Elsie Samuels Early Educator Award - Collaborative for Children
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Elsie Samuels Early Educator Award

Honoring the early learning educators who empower our children

The Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award honors a teacher in Greater Houston who works with children 0-5 years of age and demonstrates an exemplary commitment to educating a diverse population of young learners.

To qualify, an early childhood educator must:

  • Work at a child care center;
  • Be the teacher of record in a classroom that serves children five years of age or younger;
  • Hold a CDA, Montessori Certification, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree; and
  • Have at least three years of classroom experience

Do you know a teacher like this?  Tell us!

ElSamAward

About Elsie Samuels

Elsie Samuels was a preschool teacher at Houston’s Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center, Congregation Emanu El, and Congregation Beth Israel. She also taught kindergarten in the Houston Independent School District, where she was assigned to a classroom with Spanish-speaking students. Although she did not speak the language, Samuels believed in the value of each individual and aimed to make every child feel special and important.

The Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award is underwritten by The Samuels Foundation, supported by her daughter-in-law and son, Bobbi, and the late Vic Samuels of Houston, a family deeply committed to early childhood education. The winning teacher will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

2025 Winner – Kimberly Flores

Ms. Kimberly Flores from Agape Christian Preschool has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award due to her exemplary qualities as an outstanding early childhood teacher. At Agape Christian Preschool, she promotes creativity and critical thinking among her students, resulting in significant developmental and academic progress. Ms. Flores also achieved 100% proficiency across the four Teacher Competency Domains.

With years of classroom experience, advanced training, and a strong commitment to educating young learners, she goes above and beyond by supporting parents, building meaningful connections, and uplifting her entire school community. Her dedication, innovation, and passion for early learning truly embody the spirit of this award.

Picture from left to right: Dr. Melanie Johnson, Kimberly Flores, and Dr. Bobbi Samuels

2023 Winner – Necole Griffin

Congratulations to Necole Griffin, owner and director of Lael Childcare Academy, who received a scholarship today from Collaborative for Children as the recipient of the annual Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award. The award honors an area teacher who works with children 0-5 years of age, exhibiting an exemplary commitment to educating a diverse population of young learners. The scholarship was presented by Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children, and Dr. Bobbi Samuels, whose mother-in-law is the award’s namesake. The Samuels Family Foundation funds the scholarship.

Picture from left to right: Dr. Melanie Johnson, Necole Griffin, and Dr. Bobbi Samuels

Elsie Samuels Award 2022

2022 Winner – JoAnn Lazard

Congratulations to JoAnn Lazard, a Director/Teacher at Sweet Peas Daycare Academy, who received a scholarship today from Collaborative for Children as the recipient of the annual Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Excellence Award. The award honors an area teacher who works with children 0-5 years of age, exhibiting an exemplary commitment to educating a diverse population of young learners. It was presented by Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children, and Dr. Bobbi Samuels, whose mother-in-law is the namesake of the award. The scholarship is funded by the Samuels Family Foundation.

Picture from left to right: JoAnn Lazard, Dr. Bobbi Samuels, and Dr. Melanie Johnson

View 2021 winner here

Thank you to The Elsie Samuels Early Childhood Educator Award Committee

For questions, please email esamuels@collabforchildren.org