2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event
We are excited to announce the 2026 Early Educators Appreciation Event, a special evening honoring the exceptional early childhood educators in our region who dedicate themselves to supporting young learners and families.
This event brings together educators, community partners, sponsors, and families to recognize outstanding leadership, commitment, and impact in early childhood education throughout the St. Louis area.
Join us on May 17th, at the Botanical Garden from 5pm-8pm, as we celebrate leaders within the St. Louis early childhood education landscape.
Nominate an Outstanding Educator
We need your help! Nominate a phenomenal early educator who goes above and beyond for children and families. Whether they’re in a classroom, leading a program, supporting home visits, or championing early literacy, we want to celebrate them!
Nominate a passionate and effective early childhood educator
Submission deadline is March 15, 2026
Share with us how they make a difference for the community
What to Expect:
- Recognition of outstanding early educators
- Inspiring remarks and speakers
- Community celebration of early childhood excellence
Event Details
Date: May 17, 2026
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden
Grab Your Tickets
Event Sponsors
2025 Event
Ninety-two early educators who have dedicated their lives to education and young children from low-income communities in St. Louis were nominated and celebrated at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library on May 4, 2025. Thank you to St. Louis County Executive Sam Page for your opening remarks, Laura Polak with the St. Louis County Library, and Dr. Samantha March with the STL Pre-K Cooperative.
Our five celebrated early childhood awardees included:
2025 Early Educator of Excellence, Jennifer Burgess
2025 Early Childhood Director Above & Beyond, Lisa Scheer
2025 Early Literacy Champion, Sarah Whitney
2025 Home Visitor of the Year, Robin Lloyd
2025 Early Childhood Education Champion, Angela Malone
Thank you to our sponsors Emerson, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Turn the Page STL, STL Pre-K Cooperative, the St. Louis Regional Literacy Association, and Lakeshore Learning.
What an extraordinary 2025 Early Educators Appreciation Team: City of St. Louis, LUME Institute, Ready Readers, RISE, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis Public Library, The Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children, Urban Sprouts, and WEPOWER.
