‍Children’s Museum Houston recognizes extraordinary early childhood educators in our communities

Houston Independent School District (HISD) pre-K educator, Amber Franco from Jefferson Elementary, is this year’s recipient of Children’s Museum Houston’s “Marian and Speros Martel Early Childhood Educator Award.”  The award is presented annually to an outstanding professional who possesses an exemplary commitment to educating young children.  

For the past 24 years, Children’s Museum of Houston and the Martel Foundation scour the Houston area for teachers and educators who exude these life-changing qualities.  The winner is selected by a committee of education professionals who review numerous nominee applications and observe finalists in their classrooms.

This year’s runners-up are Lisa Bruton from Sutton Elementary in HISD and Donielle Clemons from Cimarron Elementary in Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD).  Candidates must have worked with children eight and under for at least five years and have an associate or bachelor's degree in education, Montessori certification or Child Development Associate Certification to be considered for the award. The award includes a $1,000 honorarium.