(Terri Gerrish, left, and Kendra Marley, right)
Two Sanford School District educators, Terri Gerrish of Pride Elementary and Kendra Marley of Carl J. Lamb Elementary, were recently recognized as "Outstanding Early Childhood Professionals" during the Week of the Young Child, a celebration highlighting the importance of early childhood education and the professionals who nurture children during this critical developmental stage.
The recognition comes as part of a joint initiative between the Maine Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child and Family Services – Early Care and Education Division to honor dedicated professionals who make a meaningful impact on young children and families.
"It certainly does mean a lot to me," Gerrish shared. "It reaffirms my choice to be in this profession and to continue to do my life's work. It means someone noticed what I do, and it really does matter."
At Carl J. Lamb Elementary, Kendra Marley was similarly honored for her dedication to early childhood education. "I love working in Pre-K because each day is a new adventure, filled with opportunities for Maine's youngest learners to explore, discover, and grow together," Marley said.
Gerrish's journey through early childhood education has included roles as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, before/after school teacher, home visitor, classroom supervisor, and Pre-K educational technician. Her first 30 years were spent at Head Start, where she was once a student herself during the program's early days.
"I wanted to be someone else's light, and I still do," Gerrish explained, noting that her own educational path was influenced by several remarkable teachers, including a great grandmother who taught in a one-room schoolhouse.
Several colleagues celebrated her impact. "Terri is incredibly creative, always having a hands-on activity for every lesson we teach from her 'classroom shed,'" shared Melissa Fagle. "I can't imagine coming to work without her by my side."
Shana Palmer, who nominated Gerrish for the award, added, "Terri brings expertise, fun, and heart to the Pre-K classroom and to our community. Her ability to make strong connections with children and families is remarkable."
Principal Sherri Baron praised Marley's contributions: "Kendra Marley joined Sanford Public Schools with nine years of teaching experience from a local Head Start Program when we inaugurated our first public pre-kindergarten classrooms. She brought extensive child development expertise and confidently embraced both the Pre-K for ME curriculum and TS Gold Assessment System."
Baron also highlighted Marley's growth as an educator: "Our district staff and Maine Department of Education Early Childhood Education team quickly recognized Ms. Marley's natural aptitude for preschool education. We have had the privilege of witnessing her development into a skilled and influential leader both within our district and throughout the state of Maine."