🏆 Exceptional Educator Award

MIPA is honored to recognize teachers, directors, assistants, and administrators who have made exceptional contributions to our preschool community through their dedication to early childhood education. We welcome nominations from parents, peers, colleagues, directors, and past students.

📅 2025-2026 Timeline

Nominations will be accepted beginning in March 2026, with a closing date in late April. Stay tuned for more details on the nomination process.

🎉 Recognition Event

Exceptional Educators are honored at the Preschool Director's Luncheon hosted by the Mercer Island School District in Spring 2026.

Celebrating Our Outstanding Educators

2025 Winner - Laura Tomaselli of Sunnybeam School

2024
Evelyn Zwolski
St. Monica Catholic School
2023
Rita Wayne
Country Village Day School
2022
Deborah Fiaux
French American School of Puget Sound
2021
Beth Christofferson
Pixie Hill Preschool
2020
Aui Patta
Creative Learning Center Montessori
2019
Elaine Soeun
Stroum Jewish Community Center's Early Childhood School
2018
Michele Saunders
Sunnybeam School
2017
Kathy Morey
Creative Learning Center
2016
Laura Selby
Stroum Jewish Community Center
2015
Jen Headrick
Pixie Hill Preschool
2014
Talina Birashk
St. Monica's Parish School
2013
Alex Cruz
Patti's Play Center
2012
David Weston
Sunnybeam School
2011
Lynn Ahringer
Early World Montessori
2010
Molly van der Burch
Pebble Preschool
2009
Lisa Given
Lisa's Little School
2008
Rita Macomber
Emmanuel Day School
2007
Mary Ann Haney
Sunnybeam School
2006
Ann Connolly
Pixie Hill Preschool
2005
Judy Witmer
Mercer Island Learning Lab