Announcing the 2026 Tennessee Early Educator Awards!
We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Early Educators of the Year Awards!
The awards recognize 10 outstanding early educators across the state, with 5 awards in Birth through Preschool; and 5 awards in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade.
All 10 awardees will receive a $1,000 cash prize, a shopping spree at Lakeshore Learning, and an all expenses paid trip to Nashville.
Awardees selection criteria:
- Are currently employed full-time in Tennessee, caring for and teaching children:
- Within the birth through preschool age range in a DHS licensed or TDOE certified center, family child care home, or school-based program
- OR within grades K-3 at a state-accredited public or charter school
- Have been an early childhood educator for three or more years
Nominations will be accepted Friday, May 8th-Friday, June 5th. All nominees who meet the selection criteria will receive an application Monday June 15th.
Know an incredible Tennessee early educator?
Parents, coworkers, directors—even educators themselves—anyone can submit a nomination.
Submitting a nomination is more than recognition—it’s a meaningful way to honor an early educator and show appreciation for the lasting impact they make on children, families, and the future of Tennessee. Join us in elevating the importance of early care and education and the educators that invest in the future leaders of Tennessee.
Class of 2025
We are so proud of our Tennessee Early Educator Awards class of 2025!
Our 10 awardees stood out among 1800+ nomininations and 400+ applications from across the Volunteer State.
We salute their passion and dedication to the field and were delighted to honor them.
Class of 2024
We are so proud of our inaugural Tennessee Early Educator Award Winners, class of 2024!
Our 20 awardees stood out among 1700+ nomininations and 300+ applications from across the Tennessee
