Tallahassee, FL—Today, WFSU Public Media announces Jennifer Ramos from Leon County Schools as one of the 14 early education professionals named to the 2023 honorees of the PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program. The awards, established in 2018, recognize and celebrate passionate educators who work with the nation’s youngest students, from infants to second graders. Through the Early Learning Champions program, PBS KIDS and local PBS stations, including WFSU, surround educators with professional learning and networking opportunities.
WFSU is excited to have Jennifer Ramos recognized nationally as our PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion 2023. Ramos has served in many Early Childhood Educator roles throughout her career including teacher, director, research coordinator, and support staff. She also has experience in the after-school and out-of-school spaces
“Supporting young children and their families has always been my goal. PBS Kids Learning Media and their many resources have provided support to me as a parent and educator. Knowing that I can utilize resources that are fun, developmentally appropriate, and are easily accessible to me and my families is invaluable,” stated Ramos.
WFSU’s Education & Engagement lead, Tasha Weinstein said, “The PBS KIDS Early Learning Champion program provides WFSU Public Media with a creative and innovative way to celebrate exceptional local educators who already use PBS KIDS content in their classrooms and love how WFSU PBS KIDS resources and programs dovetail into core curriculum—making learning extra fun!”
Ramos was selected for her years of experience, contagious enthusiasm, and her ‘roll-up-your-sleeves and let’s do it’ attitude. She shares that our WFSU Education & Engagement workshops have provided her with a community of practice, allowing her to feel connected to other educators. She adds, “I love all of the new programming and the interactive games that are available for free. I also grew up watching PBS as a child and it's been a joy to share those experiences and familiar characters and lessons with my own two young children and my students.”
The PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions program, which as of 2023 has recognized 52 passionate youth educators includes Pre-K and special education teachers, childcare center owners and directors, librarians and family literacy specialists, community and parent educators, and school counselors. WFSU is extremely proud of the outstanding work of all three of our Early Learning Champions: Jennifer Ramos (2023), Leah Moore (2021)., and Roshanna Beard (2019), who provide insight, innovation, and so much wisdom that is infused into all the work we do in our community.
The program represents the diverse community impacting young learners today. Supported by the CPB-PBS Ready To Learn Initiative, this year’s cohort will work on national co-design projects, such as professional development resources for educators, and everyday learning resources for families while also supporting Learning Neighborhood work across the country.
PBS KIDS and local PBS stations will also provide support in skill-building within the classroom, in person, and at home, while encouraging these professionals to seek out their own personal and professional trajectories. Early Learning Champions connect with education networks across the nation and will further their commitments to their community’s families, education officials, and administrators through the utilization of PBS KIDS and local PBS stations tools and resources.
A full list of the 2023 PBS KIDS Early Learning Champions can be found here.
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About WFSU Public Media
WFSU Public Media enriches lives and cultivates diverse perspectives by connecting our community through media content and services that inform, educate, and entertain. WFSU is both an NPR and PBS member providing quality public broadcasting services to the north Florida and south Georgia areas.
WFSU Public Media also provides community engagement and educational services. Examples include Ready To Learn Learning Neighborhoods, the American Graduate Project, Jobs Explained, and children's projects and events associated with PBS KIDS, and sponsored by our wonderful community and statewide businesses.
About PBS KIDS
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children ages 2-8 learn lessons that last a lifetime. Through media and community-based programs, PBS KIDS wants children to see themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters who serve as positive role models, and to explore their feelings and discover new adventures along the way. Families can stream PBS KIDS for free anytime, no subscription required. A large collection of mobile apps and pbskids.org provide accessible content that spark kids’ curiosity. PBS KIDS and local stations across the country support the entire ecosystem in which children learn and grow – including their teachers and caregivers, parents, and community – providing resources accessible anytime and anywhere. For more information, visit pbs.org/pressroom, or follow PBS KIDS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Contact:
Tasha Weinstein
WFSU Education and Engagement Manager
tweinstein@fsu.edu
(850) 645-6062
The contents of this release were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. The project is funded by a Ready To Learn grant (PR/Award No. S295A200004, CFDA No. 84.295A) provided by the Department of Education to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.