Ignite!
Purpose & Intention
Celebrating early childhood education across our community!
Thank you to PNC for generously supporting the 2024 Ignite! Awards and Nashville Early Childhood Education Conference. Their commitment to early childhood education inspires great futures for children.
2024 Ignite! Awards
Thanks to the 121 guests who joined CORE Network Nashville to celebrate excellence in early childhood education. Our emcee, WSMV 4’s Lauren Lowrey, recognized outstanding achievements and contributions from educators. Esteemed guests included Abbey Moncada from PNC, Senator Heidi Campbell, and Metro Nashville Council Members Burkley Allen, Erin Evans, Olivia Hill, and Joy Styles.
Honoring Our Early Childhood Champions
Congrats to our regional finalists and our inaugural 2024 Early Childhood Educator of the Year, Teresa Emebunor of Hart to Heart Daycare Learning Center!
OUR HONOREES
Lifetime Achievement Award
Crystal Bryant, North Region
Jennifer Smoot, East Region
Shameka Fentress, South Region
Shannon Skivers, West Region
Beacon Beginner Award
Legislator of the Year
Tyler Perry, East Region
Metropolitan Council Women’s Caucus
Honorable Mentions
Amber Woodruff
KatySue Pillsbury
Theresa Reasonover
William Robinson III
Early Childhood Educator of the Year Award
Teresa Emebunor, East Region,
Hart to Heart Daycare
Learning Center
Robin Dyer, South Region,
Glen Levin Presbyterian Church
Day School
Cynthia Washington, West Region,
18th Ave Family Enrichment
Center
Lauren Hanner, North Region,
Susan Gray School at Vandy
2024 NASHVILLE EARLY EDUCATION CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
Our conference, also presented by CORE Network Nashville, provides resources that enhance educators’ understanding of child development and early education issues. It featured 52 presenters and various high-quality professional development sessions. Thanks to our presenters, organizing committee and exhibitors, the conference facilitated valuable learning and networking opportunities for participants. Explore the July 24-25 virtual conference sessions.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
800
Attendees
43
Free TDHS-approved
conference sessions
12
Virtual conference
sessions
2,260
Hours of high-quality
professional development
EXPLORE THE PHOTOS
Thanks to Our Partners
Click the logo to learn more about each partner.
UPCOMING OPPORTUNTIES TO SUPPORT EARLY EDUCATION
We welcome volunteers for Read, Baby Read!