Connie Coulianos is among America's 11 most inspiring preschool teachers chosen by "Nick Jr. Family Magazine"

As Connie Coulianos, a teacher at TC's Hollingworth Preschool since 1985, spent the three weeks in Kenya helping to set up a model early childhood program for vulnerable and orphaned children from the Mungai Children's Home near Nairobi, her friends were celebrating her selection by Nick Jr. Family Magazine as one of America's 11 most inspiring preschool teachers.   Chosen from more than 500 candidates, Coulianos is also a TC graduate who received her MA in 1988 from the Department of Special Education: Education of the Gifted.  She was nominated for the honor by another TC alumna, Alice Wilder, with whom she has worked on scripts for the well-known children's television show "Blue's Clues" where Wilder is a producer.

The announcement was made in the September issue of Nick Jr. Family Magazine.  "Because pre-school is such a crucial part of a child's development process, Nick Jr. Family Magazine wanted to celebrate some of the top achievers in early childhood education," said Editor-in-Chief Freddi Greenberg. "Parents and pre-school educators essentially share the same goal -identifying and nurturing a child's strengths and love of learning. As parents get ready to send kids back to school, preschool teachers can be parent's partners in providing the know-how to help unlock the mystery and magic behind social, intellectual and emotional learning for their children."

Coulianos told the magazine that she sees imaginative play as the way that children rehearse for real life.  In her classroom, cardboard boxes become spaceships, volcanos and medieval villages, and she advises parents to do the same at home.

"Connie is beginning her 22nd year as the Master Teacher and Director of the Hollingworth Preschool," said Hollingworth Director Lisa Wright.  "At a time when half of all teachers are likely to leave the field within their first five years, Connie's dedication is remarkable.  She has developed a wisdom that guides her craft each day."

Published Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006