Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals 2007
Sharon Coburn
Sharon Coburn from Osceola, AR is the Principal of Tyronza Elementary and Coordinator of the ABC Pre-K Program for East Poinsett County School District. Sharon has over 18 years in the Early Childhood field as an educator serving as a kindergarten teacher, first, second and fourth grade teacher. She also taught remedial reading for 3 years. In her role as Principal and ABC Coordinator for Tyronza Elementary, Sharon has exhibited tremendous organizational skills, knowledge, and supervision skills in addition to providing a safe and caring environment for children in care.
In addition to being the ABC Coordinator and Principal for Tyronza Elementary, this past year Sharon has taken on the role of an Arkansas Early Childhood Frameworks Trainer for teachers and paraprofessionals from Blytheville, Luxora, Keiser, Marked Tree, Lepanto as well as Tyronza. Sharon believes her work with teachers and paraprofessionals acts as a bridge to help them improve their programs, thus providing quality care for children. Sharon has also recently received approval to administer two professional development programs that she personally designed. These programs are being funded by a grant through the University of Central Arkansas.
Not only is Sharon a distinguished professional she is also a visionary, always looking ahead to find ways for Early Childhood in Arkansas to grow and impact on education not only in our state but nationwide.
Christina Meister
Christina Meister is from Fayetteville and is a Pre-K Teacher for the Springdale ABC Pre-K Program at Parsons Hills Elementary School. Christina has been actively working with children since she was 15 years old as a volunteer at a center in Oklahoma City. According to Christina, she “found her calling” at that time and has continued working with children throughout her career.
Christina’s philosophy for best teaching practices has been shaped by her experiences and education. She no longer views her role in the classroom as “teacher” but rather as a facilitator who provides a variety of developmentally appropriate opportunities for the children in care. Christina has described herself as a perfectionist who often does not live up to her own expectations but those who know and work with her describe her as a true professional providing guidance and having a positive, loving, impact on the children, parents and staff she comes in contact with.
Christina was named Parson Hills Elementary School Teacher of the Year and maintains a vision of the future of Early Childhood in Arkansas that provides and promotes quality education to all children.
Mindy Shaw
Mindy Shaw is from Batesville and is a faculty member at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and has worked as an instructor for Early Childhood Development since 2001. Prior to becoming a full time instructor she worked at the U of A -Batesville as an adjunct instructor and was a special education teacher for Sulphur Rock High School. She has been teaching for over eleven years, in both public school and at the college level.
Mindy is a passionate educator, being the third generation in her family to follow this vocation and is a dedicated childhood professional. She was brought up with a strong understanding and respect for education and how essential education is for the future. Mindy is also a CDA Instructor for U of A-Batesville and is praised by both her students and other staff members for her expertise not only for teaching but also the excellent job she does as an advisor and mentor for her students. In addition to being a distinguished professional, Mindy is very proud of her award from the Independence County 4-H Program for “Supporting Arkansas 4-H”. In addition to being a distinguished professional, Mindy is very proud of her award from the Independence County 4-H Program for “Supporting Arkansas 4-H”.
Mindy’s vision for the future is to see that everyone who works with children to obtain some type of training in early childhood to increase the education of caregivers in Arkansas.
Lori Payne
Lori Payne is from West Memphis and is the lead education instructor for Mid-South Community College. Lori has been an educator for 13 plus years as an elementary classroom teacher and math coach and an adjunct instructor at Mid-South Community College.
According to her peers, Lori’s enthusiasm for teaching future teachers will cause a ripple effect and effect generations to come. Recently she sponsored the 2nd Annual Future Educators Forum where her theme was: “Become a Teacher: Change a Life”. Changing lives, and giving hope are the accomplishments that Lori is most proud of with her adult students.
Lori firmly believes that the needs of the “whole child” must be addressed in order for children to thrive and reach their full potential. In order to accomplish this Lori has dedicated herself to providing quality instruction to all her students. Her vision for the future of early childhood is one where all the children in Arkansas have access to quality child care, with nurturing caregivers. Lori states, “Young children need time to explore, solve their own problems, with guidance, and be creative. When given these opportunities they will not feel rushed or frustrated and will have a love for learning”. As Lori so aptly states, “ Make a connection with children, and then teach them”.
Dean Pratt
Dean Pratt is from Lavaca . He is the Principal at Lavaca Elementary School Pre-K and he is also the Director of the 4-year program. Mr. Pratt has been an educator for 30+ years, serving as Superintendent of Central Public Schools and Gans Schools in Oklahoma and as principal for Muldrow, Panama and Roland Elementary Schools.
Dean Pratt initiated the Lavaca Elementary Pre-K Program two years ago. He has worked diligently to insure that highly qualified staff were employed to provide the level of instruction he deemed necessary for the students in the program. Under his tutelage the pre-kindergarten program has flourished. In order for any program to succeed it is critical that everyone work together. Mr. Pratt has proven to be an exceptional administrator, earning the support and respect of staff and parents alike.
Dean Pratt’s vision for early childhood in Arkansas is direct and to the point: he would like to see all schools in Arkansas have a Pre-Kindergarten with staff that care, love, hug, listen and interact with students. His greatest fear is that not all administrators would have a program for students, but rather a program for money.
The superintendent of Lavaca Public Schools, Jared Cleveland, describes Dean Pratt as “an individual who simply takes care of business and continues with his responsibilities. He expects no recognition!”.