Awards – TXAEYC
Skip to main content

Awards

Each year TXAEYC recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of early childhood education in Texas through our annual awards which were established to acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly to celebrate, educate, and advocate for young children, families, and the early childhood profession. The honorees are recognized at the TXAEYC Annual Conference. 

The Awards Committee is currently seeking nominations for our 2023 Awards! To nominate an individual, submit a nomination form along with a statement describing the individuals commitment to the early childhood field and three (3) letters of recommendation.

The categories for awards include:

Administrator of the Year 

Awarded to an administrator of an early childhood program who demonstrates outstanding leadership and a commitment to program quality. Nominees may have experience in program administration, created special projects, demonstrated community involvement, and involvement in local advocacy and mentoring.   

Advocate of the Year 

Awarded to an individual who demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing early childhood policy at the local, state, or national level through advocacy efforts. Nominees may have a heart for providing legislative testimony, local coalition involvement, and writing/communicating on behalf of children through letters/articles/position papers to council members, state legislators, news sources, etc.   

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Awarded to a classroom teacher who demonstrates a deep passion for teaching young children and supporting their families through developmentally appropriate practice. Nominees may show teaching experience, creative family involvement, relevant classroom projects, as well as mentor other teachers. They show commitment to the early childhood profession and professional development, and demonstrate mindfulness of inclusion and equity.    

Elected/Appointed Official of the Year 

Awarded to elected officials to local, state, or national levels of government that have represented themselves as leaders in the development of significant and recent legislation which benefits young children or their families.  

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Awarded to an outstanding trainer whose trainings positively benefit young children and early childhood professionals. Nominees may present interactive trainings on relevant topics with high reachability, continually evolving trainings based on evidence of developmentally appropriate practice and the Unifying Framework. 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Awarded to a higher education faculty member who demonstrates a strong commitment to the preparation of early childhood educators and has made a significant impact on their students through their teaching. Nominees may stress the importance of community building and family involvement to their students in addition to the regular curriculum. They have strong connection to their students and are champions for young children and the adults they teach. They encourage all career pathways in the early childhood field that best fits students’ needs. 

Awarded to a former or current TXAEYC Board Member for exemplary service and commitment to TXAEYC’s mission, vision and goals. 

Past Award Winners

2023 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year

Katrina M. Carter-Harris

Advocate of the Year

BriTanya Brown

Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year

Stacie Rosas

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year

Jennifer Foster

Teacher Educator of the Year

Lisa Self

2022 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Isabel Huerta 

Advocate of the Year 

Dianne Nielsen 

Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year 

LaShalle Harris 

Elected Official of the Year 

Rep. James Talarico 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Amy Musick 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Jessica Slade 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award 

Michael Gonzalez 

2021 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year  

Jacqueline Ortiz 

Advocate of the Year 

Melanie Rubin 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Laura Dittmar  

Elected Official of the Year 

Rep. Angie Chen Button 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Linda Morgan-Dorsey  

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Gail Cox 

TXAEYC  Excellence in Leadership Award 

Sue Hancock 

Gordan & Karen Bacon Award 

Ontara Nickerson 

2020 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Cori Berg
Advocate of the Year 

Reagan Miller 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Emily Lopez
Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Bryan Daniel 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Prerna Richards 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Dr. Preeti Jain 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award  

Dr. Travis Davis 

2019 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Kassi Kincaid 

Advocate of the Year 

Scott Wille 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Sandy Chilton 

Elected Official of the Year 

Representative John Raney 

Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year 

Ronilda Henson 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

Olivia Panganiban Modesto

2018 Award Winners

Administrator of the Year 

Marisela Nava 

Advocate of the Year 

Patrick Sanders 

Jacquie Porter Classroom Teacher of the Year 

Rebeca Olivarez 

Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Julian Alvarez III 

Teacher Educator of the Year 

P.D. Jolley 

Appointed Official of the Year 

Commissioner Julian Alvarez III 

TXAEYC Excellence in Leadership Award  

Racquel Washington