By Kathryn Bender, Star-Bulletin Georgia Acevedo, Early Childhood Professional of the Year, teaches Max Turetsky, right, to touch nicely rather than to hit Kenneth Li.
Young children learn by doing and their experiences.
But Acevedo's early childhood education work, spanning 40 years, goes beyond the classroom. She has helped write legislation, written letters, led committees and been a strong advocate for children and families. As a child who lined up her teddy bears and dolls to play school, teaching has been in Acevedo's blood since she was a youngster. She has a doctorate in early childhood education and has taught students as young as 2 to those attending universities. But with all her academic credits, knowledge and experience, Acevedo finds her greatest joy in working with the children.