shannan has been a powerful presence since joining Goddard in 2021, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience and a passion for building lasting relationships with children and families. Stepping into her role during the pandemic and after a beloved teacher’s departure, she quickly made an impact by championing engaging academics, social-emotional development and community involvement. Known for her thoughtful parent partnerships and dedication to every child’s success, Shannan weaves inquiry-based projects — like observing local bald eagles — into her curriculum and leads annual service initiatives that help children connect with their community in meaningful ways. She also completes all the appropriate kindergarten assessments at least three times per year and conferences with parents to prepare them for what they can expect from the local elementary schools. Her attention to detail, leadership in School events and advocacy for student well-being make her a treasured educator and a true role model in early childhood education.
2025 Western Regional Winners
- Ms. Joy, Infant Classroom
- Ms. Alexis, Toddler Classroom
- Ms. Vivian, Preschool Classroom
- Ms. Cindy, Kindergarten Classroom
Ms. Joy, Infant Classroom
The Goddard School of Buckeye (Verrado), AZ
Ms. Joy is beloved by families, trusted by colleagues and admired by leadership. Since stepping into her role in early 2023, Joy has consistently set the standard for exceptional care, safety and classroom organization. She’s known for creating a nurturing, home-like environment that puts even the most anxious new parents at ease, often becoming the person families remember long after their children have moved on to new classrooms. Ms. Joy is a natural leader in health and safety practices, always proactive and hands-on, and she brings that same attentiveness to every interaction with children and staff alike. Her deep commitment to professional growth and her seamless adoption of the Wonder of Learning education program have strengthened her strong relationships with families and elevated the quality of care in her classroom. Joy exemplifies what it means to be a Goddard educator — warm, reliable and truly extraordinary.
Ms. Alexis, Toddler Classroom
The Goddard School of Snohomish, WA
Ms. Alexis is a beloved toddler teacher known for her calm presence, integrity and unwavering dedication to her students and families. With a natural gift for nurturing young children, Ms. Alexis creates a classroom environment that is both warm and structured, allowing toddlers to thrive through consistent routines and child-led learning. She is a skilled collaborator, mentoring assistant teachers and fostering a supportive, growth-minded team culture. Ms. Alexis excels in building strong relationships with families, especially those new to early childhood education, by offering personalized support, open communication and thoughtful ways to bring home and school life together. Her classroom regularly showcases the Wonder of Learning approach through engaging, inquiry-based activities, and her commitment to health and safety, especially during high-stress situations, is remarkable.
Ms. Vivian, Preschool Classroom
The Goddard School of Lake Forest (Baker Ranch), CA
Ms. Vivian has been a beloved and integral part of Goddard since 2019, where she leads the Preschool classroom with heart, expertise and a deep sense of purpose. Known for her warmth, attentiveness and innovative teaching style, Ms. Vivian creates a magical learning environment that inspires curiosity and confidence. Her strong academic background in child development, keen observational skills and commitment to health and safety have made lasting impacts — including helping a child receive an early diagnosis of absence seizures. She builds meaningful relationships with families, mentors her peers and is constantly growing through professional development. Whether she’s turning a pizza box into a solar oven or guiding children through lessons on the heart and self-love, Ms. Vivian brings Wonder of Learning to life every single day.
Ms. Cindy, Kindergarten Classroom
The Goddard School of McKinney (Honey Creek), TX
Ms. Cindy is a deeply experienced and endlessly compassionate educator whose impact spans more than 20 years in early childhood education. Known for her impeccable standards in health and safety, personalized teaching practices and ability to build genuine connections with every child and family, she leads with both expertise and empathy. Whether it's catching a moment of distress before it becomes unsafe, ensuring all children feel included during classroom celebrations or creating individualized lessons that keep students progressing even through summer, Ms. Cindy does it all with grace and intention. She is a constant learner herself — always seeking feedback to grow. Her presence is not only felt in the classroom, but in the lives of families who see her as a source of love, safety and transformative care.
2025 Midwestern Regional Winners
- Ms. Leanne, Infant Classroom
- Ms. Moumita, Toddler Classroom
- Ms. Shauna, Preschool Classroom
- Ms. Charisse, Kindergarten Classroom
Ms. Leanne, Infant Classroom
The Goddard School of Independence, OH
Ms. Leanne is a dedicated and compassionate educator who brings warmth, expertise and a deep sense of purpose to her role. She works closely with families, offering reassurance, personalized strategies and continuous encouragement. She takes the time to understand a child’s needs, experimenting with different techniques and providing consistent, gentle support until progress is made. Her calming presence and wealth of knowledge gives parents confidence and comfort during the daycare transition, turning an emotional and sometimes difficult experience into a journey of growth and trust! Whether she's guiding new parents through feeding challenges, introducing playful yet purposeful learning experiences or mentoring fellow educators, Ms. Leanne leads with heart and intention. She’s a trusted partner to families, a collaborative team member and an inspiring force within the School community.
