Educare of Omaha, Inc. (educareomaha.org) recently named Lead Teacher Heather McLain as the 2024 Pamela Buffett Teacher of the Year.
The Pamela Buffett Teacher of the Year award recognizes a lead teacher, associate teacher or teacher aide employed by Educare of Omaha, Inc. Teaching is difficult, although rewarding work and this award recognizes a teacher that goes above and beyond to provide outstanding high-quality early education in one of five Educare of Omaha, Inc. schools. Teachers are nominated by their peers.
McLain has worked at Educare of Omaha, Inc. for eleven years and teaches at Early Learning Center at Skinner.
“Heather is such a great team player. She looks out for her teachers and suitemates,” Early Learning Center at Skinner School Director Gwendolyn Gideon said. “What I value most in Heather is her nurturing way with the children. They know they are loved by Heather, and she teaches them while showing that love. She advocates on behalf of the children and their families. Together, Heather, the teachers in her classroom, and the parents form an awesome team to support the children.”
McLain was chosen from five finalists, one representing each Educare of Omaha, Inc. school. The other four teachers recognized as finalists for the award were associate teacher Domineeke Bass- Louis from Educare Omaha at Kellom, lead teacher Erin Pietryga from Educare Omaha at Indian Hill, Lead Teacher Liz Fajman from Early Learning Center at Gateway, and Lead Teacher Maria Farmer from Early Learning Center at Kennedy.
Educare of Omaha, Inc. serves over 650 infants, toddlers and preschoolers – and their families – each year by providing high-quality, year-round early education at five early learning schools located in North and South Omaha, and also operating a home visiting program. Learn more at educareomaha.org.