Cora McNair honored as “Early Learning Champion”

Detroit PBS KIDS announces Brightmoor teacher as its “Early Learning Champion,” a new PBS program recognizing passionate educators of young children

Cora McNair honored by Detroit PBS Kids for her leadership in the Brightmoor early education community

Detroit PBS Kids has named Cora McNair from New St. Paul Tabernacle Head Start in the Detroit’s Brightmoor community as its first PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion. McNair joins 16 other educators recognized by this new national PBS awards program, chosen for their work with young children, from infants to second-graders.

The Early Learning Champions program will offer a variety of community building, leadership and professional learning opportunities, provided by PBS and member stations over the next two years.

McNair was nominated for the award by the Detroit Public Television’s Early Childhood Education team, which has been collaborating with her during their work in the Brightmoor and other Detroit communities.

“Cora is a prime example of an educator who has heart totally in her work,” said Tara Hardy, manager of Detroit Public Television’s Early Education initiatives. “She has become one of our most valuable education partners, and we plan to expand the relationship with her Head Start site in the coming year as part of the our Ready to Learn and Pre-School U programs.

“Cora is truly a hero.”

A dedicated and passionate educator with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood, McNair serves as a mentor to other teachers at New St. Paul and is a trusted resource for parents.

She attended two of the DPTV’s Edcamp events, during which she proved to be a natural leader and engaged participant. At PBS KIDS EdCamp, there is no formal agenda; instead, the teachers choose the topics they want to talk about, receiving help from their peers around such common classroom issues.

As a PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion, Cora will have an opportunity to focus on her professional growth.   She will be recognized and celebrated at an awards ceremony at the National Association for Young Children conference in Washington in November.  She will also join a community of other passionate peers from around the country.