FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Veteran Educator Honored with 2025 ELCOC Teacher of the Year Award
Orlando, FL (June 11, 2025) — The Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC) proudly announces Contradina Allen, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, as the recipient of the 2025 ELCOC Teacher of the Year Award. Allen, a dedicated teacher at West Lakes Early Learning Center, was recognized during the Third Annual Teacher of the Year Celebration Breakfast, held Tuesday, June 10th at ELCOC headquarters in Orlando.
The prestigious award was presented by ELCOC CEO Dr. Scott Fritz, alongside Board Chair Linda Shaughnessy, Board Secretary Dr. Ilene Wilkins, Board Member Kevin Quimby, and ELCOC’s beloved mascot, Stella the Star, Chief Brightness Officer.
Allen was selected from a pool of 21 exceptional educators who were honored throughout the year as ELCOC Teachers of the Month. All nominees were invited to submit a short essay on “Why I Love Being an Early Education Teacher.” A selection committee led by Dr. Fritz chose Allen’s heartfelt essay as the standout entry.
Describing this year’s winner at the award ceremony, Dr. Fritz said:
“A passionate and dedicated childhood educator who brings warmth, creativity, and consistency to the classroom each day. With more than 30 years of experience, this educator continues to find joy in nurturing young learners and forming strong connections with families. This teacher truly believes that every child deserves love, respect, and a chance to thrive, and every moment is an opportunity to shape a brighter future—one child at a time.”
As part of the award, Allen received a $1,000 cash prize, generously donated by Sarah Sprinkle, a long-time supporter of ELCOC, as well as a bowling outing package from Aloma Bowling Centers. Each nominee received a crystal trophy engraved with their name in recognition of their outstanding contributions to early childhood education.
Each year, ELCOC’s Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year awards shine a spotlight on early childhood educators who go above and beyond to support and inspire the youngest learners. With more than 3,500 early learning teachers impacting the lives of over 30,000 children annually, ELCOC is proud to celebrate those who make a lasting difference in their communities.
2025 ELCOC Teacher of the Year
Contradina Allen – West Lakes Early Learning Center
2025 Teacher of the Year Nominees:
- Caroline Paviani – Piaget Academy
- Betzy Denis – Wonderland Child Care Center
- Leslie Bermudez – Young Innovators Academy, Winter Park
- Ana Esteller – St. Andrew Catholic School
- Pamela Jones – Treasure Kids Academy
- Charnese Lytch – Tiny Miracles Academy
- Andreya Smitt – Gifted Minds Early Learning Center
- Brezae Oxe – La Petite Academy
- Shahama Naser – Horizon Child Care & Learning Center
- Andrea Ycaza – Amazing Explorers Lake Nona
- Tammie Hartman – Primrose School of Lake Nona
- De’Toria Baddal – The Learning Experience, O-Town West
- Claudia Mendez – Good Shepherd Catholic School
- Jessica Pardo – Small Cherubs
- Loretta Tarver – Roll With It Daycare
- Chris Gonzalez – Orlando Day Nursery
- Lizza Cruz – Oak Ridge Children’s Academy
- Carol Dieudonne – Kids Christian Academy
- Wydalis Ramirez – Kids and Company Daycare
- Christina Bernadin – Ivy League Achievers Academy
Contradina Allen’s winning essay is included below.
“Why I Love Being an Early Education Teacher”
As an Early Educator, I love waking up each day and thanking God for the opportunity to be a teacher. I pray for the staff, the families we serve, and the children in my care.
My journey into Early Childhood Education began because of my daughters. My first experience with childcare was in a setting that wasn’t as safe and I felt my child wasn’t receiving the care she deserved. When my second child was born, I made a commitment to Early Education. I wanted to offer each child the kind of quality care I would expect for my own. Teaching became my mission—to reach every child’s mind by providing a safe space, showing up with consistency, and giving them my best. As the years passed and my own children grew, teaching grew into a deeper passion—one I see now as a calling from God.
As a teacher, my job is to play with the children, strike up conversations with them, validate their feelings, and respect their space and environment for learning. Throughout my day, I wear many hats—I might be a listener, a problem solver, a mediator, and yes, even a plumber!
I plan weekly lessons using our Primrose curriculum to help children grow physically, mentally, and socially. I now teach each child with love and respect and help them learn about God through our Creation Health curriculum.
My passion for teaching doesn’t stop when I leave work—it continues into my church, where I teach Sunday School. Whether in the classroom or at church, I find great joy in helping children grow in faith, character, and confidence.
Our program supports not only children who are curious about the world but also those with disabilities or special needs—and I love and respect their interests as well.
Because the first 2,000 days matter in a child’s life, parents’ input is very important to me. Their insights help me better meet their child’s needs and plant seeds of love as I nurture their preschool journey.
Every day is a joy. I give my signature fist bumps and am greeted with “Hey, Ms. Contradina!” or a bright smile. I love to listen, observe, write down their conversations and interests, and explore the community to find materials the children can use to create, play, and ignite their imaginations.
I want every child in my class to develop a love for learning, to feel safe, and to be deeply loved. I will continue to stay positive and committed to professionalism by adapting to each child’s learning style, being a team player, and sharing the gifts God has entrusted to me.
In closing, I want every child to experience things they may never have had the chance to before. As a classroom teacher, observer, and wearer of many hats, it is my job to make learning fun and meaningful—always through the lens of a child.
I am grateful and would like to thank the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County for this incredible honor and opportunity to continue to support young children.
With love and purpose, Mrs. Contradina Allen!
For more information about the Teacher of the Month recognition program, visit https://elcoforangecounty.org/recognizing-our-teachers/
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kelly Schulz
Chief of Communications and Community Engagement
Early Learning Coalition of Orange County (ELCOC)
7700 Southland Blvd. Suite #100, Orlando, FL 32809
P: (407) 841-6607
E: kschulz@elcoc.org