2026 Educator Spotlights


Join us in celebrating these amazing educators!
“Every day brings small moments that turn into big milestones—and being part of that journey is incredibly rewarding.”
Rhondalin Cannon-Tingle is a family childcare owner and educator in Seaford, Delaware. She has earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and cares for children from toddler through school age in her program.
Rhondalin finds deep joy in watching children grow—not only in their early literacy skills, but in their confidence, kindness, and independence. One recent moment that stood out was when a child who had been working on sharing independently offered a toy to a peer, demonstrating empathy and growth. For Rhondalin, these small but meaningful moments reflect the impact of consistent, intentional teaching.
Her classroom is rooted in connection and purpose. Through routines like morning meetings and hands-on learning centers, she fosters a sense of belonging while supporting language development, problem-solving, and collaboration. Rhondalin also embraces child-led learning, using children’s interests to guide meaningful, engaging experiences.
Creating inclusive, welcoming spaces is central to her work. She prioritizes building strong relationships with children and families so that everyone feels seen, respected, and valued. Her practice is guided by a commitment to social-emotional learning, early literacy, trauma-informed care, family engagement, and equity.
Rhondalin encourages new educators to stay patient, build strong relationships, and remain open to learning. She also emphasizes the importance of self-care, reminding educators that caring for themselves is essential to sustaining the meaningful work they do with children.

Rhondalin
Cannon-Tingle

Damaris Wright

“I am committed to being a life-long learner, and my biggest hope is to inspire my preschoolers to do the same.”
Damaris Wright is a preschool educator at Future Academy Childcare and Learning Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has earned her Preschool CDA, is a Certified Playmaker graduate and mentor, and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Damaris is deeply committed to growth, leadership, and equity in the early childhood field.
Damaris loves having a front-row seat to children’s curiosity and developing personalities. She finds joy in their “ah-ha” moments and in helping lay the foundation for their future success. One recent experience that reaffirmed her purpose involved a neurodivergent student who took months to adjust to the classroom. Through consistency, relationship-building, and trust, the child began engaging more confidently—eventually tracing their own name independently for the first time. For Damaris, that moment represented exactly what she strives for: children feeling safe enough to take risks and celebrate their wins.
Passionate about justice and equity, Damaris actively seeks ways to address gaps in resources caused by systemic racism and disenfranchisement. She finds inspiration through TLC’s live professional development trainings and the Playmaker Project, a framework rooted in joy and play that has deeply influenced her teaching philosophy.
Her advice to new educators: keep an open mind, prioritize connection, and don’t be afraid to get creative—children will surprise you every day.