Ms. Moumita, Toddler Classroom
The Goddard School of Mason (Deerfield Township), OH
Ms. Moumita is a nurturing, dedicated and truly exceptional educator. With a calm and compassionate presence, she creates a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, valued and supported. From helping children with separation anxiety to championing inclusion for those with diverse needs, Ms. Moumita brings patience, warmth and intentionality to everything she does. Her teaching is rooted in curiosity and joy, often incorporating hands-on STEAM activities that spark wonder and exploration. Beyond the classroom, she builds deep connections with families, supports new teachers and uplifts her School’s culture with her positive energy. Whether comforting a nervous new student or mentoring fellow educators, Ms. Moumita leads with heart and purpose, making a lasting impact on her students and the community.
Ms. Shauna, Preschool Classroom
The Goddard School of Medina, MN
With over 20 years in early childhood education and 13 years at Goddard, Ms. Shauna is a beloved and highly respected teacher known for her unmatched reliability, kindness and deep commitment to every child and family she serves. Whether she's opening the School each morning with a warm welcome or mentoring fellow educators in best practices, Ms. Shauna leads with grace and purpose. Her classroom is a model of excellence — never once receiving a correction in over 40 licensing visits — and a place where children feel safe, inspired and loved. Beyond the classroom, she advocates passionately for Neurofibromatosis awareness, using her own journey to teach resilience, inclusion and the power of kindness.
Ms. Charisse, Kindergarten Classroom
The Goddard School of West Chester/Hamilton, OH
Ms. Charisse is a shining example of what it means to be a Goddard School educator. With a bachelor’s degree in education and licensure to teach Pre-K through third grade, she brings both expertise and heart to her classroom every day. Ms. Charisse is known for her thoughtful, hands-on and child-led approach to learning — bringing lessons to life through immersive activities like shadow puppet shows, moon phase Oreos and pumpkin catapults. She integrates meaningful enrichment like Spanish, American Sign Language, Story Time Chess and yoga into her curriculum, and crafts multi-day projects that promote critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Ms. Charisse is also a leader in assessment, using a range of data tools to create differentiated learning plans tailored to each child’s needs. She maintains 100% scores on health and safety reviews and builds strong home-school connections. Her passion for teaching, professionalism and unwavering commitment to her students make her a beloved mentor and role model.
2025 Southeastern Regional Winners
- Ms. Ana, Infant Classroom
- Ms. Joanna, Toddler Classroom
- Ms. Shunda, Preschool Classroom
- Ms. Kristine, Kindergarten Classroom
Ms. Ana, Infant Classroom
The Goddard School of Lithia (FishHawk), FL
Ms. Ana demonstrates exceptional dedication to the growth and development of the babies in her care. She’s currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology to deepen her understanding of children's cognitive development. In her lessons, she uses a brain-based approach. For example, she introduced the concept of birds by using pictures, teaching the sign for birds and playing bird sounds. By engaging multiple senses, this method aids information retention and caters to various learning styles, providing a well-rounded learning experience right from the start. Ms. Ana has consistently provided a nurturing and stimulating environment, building strong relationships with both children and their families. Her commitment to supporting parents, celebrating milestones and employing effective teaching strategies makes her an invaluable and irreplaceable member Goddard.
Ms. Joanna, Toddler Classroom
The Goddard School of Matthews, NC
Ms. Joanna has transformed the Toddler classroom into a vibrant space filled with curiosity, compassion and joy. From personalized, inquiry-based lesson plans to thoughtful emotional support, Ms. Joanna meets her students where they are, helping them thrive socially, emotionally and cognitively. She’s a leader in every sense — initiating School-wide traditions like the teacher shout-out binder and cultivating kindness projects, hosting peer gatherings to build community and piloting classroom observation opportunities for colleagues. Her dedication to health and safety is impeccable, with a perfect QA record and a proactive, feedback-seeking mindset. Whether she’s cheering on her students, coaching peers or planning her next hands-on activity, Ms. Joanna radiates energy, love and professionalism.
Ms. Shunda, Preschool Classroom
The Goddard School of Sugar Hill, GA
Ms. Shunda is a passionate, inspiring educator whose 21 years of teaching experience and personal journey through foster care have shaped her mission to be a steady, empowering presence in the lives of children. She blends academic excellence with deep compassion, fostering independence, curiosity and social-emotional growth through creative, inquiry-based learning. Whether her students are graphing hibernating animals or reading aloud to their stuffed “buddies,” Ms. Shunda makes learning joyful and meaningful. She is known for her individualized approach — meeting each child where they are and helping them soar — and for her dedication to strong family connections, often sending voice memos to encourage children on big milestone days. A true global citizen, Shunda has spent 11 summers teaching children to read in under-resourced communities across the world and brings those rich cultural experiences back into her classroom.
Ms. Kristine, Kindergarten Classroom
The Goddard School of Chester (River’s Bend), VA
Ms. Kristine is a dynamic and dedicated educator with a master’s degree in education who brings a wealth of experience from her time in public schools to her current role. She not only teaches but helps lead the entire Kindergarten program. Known for her engaging, standards-based lessons and strong relationships with students and families, Ms. Kristine creates a classroom where learning is fun, meaningful and personal. Beyond the classroom, she supports fellow educators, tutors students one-on-one, attends their special events and even drives the bus for the School’s before- and after-care programs. A devoted mom of three and a true team player, Ms. Kristine exemplifies what it means to be a passionate and impactful Goddard teacher.