Two UNR teachers named Early Childhood Educators of the Year

Two professors from the University of Nevada at Reno were selected from 51 applicants across the state as Early Childhood Educators of the Year by the Nevada Department of Education. This is the first year that the department has rewarded teachers for this award.

The two educators, Kaitlin Cortes and Avis Moore, work for the UNR College of Education and Human Development at the college’s Child and Family Research Center (CFRC).

Moore was selected as Infant and Toddler Teacher of the Year. She works in the Early Head Start program which includes children from birth to 3 years old. She has been at CFRC for 21 years and has been teaching for 30 years.

“Working at Early Head Start opened my eyes to the potential impact I could have on the life of not just a child, but an entire family,” said Moore. “I love what I do and I am thankful that families trust me to help them through the first years of their child’s life.

Officials from the Nevada Department of Education said Moore’s commitment to partnership was key to her selection.

“What stood out in particular was her emphasis on partnership and relationship building with families, a constant theme that jumped out at us in her candidacy, her interview and in the letters submitted by families she works with, “NDE’s Kaitlin Lewallen said.

Cortes worked at CFRC for five years as a pre-kindergarten teacher with children aged 3 to 5.

She said she sees the award as an opportunity to help develop other early childhood education professionals.

“I have always believed that every child is a whole person worthy of respect and love,” she said. “I look forward to participating in research and work that allows me to nurture future early childhood teachers, both in my current curriculum and across the field. “

“Kaitlin was selected because of her passion for continuous growth and learning and her commitment to improving the early years field and the system as a whole by pursuing graduate studies, working with University staff. to develop a diversity agenda and advocacy for early childhood professionals as well as quality access to child care through a stronger pool of teachers, ”added Lewallen.

In addition to donations from Lakeshore Learning and The Children’s Cabinet, the two award winners will represent early childhood education in Nevada as ambassadors and thought leaders throughout the 2021-22 school year.

Source: UNR

This Is Reno has been your source for independent and award-winning Reno online news and events since 2009. We are locally owned and operated.