Meet Jennifer Sullivan, an Early Learning Champion

In 2018, PBS KIDS launched Early Learning Champions to honor and reward dedicated teachers who work with the youngest kids in the country, ranging from babies to second graders.

We’re excited to announce Jennifer Sullivan of Flagstaff, Arizona, was named one of the 14 early education professionals 2023 honorees of the PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program! Sullivan is Assistant Director and Lead Teacher at Childtime Preschool and has served the company for 25 years.

“I believe that children learn from their experiences. Everything I plan for my children are hands-on experiences so that they can create their own learning,” Sullivan said.

She is not only a pre-school teacher, but Sullivan serves all of Arizona’s students through her involvement with an early childhood advocacy group focused on retention and engagement. Sullivan listens intently, especially when considering how to support rural and tribal children, and she recognizes the value of lifelong learning in order to develop fresh, creative teaching methods.

“My future plans are to be a teacher educator, hopefully at the university, and help educate the next generation of early childhood teachers,” Sullivan said.

Fourteen early education professionals were selected by PBS KIDS as the 2023 PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions recipients. PBS KIDS and nearby PBS stations provide educators with professional development and networking opportunities through the program.

Since its founding, the PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program has honored 52 dedicated early childhood educators, including this year’s honorees. These educators include librarians, family literacy specialists, school counselors, childcare center owners and directors, Pre-K and special education teachers, and community and parent educators.

Congratulations to Jennifer Sullivan and the other recipients!

In what other ways can we recognize teachers who work with young children in our communities? Share your ideas at Arizona PBS KIDS on Facebook.