Manchester Teacher Surprised With $10,000 Early Childhood Educator Award

It was a surprising day at work last week for Elena Sherwood. 

That's because Sherwood, a preschool teacher at Manchester's KinderCare Learning Center, was surprised with a Early Childhood Educator Award from Knowledge Universe award and a check for $10,000 in front of children, parents, and colleagues Thursday, Sept. 27. 

The award, and the check, came as a total surprise to Sherwood, who learned about her award as she read a new book to the children. As the story progressed, Sherwood relayed that the book was actually about her and the surprise award she was about to receive. 

"It was a big surprise," said Sherwood, who added that she was feeling a tremendous sense of gratitude for receiving the award. "The second thing I think I felt was just a tremendous humbleness that I would be chosen for such an award." 

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Sherwood said engaging young students is her strength in the classroom. 

"I really like to make my classroom fun and I like the children to really enjoy learning," Sherwood said. "I like to use props and be silly and have a good time." 

Sherwood has been a teacher at the Manchester KinderCare for a little more than four years, and is the 22nd teacher to receive the Knowledge Universe Early Childhood Educator Award since the program began in 2008.