Champion of Early Childhood Education Awards Honor Outstanding Educators in Rock Island County
November 1, 2024
The Early Childhood Coalition of the Illinois Quad City Area, in partnership with the Action and Family Councils of Birth to Five Illinois: Region 49 (Rock Island County), is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Champion of Early Childhood Education Awards. These awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of Early Childhood professionals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment, innovation, and passion in shaping the future of young learners. This year’s ceremony honored six remarkable individuals across various categories, acknowledging their unique impact on Early Childhood Education and Care.
Rising Star Award: Tayler Morris
Tayler Morris (he/him), a dedicated Early Childhood educator with less than five years of experience, has quickly become a standout. He was nominated by a parent who highlighted his commitment to understanding family dynamics and helping children thrive, especially in speech development. Tayler’s personal philosophy centers around making children feel emotionally fulfilled and safe in their learning environments. He is completing his associate degree and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree. Outside of teaching, Tayler enjoys spending time with his wife and playing guitar and video games.
Lifetime Dedication Award: Renee Detloff
With over 45 years of service to the Early Childhood Education community, Renee Detloff (she/her) has been instrumental in shaping the local landscape. Beginning as a classroom assistant at Villa Montessori, Renee’s leadership extends beyond her school, being actively involved in founding the Quad Cities Early Childhood Coalition and bringing the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential to the area. She is recognized for her tireless efforts to support future generations of educators and families. In her downtime, Renee enjoys quilting, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Champion of Inclusivity Award: Elvira Toledo-Martinez
Elvira Toledo-Martinez (she/her), entering her ninth year as an educator, is a driving force for inclusivity in the classroom. She helps foster a love for learning in her students, especially in second languages like Spanish. Elvira not only teaches, but also actively engages with the community through initiatives such as her school’s Running Club. A parent shared how Elvira’s support has helped their child blossom, noting her dedication to making education engaging and accessible for all.
Influential Innovator Award: Angela Speegle
Angela Speegle (she/her) has been with Villa Montessori for 16 years, constantly striving to bring new ideas and approaches into the classroom. Known for her reflective practice and creativity, Angela ensures her students are always engaging with thoughtful, carefully designed learning environments. Her leadership extends beyond her classroom, making her a resource for her colleagues as well. Angela’s innovation and adaptability earn her the recognition of being an exceptional educator who inspires both students and peers.
Community Catalyst/Family Advocate Award: Rose Hernandez
Rose Hernandez (she/her) is an educator and advocate of 25 years, with a career that began when she was a high school parent herself. She works tirelessly to create a pipeline of Early Childhood Educators through student placements and community outreach. Rose’s dedication to supporting both families and future educators has made a lasting impact on her community. Outside of her work, Rose enjoys staying active by completing 5Ks and RV camping with her family.
Unsung Hero Award: Griselda Garcia
Griselda Garcia’s (she/her) quiet yet impactful contributions make her a beloved figure in the Early Childhood Education community. Known for her ability to connect with even the youngest students, Griselda integrates active learning and bilingual lessons to create an inclusive environment. She is appreciated not only for her teaching, but also for the small, thoughtful ways she supports her colleagues and families, often meeting with parents after hours. Griselda’s dedication to her students and their families makes her truly deserving of the Unsung Hero Award.
This year’s Champion of Early Childhood Education Awards ceremony was an inspiring event. Recipients were recognized for their tireless efforts to support every young child and family in the Illinois Quad City area. Congratulations to all recipients for their extraordinary contributions to the field of Early Childhood Education and Care and for upholding the mission and vision of the Early Childhood Coalition.
Learn more about the Early Childhood Coalition by visiting their website at www.eccqca.org.