Canon-McMillan’s Jennifer Ford receives PBS Early Learning Champion award

Courtesy of Canon-McMillan School District

In a resounding affirmation of commitment to early childhood education, Canon-McMillan’s own Jennifer Ford has been honored as one of only 14 educators in the nation as a 2023 PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion. This distinguished recognition is reserved for those exceptional educators who demonstrate a profound dedication to enriching the lives of the youngest learners.

Ford is a kindergarten through fourth-grade counselor within the district. She stands out in her field for her innovative teaching techniques and nurturing approach to education, catering to students from infancy through second grade. Her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire a love of learning have not only made a lasting impact on her students but have also reverberated throughout the educational community at Canon-McMillan.

The PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program, now in its fifth year, highlights the nation’s most dedicated educators, from pre-K classrooms to special education departments. Ford’s selection reflects her innovative spirit and her remarkable ability to adapt complex concepts into age-appropriate lessons that engage and excite.

As an Early Learning Champion, Ford will be part of collaborative projects that span the country, aiming to develop and refine educational resources that benefit her peers and the families they serve. With the backing of the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn Initiative, Ford will be at the forefront of shaping professional development for educators and crafting learning materials for the home.

Beyond the recognition, Ford will have opportunities to bolster her professional skills and to interconnect with a national network of educators, broadening her influence and impact on early childhood education. Her selection is based on her dedication to her craft and her visionary approach to teaching – a true innovator helping redefine early education.

Jennifer Ford’s recognition by PBS KIDS is a point of pride for Canon-McMillan, spotlighting a local educator making significant contributions to the national educational tapestry. Her work exemplifies the highest standards of teaching and embodies the spirit of growth and learning that PBS KIDS champions.

As Jennifer Ford embarks on this prestigious journey, her story is a beacon of inspiration and a clear message that education is about lighting a fire of curiosity that burns well beyond the early years at Canon-McMillan.