Teacher of the Year

Stephanie Cushing
- 2027 Colonial Early Education Program Teacher of the Year
Preschool Teacher (3s) | Colonial Early Education Program

Stephanie Cushing is a passionate preschool teacher at the Colonial Early Education Program with 14 years of experience in early childhood education, including nearly a decade in Colonial School District. She holds an associate degree from Delaware Technical & Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Birth through Second Grade Education from Wilmington University. She recently earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University, further strengthening her commitment to high-quality early learning.

Before joining Colonial in 2016, Stephanie worked with New Castle County Head Start, Inc., where she served as both a teacher and center coordinator. She began her journey in Colonial as a paraeducator and quickly transitioned into her current role as a special education preschool teacher, where she has made a lasting impact on her students and their families.

Stephanie believes that every child can learn and thrive when they feel safe, valued, and loved. Her classroom is rooted in joy, exploration, and play-based learning, where students develop foundational academic and social-emotional skills through meaningful, hands-on experiences. She is dedicated to helping young learners build confidence, develop self-regulation skills, and form positive relationships with others.

Through engaging activities like caring for plants and classroom composting projects, Stephanie fosters curiosity and a deep connection to the world around her students. She strives to create learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom—encouraging children to share their discoveries, apply new skills at home, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Stephanie embodies the “Power of WE” by creating an inclusive and supportive classroom community where every child receives the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. She brings authenticity to her work by incorporating her love of nature and hands-on discovery into daily instruction, inspiring students to explore, connect, and grow.

Outside the classroom, Stephanie enjoys spending time at the beach, swimming, and being in nature—places where she feels most calm and refreshed.

Her goal as an educator is to create a joyful, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn.