Suzanne Goostree, a Pre-K teacher at Mount Charleston Elementary School, has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 Nevada Early Educator of the Year Award. The honor, presented by the Nevada Department of Education, recognizes educators who work with children from birth to age 5, celebrating their contributions to early childhood education.
Mrs. Goosetree was nominated by her Principal, Ms. Liliana Robledo. “Mrs. Goostree is a remarkable educator who possesses a profound understanding of curriculum and child development,” Ms. Robledo said in her nomination submission. “Her unwavering dedication to the betterment of the school community is truly inspiring. I consider it a privilege to work alongside her and am confident that her expertise will continue to promote excellence in early education.”
“It was my honor to nominate Mrs. Goostree for Early Childhood of the Year,” Ms. Robledo said after the ceremony. “Everything that she does is with such purpose and intentionality for the benefit of the student and it is magic to see it in person!”
Mrs. Goostree was officially recognized on Tuesday, October 1, in a brief ceremony held in her classroom, attended by her students, colleagues, and school and district administration. Michael Mitchell, from the Office of Early Learning and Development for the Nevada Department of Education, presented her with a framed certificate honoring her as a finalist.
The award program, now in its fourth year, aims to highlight the critical role early childhood educators play in shaping the future of their students. Mrs. Goostree was one of five finalists selected from over 100 nominees, showcasing her dedication to her students and her commitment to providing a strong foundation for learning.
“I’ve been a teacher for 31 years, 10 of which I’ve spent here in Nye County, after teaching for 21 years in Wyoming,” Mrs. Goostree said. “It’s an honor to be recognized because I love working with children. It’s a passion of mine, and being seen as making a difference, especially at this grade level, means a lot. We’re often seen as just babysitters, but it’s so much more than that.”
Mrs. Goostree teaches 3- to 5-year-old students in general education at Mount Charleston Elementary. Her approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of social skills and learning through play, which she considers essential at this age.
“My favorite part about teaching pre-K is having the time to teach them through play and work on their social skills,” Mrs. Goostree explained. “The academics will come later. They come through play, but if they can’t handle their day, they can’t handle anything else. That’s the most important thing I focus on.”
Mrs. Goostree, along with the other finalists, was nominated earlier this year, with the selection process including applications and interviews conducted in July. The winners, announced by the Nevada Department of Education, each received a $500 award and other recognitions, but for Mrs. Goostree, being a finalist is a major achievement in itself. She plans to continue teaching as long as it remains enjoyable, saying, “I plan on continuing to teach until it’s not fun anymore. And right now, it’s still fun because of all I get to do with the students. I enjoy every day that I’m here.”
The Nevada Early Educator of the Year Award is a collaboration between the Nevada Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and Development, The Children’s Cabinet, and the Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children, along with Lakeshore Learning. It recognizes outstanding educators like Mrs. Goostree for their vital work in building a strong educational foundation for Nevada’s youngest students.
