Matthews KinderCare teacher Miriam Cortez has been named a recipient of this year’s KinderCare Learning Companies Teacher of the Year Award.
This honor recognizes only 25 of more than 40,000 teachers nationwide.
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“[Guidera]’s classroom is always bursting with excitement and creativity, and the children have so much fun while they’re learning,” said Tiffany Guidera, Cortez’s Center Director, who nominated her for the award. “What stands out most is the way she connects with every child. She shows them love and respect, helps them learn to work together and makes sure every child feels like they belong.”
Guidera also commended Cortez for fostering a structured classroom environment where children know what to expect each day and for using assessments to pinpoint where students may need additional support. As part of the honor, recipients receive companywide recognition, a cash award, professional development opportunities and a one-year membership in a professional organization focused on early childhood or school-age education.