Marietta Teacher Gets a $10,000 Surprise

Inyite “Shell” Adie-Ikor, a Discovery preschool teacher at KinderCare Learning Center, was honored with an Early Childhood Educator Award from Knowledge Universe.

Nominated and selected for this award without her knowledge, Adie-Ikor was surprised on Sept. 24 at the Bentley KinderCare Learning Center in Marietta with the award and a $10,000 check in front of children, parents and colleagues who value her teaching abilities.

During story time, Fayetteville Center Director Ruby Williams asked Adie-Ikor to join her as she read a new book to the children. As the story unfolded, it soon became apparent to Adie-Ikor that the book was about her and the surprise award she was receiving.

As the final page was turned and the winning name revealed, cheers and applause erupted from the children, parents, center staff and her family members who were gathered in the classroom. 

Adie-Ikor was praised for her positive teaching style that promotes an interactive and participatory learning setting for the children. Shell also received accolades for her communication with families, making sure they feel welcome and are always informed about center happenings and their children’s development.

Adie-Ikor had been an educator at the nationally accredited Fayetteville KinderCare Learning Center for nearly two years, and is the 19th teacher to receive the Knowledge Universe Early Childhood Educator Award since the program began in 2008.

In July, she transferred from the Fayetteville KinderCare Learning Center to the Bentley KinderCare Learning Center in Marietta, and her stellar performance has led to another opportunity where she has recently joined the Towne Lake KinderCare Learning Center in Woodstock.

Knowledge Universe honors the “best of the best” of its teachers through this annual award, which raises awareness for the early childhood education field nationwide and the important contribution of these educators in the development of young children. 

Keep up with news by subscribing to our free email newsletter, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.