The Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) has recognized Bloom educators Tahrah Rodriguez and Olivia Olmstead with awards for making impacts in their respective roles teaching young children. A professional association with more than 700 members, MnAEYC represents education of children up to age 5 across Minnesota.
Rachelle Holm, executive director at Bloom, said these educators have qualities and skills that make them shine.
Outstanding Educator Award – Tahrah Rodriguez
Rodriguez was named Outstanding Educator of the Year, an award for educators in the Early Childhood field. “You are simply amazing at the work you do with young children and families each day,” MnAEYC posted in social media.
Mary Olsen, center director at Bloom, described Rodriguez’s teaching approach, which includes building relationships with children, colleagues and parents. She serves as a mentor and collaborates with other staff members. Rodriguez shares a well-rounded picture of why certain occurrences take place at Bloom and explains the strategic planning and intention that lies beneath everyday practices.
Through observations of each child, and building relationships, the environment is tailored to meet each child where they are at to join in on the classroom community. Engaging yet challenging activities help the children to practice skills as they work towards mastering milestones.
Engaging young children in crafts projects is one way she boosts their creativity. These projects include everything from completing a hand/finger planter to building a fort to making tasty holiday ornaments.
Her exceptional talents and welcoming attitude are appreciated by her colleagues, students and their families. “We are grateful for her continual growth and dedication that positively impacts young children, parents and the wider Bloom community,” said Olsen.
Emerging Leader Award – Olivia Olmstead
Olmstead has garnered the Emerging Leader Award. She stands out for her authenticity, flexibility, and empathy for children, families and colleagues, according to Olsen. Olmstead strives to ensure that the Bloom community feels valued and appreciated. She genuinely loves her job and the relationships she makes.
Olmstead, a college sophomore majoring in education, began her early-learning career at Bloom as a high school student. Over just a few years, she has grown in her field, applying her learning to the pre-school classroom.
It is difficult building solid relationships with young children, families and colleagues without being authentic, Olmstead told us. While teaching can be stressful, she steps up to aid colleagues in need, valuing teamwork and collaboration. Olmstead connects with young children by modeling appropriate body language and leading powerful conversations which support their emotional well-being and overall health.
By creating a safe environment for the children to process emotions and learn how to handle a variety of situations, she helps promote the children’s social emotional development. Nothing warms her heart more than a child running up to her excited to start the day, she told us.
Summaries – Outstanding Educator and Emerging Leader Awards
To select the Outstanding Educator Award, the association seeks educators in the Early Childhood field who are “simply amazing at their work.” The award winner makes “fantastic connections with young children and families. MnAEYC Outstanding Leaders are truly gifted teachers who teach from the heart, engage all learners and demonstrate professionalism throughout their work.”
Candidates for Emerging Educator should display leadership skills in their everyday work and be an inspiration to others. Candidates must be professionals within the first 5 years of their Early Childhood career who have a commitment to the field.
Rodriguez and Olmstead were recognized at the association’s Annual State Conference in St. Paul earlier in 2024.
The summaries for Outstanding Educator of the Year, Emerging Educator Award and other awards are posted on the association’s website.
Holm thanked each award winner. “Congratulations to these outstanding educators for their well-deserved awards! Their exceptional contributions to Bloom inspire us.”
Irene Connors donates her time grant writing and blogging for social service agencies. She served as an information officer/communications specialist for most of her career at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). In addition, she had a role in the Workforce Development unit in which she assisted job seekers find meaningful careers. Prior to joining DEED, she was employed at Allina Health as a communications coordinator and as an economist at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and completed graduate work in professional communication at the University of St. Thomas (Twin Cities).
